• The NSW Innovation and Productivity Council met at Charles Sturt in Wagga Wagga on Thursday, 23 November to tour the University’s research facilities and meet with relevant experts, researchers and program leaders

Charles Sturt University in Wagga Wagga offered a first-hand glimpse into its research driving productivity in regional NSW as it hosted one of the state’s key bodies dedicated to advancing innovation.

The NSW Innovation and Productivity Council (Council) visited the University on Thursday, 23 November.

Charles Sturt Vice-Chancellor and member of the Council Professor Renée Leon PSM said the University was leading the way in targeted responses to challenges around innovation, productivity and growth faced by regional businesses.

“The role of the Council is to investigate issues of relevance to the NSW Government that help create jobs, investment and exports, by raising the level of innovative activity in the state, and Charles Sturt’s industry-engaged research is a perfect example of how to achieve this,” Professor Leon said.

“Charles Sturt University’s AgriPark facility, Global Digital Farm and Empowering Generation Z project showcased a range of projects related to First Nations entrepreneurship, climate change resilience, agriculture and digital connectivity, which are all supporting innovation and productivity for regional NSW.”

Council Chair Mr Charlie Taylor said regional universities, like Charles Sturt, play a vital role in driving research dedicated to improving regional growth and development.

“The Council’s visit to Charles Sturt in Wagga Wagga has reinforced the value of place-based research and learning as a key contributor to the innovation and productivity of regional NSW in particular, but also the wider state,” Mr Taylor said.

Investment NSW CEO and Council Executive Member Ms Katie Knight said it is important the Council continues to meet regionally and hear from locals directly on their challenges and experiences.

“Thank you to Charles Sturt University for hosting us and showing us some of the vital research that is creating new opportunities for jobs and business growth, improved connectivity and expanded infrastructure, helping to build vibrant communities and workplaces for NSW,” Ms Knight said.

The Council toured Charles Sturt’s AgriPark facility, whose innovation ecosystem connects researchers, industry leaders and government to tackle the challenges facing the agriculture industry.

The Council met with Charles Sturt team members, including Manager of the Charles Sturt Innovation Hub Ged Bourke, who discussed the University’s Indigenous Entrepreneur Program and other Innovation programs. They also met with AgriPark Executive Director Nick Pagett, who addressed challenges unique to the regions, and eXtended Reality Centre (XRC) Co-Founder and Director of Operations Mr Andrew Hagan.

Members toured the Global Digital Farm and Empowering Generation Z project, with Director of the Global Digital Farm Jon Medway sharing his knowledge on how industry and research work together, opportunities around creating a global smart farm network, a drone demonstration and maximising technology to increase on farm productivity.

Local business Zetifi was also in attendance with CEO and Charles Sturt Alumni Mr Dan Winson, who previously participated in the Charles Sturt ‘Ready to Launch’ program, sharing his lived experience of regional innovation and expertise around the provision of farm connectivity.

The Council then met with industry stakeholders who shared their experience of the challenges and opportunities of business innovation in the regions. Those in attendance included:

• Charlie Taylor, Council Chair
• Professor Patricia Davidson, Vice-Chancellor of University of Wollongong
• Professor S. Bruce Dowton, Vice Chancellor and President of Macquarie University
• Jennifer Herz, Managing Director – Biointelect
• Jillian Kilby, Founder – The Infrastructure Collaborative Managing Director – The Stable Group
• Katie Knight, CEO Investment NSW
• Professor Renée Leon PSM, Vice-Chancellor and President of Charles Sturt University
• Sue MacLeman, Advisor and Non-Executive Director MTP Sector
• George Peppou, CEO and Founder – Vow Foods
• Sally-Ann Williams FTSE, Chief Executive Officer – Cicada Innovations
• Professor Julie Cairney, Pro-Vice-Chancellor, Research Enterprise, University of Sydney
• Professor Hugh Durrant-Whyte, NSW Chief Scientist and Engineer
• Neville Stevens AO
• Professor Zee Upton, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research and Innovation), University of Newcastle
• Samantha Beresford, Head of Government Relations and Regional Engagement, Charles Sturt University
• Professor Mark Evans, Deputy Vice Chancellor (Research), Charles Sturt University
• Graham Foley, ICI Industries
• Adam Frazer, Malmet
• Jay Jenkins, Complete Road Seal
• Eve Jenkins, Complete Road Seal
• Dominic Kennedy, Senior Investment Manager, Department of Regional NSW
• Peter Kircup, Malmet
• Darren Nelson, Enirgi Power Storage
• Margaret O'Dwyer, Deputy Director, Department of Regional NSW
• Dr Jarrod Ormiston, University of Technology Sydney (not based in Wagga Wagga)
• Scott Sanbrook, CEO, Committee for Wagga
• Dianna Sommerville, Chair, Regional Development Australia, Riverina
• Peter Thompson, General Manager, Wagga Wagga City Council
• Dallas Tout, Mayor, City of Wagga Wagga
• Harriet Mellish, General Manager of Global Innovation Networks - Agrifutures

ENDS