National conference to promote sustainability

An alliance of Australian universities has invited business, industry, government, schools and TAFE to a united conference to promote partnerships that will lead to improved sustainability.

To be held in Queensland in July, the Australian Universities Community Engagement Alliance (AUCEA) conference will see representatives from 35 universities and dozens of other organisations come together. Hosted by the University of the Sunshine Coast (USC), in collaboration with the 34 other AUCEA members, the conference will be held under the banner of 'Engaging for a sustainable future'.

“AUCEA extends a special invitation to private sector businesses, government agencies, councils and non-university education institutions that have either discovered the benefits of partnering with a university or would like to create a mutually beneficial relationship,” Prof Scott Bowman, president of AUCEA, said.

“The conference will highlight case studies of research partnerships, joint university-community initiatives and projects that have improved the sustainability of our society."

The conference is attracting globally renowned university–community engagement experts, such as Prof John Goddard OBE. Prof Goddard, Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Prof of Regional Development Studies at Newcastle University in the United Kingdom, will head the conference program. As an international Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) community engagement consultant, Prof Goddard assists governments in promoting university-community engagement to the economic and social benefit of their country.

Registrations are now open at www.auceaconference.net.au.