Looking Ahead; Equity in Education

Access to all levels of education is essential for regional communities to establish a pathway for lifelong learning and improving educational outcomes for people living in these areas.

Join the Hon. Fiona Nash, Regional Education Commissioner, and our expert panel as they dive into the critical steps to closing the gap and addressing the disparity in education outcomes between communities in our cities and those in regional areas.

“Education is essential for our regional communities, especially access to tertiary education that allows our young people to undertake further study, sometimes within and sometimes away from their hometown or region.” The Hon. Fiona Nash

Keynote Speaker

Hon Fiona Nash
Regional Education Commissioner

The Hon Fiona Nash grew up in Sydney and has spent the last three decades living and working in regional Australia. For many years she was involved in a family farming enterprise in the central west of NSW, which her sons Will and Henry are now running. Fiona spent 12 years in the federal parliament as a Senator for NSW and also held ministerial positions including Rural Health, and in Cabinet the positions of Regional Development, Regional Communications and Local Government and Territories. She also held the position of Deputy Leader of the Nationals. From 2018 to 2021 Fiona was the Strategic Adviser, Regional Engagement and Government Relations for Charles Sturt University. Fiona was appointed by the Australian Government as the Regional Education Commissioner in December 2021.

The University of Newcastle celebrates 50 years of pathways

The University of Newcastle's Open Foundation program is celebrating 50 years. That’s 50 years of transforming lives and opening doors to education for all.

Since 1974, Open Foundation has grown to become the largest enabling program of its kind in Australia and is recognised as the industry benchmark.

Post-event Reception

Please join us for light refreshments after the lecture.

Event Information

Date: Tuesday 19th November 2024

Doors: 5:45pm for a 6:00pm start. (AEST)

Location: Newcastle Conservatorium of Music, University of Newcastle, Corner Laman Street, Auckland St, Newcastle. Directions can be found here.

Parking: Parking can be found on the street or in the Civic West car park. Information regarding travelling to the University of Newcastle's City Campus can be found here.

Accessibility: Newcastle Conservatorium of Music offers accessible seating. This seating is available to patrons who may be wheelchair or mobility aid users, those with low mobility or struggle with stairs, and their companions. Please contact [email protected] with any questions about how to book these seats.

Livestream : This event will be livestreamed from 6.30pm on our University's website and recorded. The livestream is free to publicly view and a recording will be kept for reference. If you would like to access the recording post event please contact [email protected].

Host or Publisher University of Newcastle