The pomp and ceremony of the annual Town and Gown Procession in Wagga Wagga on Thursday 29 March will be even bigger this year as Charles Sturt University (CSU) highlights the city’s role as the premier provider of education and training for inland Australia.

 

Held since 2005, the academic parade through the heart of the city was introduced to recognise the close relationship between the University and Wagga Wagga City Council.

 

It has traditionally marked the start of graduation at CSU but with graduation ceremonies now held in December, the Town and Gown has a new focus.

 

In 2012, the parade will celebrate the role of education and training in the city, with local schools, other education providers and the Australian Defence Force invited to take part.

 

Head of CSU in Wagga Wagga, Mr Adrian Lindner, said it is an opportunity to promote educational opportunities to the next generation, to encourage them to stay in the region.

 

“The Town and Gown Procession will be a celebration of Wagga Wagga as a thriving educational, research and training hub,” he said. “I hope it will inspire young people and show that learning locally can be a spring-board to a career anywhere.”

 

Led by the Riverina Concert Band, the colourful procession will start at 5pm and follow a route down Baylis Street to the Victory Memorial Gardens where stalls will promote the educational and training opportunities in the city.

 

Food and drinks will be supplied by local service clubs and the event will conclude with a performance by the Australian Army Band Kapooka.

 

Representatives from Riverina Institute of TAFE, UNSW’s Rural Clinical School, Rex Pilot Academy, Notre Dame Rural School of Medicine, RAAF Base Wagga Wagga, Navy Base Wagga Wagga, ARTC Kapooka, Riverina Community College, Riverina Conservatorium of Music, Vianney College and local schools will join CSU staff in the parade.