Charles Sturt University (CSU) in Bathurst will host the next conference for the organisation Sustainable Economic Growth for Regional Australia (SEGRA) in October 2015.

The announcement was made at the SEGRA 2014 conference dinner in Alice Springs in the Northern Territory on Thursday 9 October.

CSU Vice-Chancellor, Professor Andrew Vann, said, "Charles Sturt University has a strong commitment to meeting the needs and aspirations of our rural and regional communities.

"The University's mission and goals closely align with those of SEGRA, and the opportunity to host its next conference in Bathurst in 2015 is a practical demonstration of how we seek to provide improved educational outcomes and lives for Indigenous, regional, rural and remote Australians by helping our regional communities to thrive and prosper economically, socially and environmentally.

"The SEGRA 2015 conference at Charles Sturt University will cement the significant industry partnerships the University has for building regional communities and achieving sustainable futures.

"It will provide a platform to illustrate how the University's mission provides a particular depth of academic and research capability and training opportunities to staff, students, partners in industry, the professions, and the communities of inland Australia.

"I look forward to welcoming SEGRA delegates in October 2015."

CSU Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration), Professor Ken Dillon, was in Alice Springs for the announcement.

"Charles Sturt University is delighted to have this opportunity to showcase the University and the industry, services and natural attractions of its community," Professor Dillon said.

SEGRA has a reputation as Australia's premier national conference at the cutting-edge of issues affecting regional Australia, and has held annual conferences in regional locations around the nation since the first conference was staged in Geelong in September 1997.

SEGRA Convenor, Ms Kate Charters, said, "SEGRA is looking forward to coming to Bathurst. The city has a long history as an established regional centre and a very early municipality. How Bathurst has built and maintained social capital, business and investment and taken deliberative actions in terms of community participation and environmental sustainability will be of great interest to the delegates."

The SEGRA 2015 conference will be held at CSU in Bathurst from Tuesday 20 to Thursday 22 October 2015.