Highlights from the 2025 National RUSH Widening Participation Forum

/in , /by

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 innovation and evidence-led practice
  • Six hands-on workshops, each focused on strengthening place-based solutions
  • Discussions on how collaboration can drive stronger outcomes for regional learners

The event highlighted the growing momentum of the RUSH network and the critical role regional study hubs play in improving access to tertiary education. SPERA extends its congratulations to Country Universities Centre and all contributors for their generosity, openness and commitment to collective impact.