Research and teaching in a rural setting

Working in academia in a rural setting has been possible by the dedicated leadership of the community wanting higher educational opportunities and the University of Tasmania listening and responding. The humble beginnings of a building placed in the Burnie residential district called the Cradle Coast Campus (CCC) inviting people to enrol was supported by council and business. The enrolments increased to the point of overcapacity requiring expansion of lectures to be held in the adjacent Church, a Councillor’s residence in the middle of town, the hospital and the TAFE lecture theatre. Students enrolled from the North West, including Devonport and Smithton, as well as the West coast of Tasmania. Prior to the CCC going to University was not included in the educational post year ten mantra. Moving away from your local area was not a common practice so moving to go to University was not viewed as enticing, aspirational or achievable. The opportunity of becoming a student at the newly built University had now offered the change for significant achievements. Becoming a staff member was even more exciting. Being an Aboriginal person in an identified position was a complete new concept and the opportunity was with great pride. The University offered change and the continued leadership, community support, dedicated and adaptable staff reflected the continued increase of student numbers. Benchmarks were set higher each year with stronger linkages with the other campuses and visiting scholars deciding to stay long term injected a wealth of knowledge and skills into the rural setting. The overlay of the University in a rural community offers far more than higher educational opportunities, it offers a positive personal journey of growth that is visible in the working and living environment.