The University of Newcastle is launching a new online platform designed to forge closer ties with the region’s community, business and industry.
Engage Newcastle is a virtual interface that will help bring together the University’s community and industry engagement. Under the banner ‘Our community, your university’, it will offer volunteering, leadership programs and community based learning, as well as a tool for experiential learning in community engagement – all online.
In addition to its role as an information source, Engage Newcastle is an online place for residents, groups and businesses from the Hunter and beyond our region to meet and exchange stories and to nurture, support and inspire one another.
Pro Vice-Chancellor External Relations, Professor Stephen Crump, said strengthening community involvement through measures such as Engage Newcastle, was an important part of the University’s vision.
“The University has a strong track record in community engagement and we are committed to building and strengthening our close links with the local community,” Professor Crump said.
“Not only will Engage Newcastle open an online door to the University, it will also provide us with an avenue to learn more about local issues and discover ways to work with our communities on the practical problems they face each day.”
For more information visit www.newcastle.edu.au/engage
To launch Engage Newcastle and celebrate the dynamic, diverse and often hidden Hunter communities, the University has commissioned local photo-journalist Conor Ashleigh to capture the ‘faces of the Hunter’.
The images showcase a rich collection of communities, from local Somali families to hardworking volunteers and the iconic surfing community. The exhibition is on display at the John Paynter Gallery at the Lock Up, 90 Hunter Street until Sunday 26 August 2012.
Media opportunity: University of Newcastle Vice-Chancellor, Professor Caroline McMillen will officially launch Engage Newcastle at 6:30pm on Wednesday 22 August 2012 at The John Paynter Gallery, The Lockup, 90 Hunter Street, Newcastle. Media are welcome to attend.
Media Contact: Megan Cunneen, Media and Public Relations, 02 4985 4049 or megan.cunneen@newcastle.edu.au
