The Hunter region is currently facing the convergence of critical challenges related to resource sustainability, energy and water security. However, despite these challenges, the region continues to drive economic productivity in NSW and is adapting to new opportunities through diversification and innovation.

The Newcastle Institute for Energy and Resources (NIER) is committed to supporting research outcomes that strengthen and serve the Hunter community, by building on successes and unique attributes, and delivering exceptional student experiences that support future workforce needs.

The Upper Hunter Plan profiles NIER’s regional programs aligned to the University’s five year Strategic Plan, ‘Looking Ahead’. It defines NIER's activities, key priorities and initiatives in support of applied research and educational outcomes that encourage regional diversification, harness the Upper Hunter’s skilled workforce, and promote vibrant communities.

Click here to request your copy of the Upper Hunter Plan

At the University of Newcastle, all Bachelor of Occupational Therapy (Honours) students are required to complete 1,000 hours of professional practice supervised by qualified Occupational Therapy Practice Educators throughout the degree. The professional placement can take place in a variety of settings, both locally and nationally, including rural.

In the past couple of months, UON Upper Hunter has had the exciting opportunity to host ten Occupational Therapy students. These students have been working closely with clients to overcome unique challenges and get the most out of everyday life. During the placement, Student Occupational Therapists work under supervision to enable children from Muswellbrook local schools to reach developmental milestones and improve their occupational participation in all areas of their lives.

Apart from walking away with invaluable skills and a rich professional experience as an Occupational Therapist, here are what some students have to say about having access to the UON Upper Hunter during the placement:

“The UON space at Muswellbrook is a useful facility to allow students to complete administration work for their placements. The building is always clean and organised in a way that allows multiple students to access resources they need to complete placements while away from home.  The staff are friendly and very helpful and go above and beyond to ensure students are catered for. The UON space has assisted me to complete therapy planning, administration and quality improvement projects for three schools in the Muswellbrook area that Occupational Therapy is servicing. I would definitely recommend this space to students.”

Natalee Hale (pic: left), 4th Year, Bachelor of Occupational Therapy (Honours)

“UON Upper Hunter at Muswellbrook has been a really helpful and welcoming space for students to use whilst completing practicals in Muswellbrook. There are lots of valuable resources, the staff are really nice and helpful, and the physical set up of the space is very user friendly. Having a space like this available to us has played a large role in providing myself and fellow students with really positive placement experiences whilst away from home.”

Chloe Hepplewhite (pic: middle), 4th Year, Bachelor of Occupational Therapy (Honours)

“The UON space in Muswellbrook is super helpful, especially for students on placement. The space has enabled me and other student to stay focused on our studies while away from home, as well as being a resource for placement admin work. It is a great space with beautiful facilities. The staff are super friendly and helpful with any of our needs."

Katelin Williams (pic: right), 4th Year, Bachelor of Occupational Therapy (Honours)

Click here to find out more about accessing UON Upper Hunter

We connect entrepreneurs with teams of carefully selected mentors and other services to support founders in their for-profit or non-profit venture journey. The University's Venture Mentor Service (VMS) supports entrepreneurial activity within the broader University community to include students, staff, alumni, and participants in the Integrated Innovation Network (I2N) programs.

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Australia’s metropolitan capital cities continue to face escalating population growth presenting significant challenges for sustainable urban planning and development. Increasingly, the focus is turning to our major regional cities to better understand their economic and social contribution and to develop strategies for growth.

The Gateway Cities Webinar Series brings together thought leaders across academia, all levels of government, and the private sector to examine the opportunities for the Gateway Cities of Wollongong, Newcastle and Geelong. The upcoming webinars are as follows:

Gateway cities: population post COVID-19

​Date: Tuesday 20 October, Time: TBC, Hosted by the University of Newcastle

What does the data say about the attractions of the Gateway Cities in a post-COVID world compared to Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane? Hear presentations on the combination of qualities that can attract big city residents and businesses. Hear also about how best to make the case – providing data, examples and a more unified voice from each region.

The future of work – who, how and where

Date: Tuesday 24 November, Time: 11am-12noon, Hosted by the University of Wollongong

Join us to discuss the jobs of the future, employment pathways and the ability to work from anywhere. The presentations will be followed by an interactive conversation led by the Lord Mayor of Wollongong, Cr Gordon Bradbery AM.

Click here to find out

Drawing on the impressive expertise within the University of Newcastle global alumni community, the series provides you with inspirational, educational and relevant content to spark both your professional and personal interest.

We are bringing our experts to you - Click here to find out more...