Large conferences such as the Career Education Association of Victoria conference to be hosted next week by Charles Sturt University bring extensive financial rewards for the Albury-Wodonga region, according to regional development agency Investment Albury Wodonga.

“It is anticipated that the careers education conference will bring over $250 000 to the Border region, with conference funds dispersed for catering, food, entertainment and transport as well as accommodation and facilities,” said Kevin Bourke, Conventions Manager with Investment Albury Wodonga.

“There is also the immeasurable value of delegates holidaying in the district after they have seen what we have to offer here.”

Conference coordinator and CSU Prospective Student Adviser, Sue Skate, said that 250 career advisers and educators from Victorian, NSW and Northern Territory schools and institutions are expected to attend the three-day event, which runs from Sunday 9 to Tuesday 11 December.

Activities include workshops for career advisers and tours of local manufacturing and rural industries, CSU, La Trobe University, Riverina Institute of TAFE and Wodonga Institute of TAFE. These institutions, as well as Manpower Defence and the Education Credit Union, are sponsoring the conference dinner at All Saints Estate, Wahgunyah, on Monday evening, 10 December. 

Conference lectures and workshops will be held on CSU’s Thurgoona and Albury City campuses.
“Charles Sturt University is proud to host such a large event that will bring tangible benefits to the Albury-Wodonga region. It also shows a very influential group the tertiary education opportunities that Albury-Wodonga has to offer prospective students,” Ms Skate said.

Growing recognition of Albury-Wodonga as an important conference destination has also gained attention from the NSW/Sydney Conventional and Visitors Bureau, which will carry out its first ever survey of delegates of a conference outside of the Sydney metropolitan area.