Leadership and innovation in regional Australia – a higher education case study

A regional innovative leadership solution is also being applied to issues of financial hardship. The Hastings Education Fund was established as part of the Country Education Foundation of Australia (CEFA) and offers financial help in the form of grants to students aged less than 21 years of age. Again, regional businesses and leading community members have joined forces and within six months of establishment the Fund now has cash and in-kind contributions exceeding $30,000.

The programs and initiatives being developed on the New South Wales Mid North Coast are an example of regional innovative leadership. The region is taking responsibility for its position and is developing solutions in combination with the Federal Government reforms (EIF, SAF, HEPPP etc). This model of leadership has the potential to be applied to other regional areas in Australia where access to university is poor.

The recent Bradley Review and the response by the Federal Government suggest a post-Bradley landscape of continued growth of the higher education sector. Existing large institutions that are well resourced and have a strong research focus are well positioned to maximise these opportunities. Notwithstanding, opportunities for building competitive regional economies exist if a region is dedicated to generating new ideas, linking teaching and research to regional needs, building and retaining skills and knowledge, pursuing lifelong learning, leveraging regional strengths, enhancing networks and partnerships and forming external associations.

A regionally led offering of tertiary education programs linked to the regional labour demands and built around networks is an important stimulant for attracting intellectual youth and can be a catalyst for regional development.

The vision for enhanced higher education options on the New South Wales Mid North Coast is clearly defined and regionally accepted. Regional leaders and higher education providers are demonstrating a willingness to take risks and are leading by example in the form of innovate programs and initiatives. The imperative for change and the continued commitment to the Federal Government's higher education participation and attainment targets is demonstrable evidence of regional leadership and innovation.