Research boost across region

An Australian tertiary education provider has committed to strengthening networks in western Victoria with the launch of a new research hub and jobs precinct.

Federation University Australia’s new Horsham Research Hub, a part of the university’s Future Regions Research Centre, will focus on bolstering partnerships with industry, communities and government and explore a relationship between dispersed rural populations and social and economic exclusion.

The hub will be led by Dr Cathy Tischler, with support from Dr Kelsey Macdonald.

Dr Tischler, a senior researcher with the Regional Incubator for Social and Economic Research in Horsham, said the hub’s evidence-based research would support economies and improve service delivery in western Victoria.

The new Ararat Jobs and Technology Precinct, under construction in Laby Street, Ararat, will similarly aim to foster relationships with industry, government and community, however with a focus on agribusiness. The precinct will be headed by ecological economist professor Harpinder Sandhu.

Mr Sandhu, who was nominated for a Nobel Peace Prize in 2020 for his work as a lead author of the Pollination Report and Asia Pacific Regional Assessment at the United Nations, said the precinct was an exciting partnership.

“The Ararat Jobs and Technology Precinct is an exciting partnership with Ararat Rural City Council that will see the university partnering with the local agricultural industry to develop niche markets and drive economic growth in the region,” he said.

Federation University vice-chancellor and president Professor Duncan Bentley said boosting research capabilities in western Victoria would help drive economic growth and jobs.

“Tackling the big issues facing the regions requires a multi-faceted approach and the research hub at Horsham and jobs and technology precinct in Ararat will tap into research capabilities across the university to take a holistic approach to helping our regions grow and prosper,” he said.