• Charles Sturt’s Ms Fiona Nash to speak at online SEGRA webinar about the role of universities in regional economic development

Charles Sturt University’s Strategic Adviser – Regional Engagement and Government Relations the Hon. Fiona Nash will speak at an online webinar focusing on keeping regional Australia alive during and after COVID-19.

Ms Nash will join Deputy Vice-Chancellor of Central Queensland University Ms Narelle Pearse for the webinar, hosted by Sustainable Economic Growth for Regional Australia (SEGRA) and entitled Regional Australia and COVID-19: The Role of Universities in Regional Economic Development.

Ms Nash will discuss the importance of regional universities as anchor institutions in their communities and their contribution to local economies.

“An independent study of Charles Sturt University’s economic impact by the Western Research Institute estimated that across our campuses and study centres, the University contributes $728 million to gross regional product, 5,890 jobs and just more than $480 million to household incomes in the regions we serve,” she said.

“On average, 80 per cent of our graduates go on to practice their profession in regional communities.

“Regional universities have the capacity and flexibility to reflect regional community and business needs.”

Ms Nash said regional universities, such as Charles Sturt, also contribute via research projects and to developing higher education through regional economic development, such as providing opportunities for students from low socioeconomic and Indigenous communities.

“I want to congratulate SEGRA and SEGRA convenor Kate Charters for hosting this event and thank them for inviting me to speak on how regional universities can drive regional development, growth and sustainability,” she said.

The webinar will take place on Friday 17 April at 11am AEST and registrations are being taken via this website.