Institute for Regional Futures
Institute for Regional Futures
The Institute for Regional Futures recognises the significant social, cultural, spatial and economic contribution of regional Australia to the nation and is invested in realising its vast potential. Based in the Hunter, our Institute is of and for regions. Our focus is on regions and regionalism nationally and internationally.
About the Institute
The Institute for Regional Futures is one of the University’s flagship research institutes. For decades, the Institute has partnered with governments, industries and communities providing evidence and strategy to support them to make the best decisions for their future and the future of their regions.
Priority focus areas
Why do regions matter? 1:24min
Hear first-hand from the community about why regions matter.
Services
Optimising your organisation
Our team will partner with you to enhance your organisation across priority areas to improve performance and delivery, and strengthen capability.
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Planning inspired by fresh thinking
Our team of qualitative and quantitative experts will partner with you to build the evidence-base and provide the insights you need to underpin quality planning and delivery.
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Fostering real connections
Our team comprises leaders in communication and engagement. They design and deliver innovative methodologies across a range of sectors. We have extensive experience working with communities and stakeholders in contested and sensitive areas.
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Publications
Our research projects generate insights and impact for our government, industry and community partners. A collection of publications showcasing our work is available on Open Research Newcastle, the University of Newcastle's open access repository.
Hunter Insight Dashboard
Hunter Insight Dashboard
Economic Update - September 2026
Hunter Insight Series
The Hunter Insight Series brings together the Hunter Research Foundation Centre's wealth of data and the latest research from the Institute for Regional Futures. Through this series, we delve into the social, economic and environmental factors at play in the Hunter and other regions. We highlight key considerations for decision-makers, and the challenges and opportunities for the road ahead.
Wine Studies Research Network
Supporting future investments and growth
News
Exporting excellence: what does the future hold for Hunter Valley wine?
As debate intensifies around the newly negotiated Australia-EU Free Trade Agreement, University of Newcastle experts, industry leaders and policymakers will come together to examine what the future might look like for one of Australia's most iconic regional industries: Hunter Valley wine.
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Housing challenge reshapes the future of regional growth
New analysis from the University of Newcastle’s Institute for Regional Futures is challenging the way we think about housing in the Hunter and Central Coast.
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Hunter Insights Series reveals hidden workforce potential
New insights from the University of Newcastle's Institute for Regional Futures suggest the Hunter region’s biggest workforce challenge is not only skills training but also untapped workforce capacity.
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Hunter Insights Series explores the regional impacts of NDIS reform
The University of Newcastle's Institute for Regional Futures brought together key partners to examine how changes to the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) could affect people, jobs and services in regional areas.
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Post‑mining research comes to life in community art exhibition
A new art exhibition has emerged from a four‑year study led by University of Newcastle researcher Associate Professor Hedda Askland, exploring how the Hunter Valley can navigate its post‑mining future.
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We’re not going anywhere: Muswellbrook faces transition beyond coal head on
As the Hunter region of New South Wales inches toward the closure of the state’s largest coal mine, Muswellbrook community members are urging industry to leave a positive legacy in their wake.
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The University of Newcastle acknowledges the traditional custodians of the lands within our footprint areas: Awabakal, Darkinjung, Biripai, Worimi, Wonnarua, and Eora Nations. We also pay respect to the wisdom of our Elders past and present.