Charles Sturt University has launched a new initiative to redefine and further enhance its relationship with the regions encompassing its campuses.

Identifying the regions as an integral part of the University, the Vice-Chancellor Professor Ian Goulter said, “The University’s campus regions are our learning partners. Much of CSU’s success is linked to the local communities. Similarly their success is linked to us”.

“Research shows that a key to successful regional development is innovation at the local level and the growth of knowledge economies.  Regional communities are wonderful hothouses for innovation and development and offer an ideal environment for the growth and nurturing of ideas,” Professor Goulter said.

“Add to this equation the clever ‘Make do’ character of Australians and an extraordinary ability to succeed emerges.

“In looking at our relationship with our regional communities we want to continue to tap into this ability and really focus our energy on helping build regional Australia and ensuring quality development for this heartland region.”

The University announced the launch of this regional initiative at its Council meeting held today, Thursday 2 October, in Albury-Wodonga. It will see changes to management roles on the Charles Sturt University’s campuses as well as the formation of regional consultative committees to advise the University on issues and potential opportunities for development.

In a move to consolidate the Dubbo Campus within the University’s profile, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration) Professor David Battersby will relocate from the Albury-Wodonga Campus to Dubbo.

The University will appoint Heads of Campus positions on its four main campuses by the beginning of 2004.

“This is all part of reinvigorating our relationship with our communities. This needs to be a two way dialogue and we believe this is going to lead to exciting collaboration that has the potential to reap significant rewards for both the University and our campus regions,” Professor Goulter said.