A bold new way of thinking about tertiary education

In 2024 the University of Newcastle is leading an exciting, innovative new project which will explore and implement initiatives to boost student numbers.

Universities Accord recommendations

The Australian Universities Accord made recommendations for Government consideration and aims to create a long-term reform plan for the higher education sector to meet Australia’s future skills needs.

“Australia needs a more equitable and innovative higher education system.”

The Accord has recommended substantial changes in crucial areas of the sector including:

  • Higher education attainment and participation targets
  • Better pathways and improved links between vocational education (VET) and universities

Project goals

This ambitious, focused six-month project will:

Explore access, aspiration and priority

Led by Professor Kent Anderson, we will investigate how to identify, attract and nurture new potential students (those for whom tertiary education is not on their ‘radar’). This research will focus on Newcastle, Lake Macquarie and the Hunter/Upper Hunter, Central Coast, and Mid North Coast regions.

Increase numbers of students

Led by Mr Simon Bush, we will review and enhance current student recruitment practices, such as early entry offers, recognition of prior learning and enhancing current pathways programs for students in our regions.

Develop industry partnerships and pathways programs

Led by Assoc. Professor Anna Bennett, we will explore and develop current, emerging and new opportunities, approaches and structures for pathways and educational pathway partnerships with community and industry in our regions.

We will know that we have achieved these bold goals when we have increased higher education attainment in Newcastle, Lake Macquarie and the Hunter/Upper Hunter, Central Coast, and Mid North Coast regions.

We look forward to sharing our outcomes and learnings at the end of 2024.

Contact our team

Professor Kent Anderson

Professor Kent Anderson

Emeritus Professor

Office of the DVC - Engagement and Equity Division

Mr Simon Bush

Mr Simon Bush

Director Future Students (Domestic)

Future Students (Domestic)

Associate Professor Anna Bennett

Associate Professor Anna Bennett

Director Pathways and Academic Learning Support

Pathways and Academic Learning Support

Mrs Wendy Taggart

Mrs Wendy Taggart

Future Students 2.0 Project Manager

Office PVC - Human and Social Futures

Mr Roy Turner

Mr Roy Turner

Future Students 2.0 Project Officer

School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy

Taskforce members

Mrs Cassie Connor

Senior Executive Officer, Office of DVC (Academic)

Mr  Chris Mumford

Director, Future Students International, Global Engagement and Partnerships

Associate Professor Clovia Holdsworth

Acting Head of School, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, CESE

Ms Fiona Bastian

Head of Government Relations, Global Engagement and Partnerships

Professor James Skinner

Head of School, Newcastle Business School, CHSF

Professor Karen Blackmore

Acting Head of School, School of Information and Physical Sciences, CESE

Professor Kerry Inder

Acting Head of School, School of Nursing and Midwifery, CHMW

Ms Meg Southcomb

Current student

Mrs Melissa Crain

Executive Officer, Global Engagement and Partnerships

Ms Melissa Moore

Assistant Director, Careers and Employability, Academic Division

Mr Myles Egan

Research Analyst, Institute for Regional Futures, R&I

Professor Roberta Ryan

Director of the Institute for Regional Futures, Research and Innovation

Professor Susan Ledger

Head of School, School of Education, CHSF

Ms Tahlia Seaton

Current student

Ms Tina Imig

Head of Brand, Reputation and Product, Global Engagement and Partnerships

Mr Warwick Dawson

Pro Vice-Chancellor Industry and Engagement, Research and Innovation