Leaders from across the Central Coast’s political, business and education sectors met at Erina on Monday, October 19 to shape a new strategy for higher education engagement in the region.
The Central Coast Higher Education Summit, organised by the University of Newcastle (UON), was to focus on building opportunity on the Central Coast, and creating strong and productive engagement between UON Central Coast and the community.
UON deputy vicechancellor (academic), Professor Andrew Parfi tt, said the Summit would bring the University and the Central Coast community together to explore opportunities for future growth in higher education.
“The Central Coast is a fantastic region and we are proud to be its university,” said Prof Parfi tt. “We have been in partnership with Hunter TAFE at Ourimbah for over 26 years, and together we have achieved extraordinary outcomes for the region.
“The Summit allows us to work with regional leaders to ensure we can play our part in shaping the future of the Central Coast”.
The Summit will also discuss how to widen access to higher education for talented students from all walks of life on the Coast.
“From just 89 students 26 years ago, UON Central Coast now enrolls almost 4,500 students across our world-class programs. “Everyone on the Coast with the talent and commitment to succeed at university has the opportunity to access a world-class education.
“We plan to expand our presence on the Coast through a learning Hub in Gosford CBD to extend the reach of our academic programs and link more closely to the local business community, and develop new health and medical education and research facilities at Gosford Hospital, which will benefi t the whole region,” he said.
Speakers at the Summit included: parliamentary secretary for the Central Coast Mr Scot MacDonald MLC; federal member for Robertson, Ms Lucy Wicks MP; vice-chancellor of the University of Newcastle, Professor Caroline McMillen; chief executive of Hunter TAFE, Ms Christine Warrington; chief executive of Gosford Council, Mr Paul Anderson; principal of Tuggerah Lakes Secondary College, Shayne Player; Central Coast regional manager, NSW Business Chamber, Mr Daniel Farmer; and co-directors of the Centre of Excellence for Equity in Higher Education, Professor Geoff Whitty and Professor Penny-Jane Burke.
Media release,
Oct 18, 2015
Joanna Harrison,
University of Newcastle