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Geraldton Universities Centre (GUC) Annual Hollomby Foundation Scholarship Presentation

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$83,500 in scholarships from local donors was awarded to 27 Geraldton Universities Centre (GUC) students at the annual Hollomby Foundation Scholarship Presentation event on 19 March.

Named in honour of the late charity worker Joe Hollomby, the Hollomby Foundation Scholarship Program provides financial assistance to students studying a degree course through the GUC. Scholarships are provided by a broad range of individuals, businesses and organisations across the Mid West of WA.

One of the recipients was Peta Humphreys, who was awarded three scholarships.  The Mid West Development Commission Scholarship, encouraging high-achieving Year 12 students […]

Introducing the new SPERA Executive Members

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SPERA is delighted to welcome two new General Executive Members to the 2026 Executive Committee – Donna Ballard and Matthew Thompson.

Donna Ballard
General Executive Member
Donna Ballard is a NSW MidCoast local; her professional journey reflects a strong commitment to community, education and regional opportunity. Actively involved in local volunteer groups, Donna is dedicated to strengthening regional families and contributing to the social and economic development of the MidCoast. As CEO of Taree Universities Campus, she is passionate about removing barriers to higher education and supporting people to study locally.

Matthew Thompson
General Executive Member
Matthew Thompson has worked […]

The 2026 Australian Rural Education Awards Opening Soon!

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Exciting times are ahead for Australia’s rural education community, with applications for the 2026 Australian Rural Education Awards (AREAs) opening soon.

Since 1994, the AREAs—coordinated by SPERA—have recognised outstanding individuals, institutions, organisations and industry partners who are making a real difference in regional, rural and remote (RRR) education. For more than 30 years, the awards have showcased innovation, partnership and impact, and have become a national platform for sharing excellence in rural education practice.

The AREAs are presented at the National Conference for Regional, Rural and Remote Education (NCRRRE), bringing together educators, researchers, policymakers and community leaders from across Australia. […]

Beyond the Pilot

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Uni Hub SG, in partnership with BHP and the Roxby Downs Child Care Centre, is pleased to announce the continuation of the Early Childhood Project for a further two years. Building on the strong outcomes achieved during the pilot phase, the extended project reaffirms a shared commitment to strengthening early childhood education and care in regional, rural and remote (RRR) communities.

To date, the project has supported 18 local learners to pursue formal qualifications, including 12 Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care, four Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care, and two Bachelor of Early Childhood Teaching programs. […]

Highlights from the 2025 National RUSH Widening Participation Forum

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SPERA is proud to acknowledge the leadership of our President & Advocacy Director, Chris Ronan, who recently contributed to the 2025 National RUSH Widening Participation Forum hosted by Country Universities Centre at the Australian National University.

The Forum brought together 151 participants from across Australia, uniting practitioners, researchers, policy leaders, Regional University Study Hub teams, and community partners to share ideas, tools, and inspiration for improving equitable education pathways in regional, rural and remote communities.

Across two energising days, attendees engaged with:

  • Keynote speakers and a sector panel exploring the future of widening participation
  • 15 EARUCP sub-project presentations, showcasing […]

Northam Regional Study Hub Officially Opened by Minister Jason Clare

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SPERA was pleased to see regional higher education in the spotlight with Minister Jason Clare officially opening the new Regional Study Hub in Northam, Western Australia — the fifth hub established by the Lumen Wheatbelt Regional University Study Hubs.

SPERA Secretary Natalie Nelmes attended the event alongside local council leaders, community members, WA universities, and RUSH teams from Albany and Geraldton.

During the ceremony, Northam Study Hub Coordinator Lisa Astle delivered an inspiring speech about her own journey as a mature-aged university student, sharing how access to local study support transformed her life. She spoke about the potential the hub […]

Wanted: AIJRE editorial team and advisory board members!

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The Australian and International Journal of Rural Education (AIJRE) is one of the few publications that focus on rural education research, and it is perhaps the only one with an international focus. The AIJRE is building its international reputation and improving its standing as a quality journal. Over the last few years, citation rates for articles in the journal have been steadily increasing, and in the previous year, the number of submissions received doubled. The quality improvement and increased demand for the journal have meant that the workload for editors and reviewers has increased.

Therefore, the editorial team is […]

Building the Early Childhood Workforce in Port Augusta

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Building on the success of the Roxby Downs Early Childhood Project in 2024, The Strengthening Futures: Early Childhood Workforce Project, Port Augusta is a collaborative, locally-driven initiative addressing the shortage of qualified early childhood educators and teachers in Port Augusta and the Upper Spencer Gulf region. Led by Uni Hub Spencer Gulf in partnership with Central Queensland University, and funded by the Port Augusta City Council and the Office for Early Childhood Development, the project is a model of community-based workforce development.

By focusing on local talent and fostering clear pathways from school to employment, the project supports regional learners with personalised […]

Celebrating Community-Led Change in Regional Higher Education

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SPERA is proud to acknowledge the Eastern Australia Regional University Centre Partnership (EARUCP) for receiving national recognition for its bold reimagining of university outreach in regional, rural and remote communities.

Led by the University of Technology Sydney (UTS) and the Country Universities Centre (CUC), the partnership spans 25 universities and 14 Regional University Centres across Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria and the ACT. Unlike traditional outreach models, EARUCP works hand-in-hand with local communities to co-design initiatives that respond directly to each region’s unique needs and educational landscape.

Chris Ronan, SPERA CEO and Country Universities Centre CEO, emphasised the power of […]

Highlights from The Australian Student Equity Symposium

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SPERA’s Chris Ronan and Natalie Nelmes attended the Australian Centre for Student Equity and Success, ‘Student Equity in an Era of Change 2025: The Australian Student Equity Symposium’ in September. 

The Symposium focused on student equity in this era of change, commencing with the perspectives of higher education students with a diversity of backgrounds. It also offered panels on everything from funding, AI and data to pathways, and, of particular interest to SPERA members, regional students. 

Natalie was a panel member on the “What works for regional student outcomes”, highlighting the role the Regional University Study Hubs play in supporting […]

AIJRE Issue: Rural Education for Regional and Community Development

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Education in any of its forms (early years, primary, secondary, tertiary and adult education) in rural and remote communities, plays a critical role in sustaining and developing regions. In this issue the articles describe programs and approaches that work to build the regional workforce and create socially inclusive communities. AIJRE Vol.35