• Minister for Skills and Tertiary Education the Hon. Geoff Lee MP, and Managing Director of TAFE NSW visit Charles Sturt Univerity in Wagga Wagga
• Visitors were given a tour of the University including highlighting state-of-the-art facilities, the NaLSH and Veterinary Clinical Centre
• Charles Sturt representatives included Strategic Adviser – Regional Engagement and Government Relations the Hon. Fiona Nash,  Provost Professor Janelle Wheat, and Pro Vice-Chancellor (Research and Innovation) Professor Michael Friend

Charles Sturt University held discussions with the Minister for Skills and Tertiary Education and Managing Director of TAFE NSW about the future collaboration opportunities between the organisations and projects that will benefit the Wagga Wagga region.

Minister for Skills and Tertiary Education the Hon. Geoff Lee MP, and Managing Director of TAFE NSW Mr Steffen Faurby were greeted by Charles Sturt representatives on Friday 30 October at the the University in Wagga Wagga.

The visitors, which also included the Hon. Wes Fang, MLC and Member for Wagga Wagga Dr Joe McGirr, toured the University’s world-class facilities including the National Life Sciences Hub (NaLSH) and Veterinary Clinical Centre, led by Charles Sturt representatives including:

• Strategic Advisor – Regional Engagement and Government Relations the Hon. Fiona Nash
• Provost Professor Janelle Wheat
• Pro Vice-Chancellor (Research and Innovation) Professor Michael Friend
• Chief Operating Officer, Mr Rick Willmott
• Executive Dean of the Faculty of Science Professor Megan Smith
• Director of External Engagement for Wagga Wagga and Albury-Wodonga Ms Samantha Beresford
• Head of School, School of Animal and Veterinary Sciences Dr Robert Woodgate
• Associate Professor Dr Kristopher Hughes
• Laboratory Manager with the Faulty of Science Ms Charmaine Carlisle

University representative Professor Friend also attended a round table discussion with Mr Lee, TAFE NSW, and local industry groups on agriculture before the afternoon’s tours and luncheon.

The University signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with TAFE NSW and Wagga Wagga City Council in 2017, with regular discussions occurring between the organisations. The intent of the MoU is for the organisations to actively cooperate to enhance the city’s position as a regional cente for sustainable business, balanced living and as a leader in education, training and research in regional Australia.

Charles Sturt Strategic Adviser – Regional Engagement and Government Relations the Hon. Fiona Nash said collaborations with government and other tertiary agencies strengthens the University and its communities.

“Charles Sturt University is committed to providing high quality facilities for staff and students, and leading education opportunities to strengthen the workforce,” Ms Nash said.

“The University values its government and industry partnerships and will continue to strive for excellence in the tertiary education sector.

“Being able to showcase our facilities and have our experts talk to key government and industry representatives is crucial to ensure we continue to create a world worth living in.”

Mr Lee said higher education is key to preparing students for the COVID-19 recovery and jobs of the future.

He said educational providers working together is a vital part of delivering positive outcomes for local communities.

“I foresee universities working closely with other educational providers being a significant part of the future of education in NSW,” he said.

“This MoU is precisely the kind of collaboration that benefits everyone involved and I hope to see more of it in the future.”