• Samantha Beresford commenced role as Director of External Engagement for Wagga Wagga and Albury-Wodonga on Monday 5 August
• The newly-created role is responsible for advancing Charles Sturt’s community engagement and furthering the University’s and Riverina region’s strategic objectives

The new Director of External Engagement for Wagga Wagga and Albury-Wodonga, Ms Samantha Beresford, will use her passion for regional Australia and desire to connect to local communities to benefit Charles Sturt University (Charles Sturt).

Ms Beresford commenced in the role with Charles Sturt on Monday 5 August, and will be based in Wagga Wagga.

The newly-created role is responsible for advancing the university’s engagement with its communities by building relationships and outcomes that support the University’s and the region’s strategic objectives.

Ms Beresford said she will use the skills she has acquired to connect the University with its surrounding cities and towns.

“I believe that engaging with local communities is one of the key components in building a successful and sustainable organisation,” Ms Beresford said.

“I am passionate about rural and regional Australia and appreciate the values that Charles Sturt displays in developing communities by creating confidence and collaboration with industry through intellectual capital.”

In 2011, Ms Beresford completed a Bachelor of Commerce, majoring in Human Resources Management and Marketing, at the University of Wollongong.

“This degree gave me strong foundations in engaging and connecting with people and industries that is integral to any successful organisation,” Ms Beresford said.

Upon completion of her degree, Ms Beresford worked with Glencore Coal Assets Australia with the $400 million Tahmoor South Project.

Ms Beresford was spokesperson for the project and was responsible for communicating and delivering the company’s Environmental Impact Statement to the community, and connecting with the community to provide updates and receive feedback on the project that influenced planning decisions.

Ms Beresford’s latest role was as community co-ordinator with Tahmoor Coking Coal Operations, working with stakeholders in areas such as complex access negotiations, compensation, property acquisition and community partnerships.