Everything you need for the three days, in your pocket. Tap to open.
ProgramSessions, rooms and times — read it right here, no download
HandbookFull session abstracts, keynotes, posters and speakers
Photo WallShare your snaps and browse the live conference gallery
Prefer a printable copy? Download the program PDF →
Finding your room
- Room 1Convention Centre Part 1
- Room 2Convention Centre Part 2
- Room 3Conservatory
- Room 4Eureka Ballroom
- PlenaryConvention Centre · keynotes & dinner
- CateringConvention Centre Lobby · also registration & posters
Wi‑FiSSID : Mercure Ballarat Hotel Wifi
Password : mbwifi613
Password : mbwifi613
HelpFind a team member at the registration desk in the Convention Centre Lobby
Full programEvery session, room and time for the three days — no download needed. Abstracts are in the Handbook above.Jump to: Tue 18 · Wed 19 · Thu 20
Tuesday 18 August
8:30am – 5:00pmRegional University Study Hubs Network SymposiumEureka Ballroom
1:00pmPrincipals MeetingVictoria 1
1:00pmRegional University Campus ForumVictoria 2
3:00pmConference Registration opensConvention Centre Lobby · desk open until 6:00pm
5:00 – 7:00pmWelcome Reception & AREA Award PresentationConvention Centre Lobby
Wednesday 19 August
from 8:00amRegistration and coffee on arrivalConvention Centre Lobby · desk open until 3:00pm
8:45 – 9:00amConference OpeningConvention Centre
9:00 – 10:00amKeynote — Robert Mitchell
Bypassing the QWERTY of EducationConvention Centre
Bypassing the QWERTY of EducationConvention Centre
10:00 – 10:30amMorning TeaSponsored by Bush to Boardroom · Convention Centre Lobby
Parallel Session 0110:30am – 11:00am
1A · Engagement & AspirationRoom 1 · Convention Centre Part 1“VECTOR” Virtual Education Connections to Overcome RemotenessPhil Brown, Chelsea RoutledgeVECTOR
1B · PathwaysRoom 2 · Convention Centre Part 2Analysing the relationship between reading and writing scores on national literacy assessments in remote schools in Australia’s Northern TerritoryLeonard FreemanJames Cook UniversityBea StaleyCDU
1C · ConnectionsRoom 3 · ConservatoryPartnering for Community BenefitEllyse McNishLa Trobe University
1D · ResearchRoom 4 · Eureka BallroomEthical research practice in remote communities: A cautionary taleJohn Guenther, Stephanie Dryden, Robyn Ober, Josh JennerBatchelor Institute of Indigenous Tertiary EducationCatherine HolmesANURhonda OliverCurtin University
Parallel Session 0211:10am – 11:40am
2B · PathwaysRoom 2 · Convention Centre Part 2What American Rural Schools are Doing RightCatherine BiddleUniversity of MaineKen HaptonstallColorado BOCES AssociationNikki JohnsonCampo School District
2C · ConnectionsRoom 3 · ConservatoryConnecting Campus to CommunityBeth Boland, Julia DayUniversity of New England
2D · ResearchRoom 4 · Eureka BallroomWhat’s Rural About Rural Education Research?Melyssa FuquaUniversity of MelbourneJohn GuentherBatchelor Institute of Indigenous Tertiary EducationChristopher HudsonWestbourne Grammar School
Parallel Session 0311:50am – 12:20pm
3A · Engagement & AspirationRoom 1 · Convention Centre Part 1Roots & Reach: How Student Employment is Transforming Regional Campus LifeNicky Suter, Alistair McCosh, Tamieka McLeanDeakin University
3B · PathwaysRoom 2 · Convention Centre Part 2Uni Step-Up Online — Impact of Dual Enrolment Program for RRR studentsJamie Fenech, Aidan Stephenson, Emma Wakeling, Paige Duffy, Mikayla SeymourAustralian Catholic University
3C · ConnectionsRoom 3 · ConservatorySchools Plus: Supporting innovative practice in rural and remote communitiesJohn Guenther, Robyn Ober, Majon Williamson-KefuBatchelor Institute of Indigenous Tertiary EducationKate Dixon, Sherril NixonSchools PlusJillian MarshCharles Sturt University
3D · ResearchRoom 4 · Eureka BallroomEvaluating the Wuyagiba Bush Uni utilising the culturally responsive ‘Dilly Bag’ methodologyAndréa Jaggi, Sam Ricketts, Emilie EnsMacquarie UniversityGodfrey Blitner, Helen RogersWuyagiba Bush Hub Aboriginal CorporationLuke PreeceThe Nature Conservancy
12:20 – 1:20pmLunchSponsored by Sagecool · Convention Centre Lobby
12:40 – 1:10pmWorkshop — Tips and tricks: How to write a good practice article for the AIJRE
John Guenther, Batchelor Institute of Indigenous Tertiary Education; Mel Fuqua, University of Melbourne; Ben Archer, Adelaide UniversityRoom 1 · Convention Centre Part 1
John Guenther, Batchelor Institute of Indigenous Tertiary Education; Mel Fuqua, University of Melbourne; Ben Archer, Adelaide UniversityRoom 1 · Convention Centre Part 1
12:40 – 1:10pmLearn more about Sagecool
Matching students with the teachers who suit them best, in live online classesRoom 2 · Convention Centre Part 2
Matching students with the teachers who suit them best, in live online classesRoom 2 · Convention Centre Part 2
Parallel Session 041:20pm – 1:50pm
4A · Engagement & AspirationRoom 1 · Convention Centre Part 1First Bell to Farewell — How A Rural P-12 Became A Success StoryDanny Forrest, Dean Lockhart, Alexander Iser, Emma MilneWedderburn P-12 College
4B · PathwaysRoom 2 · Convention Centre Part 2Reimagining Access: An Integrated Pathways Model for Regional and Rural LearnersCarolyn King, Andrea CarrUniversity of Tasmania
4C · ConnectionsRoom 3 · ConservatoryInnovation in rural school wellbeing staffing, leadership & programsLachlan Marchant, Kimberley TempestCobram Secondary College
4D · ResearchRoom 4 · Eureka BallroomProfessional Experience: Preservice Teachers’ Strong Beginnings in Regional, Rural and Remote Education SettingsAnna Du PlessisThe University of New England
Parallel Session 052:00pm – 2:30pm
5A · Engagement & AspirationRoom 1 · Convention Centre Part 1The role of place in the widening participation functions of Regional University Study HubsJoshua JamesUTSDanielle KeenanStudy Hubs Australia
5B · PathwaysRoom 2 · Convention Centre Part 2Branch Out Mentoring, Peer to Peer transition programCharlie BraceyYouthrive Victoria
5C · ConnectionsRoom 3 · ConservatoryRooted in Rural: Lessons Learned from Connecting Industry, Schools, and Communities through the ACES GrantKriss Kemp-Graham, Sharonda PruittEast Texas AM University (US)
2:30 – 3:00pmAfternoon Tea + Poster Viewing SessionConvention Centre Lobby
Poster · Convention Centre LobbyLearning through local stories: Exploring Rural Teachers’ Perceptions and Approaches to Social and Emotional LearningSubekshya GhimireOhio University
Poster · Convention Centre LobbyScoping the Field: A Visual Framework for Understanding the Community Impact of University Study HubsBen Archer, Sharron King, Sarah Mcdonald, Sarah HattamAdelaide UniversityCathy StoneUniversity of NewcastleKerry RussoJames Cook University
Parallel Session 063:00pm – 3:30pm
6A · Engagement & AspirationRoom 1 · Convention Centre Part 1Rural Social Space as Method: Exploring Aspiration with Rural Primary School StudentsHan WorsleyUniversity of Canberra
6B · PathwaysRoom 2 · Convention Centre Part 2Community-Led or System-Controlled? The Future of Regional University Study HubsChris RonanStudy Hubs Australia
6C · ConnectionsRoom 3 · ConservatoryCurtin University and the Western Australian RUSH Network: Co-creating higher education options with RRR communitiesLuke Webster, Kelly Nowak, Humira MirzaCurtin University
6D · ResearchRoom 4 · Eureka BallroomUnderstanding the career pathways of leaders in small rural communitiesPauline Thompson, Hernan CuervoThe University of Melbourne
Parallel Session 073:40pm – 4:10pm
7B · PathwaysRoom 2 · Convention Centre Part 2Breaking Barriers in Remote Australia: Place-Based English Language Education and Workforce Pathways for Migrants in the PilbaraSusan Grylls, Shan Su, Relma Bule-TurnerPilbara Kimberley University Centres
7C · ConnectionsRoom 3 · ConservatoryIt takes a community to invest in your successAngelina AmbrosettiCentral Queensland University
7D · ResearchRoom 4 · Eureka BallroomStrengthening regional education through professional learningTyron Paspa, Marcia DevlinVictorian Academy of Teaching and Leadership
7:00pmConference DinnerConvention Centre
Thursday 20 August
from 8:30amRegistration and coffee on arrivalConvention Centre Lobby · desk open until 2:00pm
Parallel Session 089:00am – 9:30am
8A · Engagement & AspirationRoom 1 · Convention Centre Part 1STEM in Sport Programme: A Place-Based Model Transforming STEM Pathways in Regional Western AustraliaShan Su, Susan GryllsPilbara Kimberley University Centres
8B · PathwaysRoom 2 · Convention Centre Part 2Credential Divides and Unseen Sides: Labour Market Segmentation and Regional Education PathwaysBen Archer, Ros CameronTorrens University Australia
8C · ConnectionsRoom 3 · ConservatoryTeaching and Student Perspectives of Delivering a Bachelor of Nursing Education Program in a Rural Health Setting: A qualitative studyLouise Allen, Karen Missen, Naomi Cruz, Elissa Dabkowski, Chelsea Webb, Jane AndersonFederation UniversitySarah BourkeCountry Universities Centre, Bass Coast
8D · ResearchRoom 4 · Eureka BallroomTransforming Research into Action: Regional, Rural and Remote Research PitchDean White, Megan Walsh, Dr Brianna McCourt, Martin DickensNSW Department of Education
Parallel Session 099:40am – 10:10am
9A · Engagement & AspirationRoom 1 · Convention Centre Part 1Pilbara Kimberley University Centres Supporting Aspiration and Higher Education Pathways for Secondary Students across Northern Western AustraliaJacinta HomannPilbara Kimberley University CentresLuke WebsterCurtin University
9B · PathwaysRoom 2 · Convention Centre Part 2Bridging Education, Industry, and Communities: The Professional Certificate in Education (Rural & Regional)Dean White, Martin Dickens, Megan WalshNSW Department of EducationMatthew Brown, Amy SmithUniversity of Canberra
9C · ConnectionsRoom 3 · ConservatoryBuilding Capability Across Australia’s University Study Hub Workforce: Standards, Identity, and SustainabilityDanielle KeenanStudy Hubs AustraliaJoshua JamesUTS
9D · ResearchRoom 4 · Eureka BallroomFrom Place to Possibility: Building Career Capability and Community for Regional, Rural and Remote WomenJane Coffey, Julia Richardson, Hannah WilkinsonCurtin UniversityKendall GalbreithRRR Network of WA
10:10 – 10:40amMorning TeaConvention Centre Lobby
Parallel Session 1010:40am – 11:10am
10A · Engagement & AspirationRoom 1 · Convention Centre Part 1The Road to Active LearningAlexander IserWedderburn College
10B · PathwaysRoom 2 · Convention Centre Part 2‘Growing our Own’ Early Childhood Educators in Regional SAShanon PillionUni Hub Spencer Gulf
10C · ConnectionsRoom 3 · ConservatorySurveying the Field: A Bourdieusian Framework for Understanding the Community Impact of University Study HubsBen ArcherAdelaide University
10D · ResearchRoom 4 · Eureka BallroomTravelling at the Speed of Trust: Co designing Regional Outreach in the Ovens MurraySarah LambertRMIT UniversityMark van BergenCountry Universities Centre – Ovens Murray
Parallel Session 1111:10am – 11:40am
11A · Engagement & AspirationRoom 1 · Convention Centre Part 1Negotiating Uncertain Futures: Young People, Schooling and Aspirations in Rural NSWLeanne Fray, Sally Patfield, Jenny GoreUniversity of Newcastle
11B · PathwaysRoom 2 · Convention Centre Part 2‘Growing our Own’ — Uni Hub’s place-based cadetship programRichard HorganUni Hub Spencer Gulf
11C · ConnectionsRoom 3 · ConservatoryPilbara Kimberley University Centres (PKUC) Building Local Leadership through the Certificate IV in Leadership and Mentoring ProgramJacinta HomannPilbara Kimberley University CentresPeta SandersonUniversity of Notre Dame Australia
11D · ResearchRoom 4 · Eureka BallroomReimagining Rural Futures: Creativity, Economic Gardening, and University–Community Ecosystems for Regional InnovationPhilip DennettLondon South Bank University UAE
Parallel Session 1211:50am – 12:20pm
12A · Engagement & AspirationRoom 1 · Convention Centre Part 1The Four Cs — Beyond the PostcodeDanny ForrestWedderburn P-12 CollegeRobert BoucherSwifts Creek P-12 School
12B · PathwaysRoom 2 · Convention Centre Part 2Local Solutions for a Rural Healthcare WorkforceSamantha AvitaiaUOW Regional Campuses
12C · ConnectionsRoom 3 · ConservatoryLeading a successful and flourishing rural primary school in AustraliaChristopher HudsonDepartment of Education VictoriaDavid GurrThe University of Melbourne
12D · ResearchRoom 4 · Eureka BallroomWhy Choose Rural? The Case for Teaching in these SchoolsAndrew KingNew Zealand Rural Schools Leadership Association
12:20 – 1:20pmLunchConvention Centre Lobby
1:20 – 2:20pmClosing Keynote — Conor Ashleigh
Everybody has a story worth hearingConvention Centre
Everybody has a story worth hearingConvention Centre
2:20 – 2:30pmConference CloseConvention Centre
2:30 – 3:00pmAfternoon TeaSponsored by CRERD · Convention Centre Lobby
Hosted by SPERA · Society for the Provision of Education in Rural Australia