Port Lincoln’s “Explore” Career and Industry Immersion Event was recognised at a national level at the Australian Rural Education Awards (AREAs) in Coffs Harbour recently.
The Explore event was awarded the Regional, Remote, Rural Schools Partnership Award for demonstrating strong collaboration to deliver a successful partnership initiative for school students in a regional, rural or remote community.
The awards are presented annually at the National Conference for Regional, Rural and Remote Education to recognise excellence in rural education in Australia.
The Explore event was a collaboration between Uni Hub Spencer Gulf, the Department of Education, Regional Development Australia Eyre Peninsula, Local Jobs Program and Eyre and Far North Local Health Network.
Held in June this year, Explore provided a transformative career education experience for 490 Year 9 and 10 students from 15 schools across the Eyre Peninsula.
Uni Hub Spencer Gulf’s Port Lincoln University Centre Manager Cate Wuttke said the three-day Explore event featured more than 150 interactive sessions designed for small, personalised learning experiences.
“Students from right across Eyre Peninsula visited for Explore, gaining valuable insights and life skills through travel and new experiences. By hosting sessions onsite within various industries, students gained direct exposure to real work environments, enhancing their understanding of local career opportunities within the region,” she said.
Cate said Explore incorporated a career expo, enabling industry and education providers to connect with school leavers, career changes and job seekers.
“The career expo hosted 37 exhibitors alongside three breakout sessions providing in-depth insights into specific careers. The initiative highlighted pathways in healthcare, tertiary education, engineering, and trades that fostered community-wide engagement in workforce development,” she said.
Cate said the success of Explore not only recognise the work of the Uni Hub but highlights the significant contributions and collaboration of the various partners involved in making these initiatives a success.
“We are excited to build the achievements of these projects and further enhance educational and career opportunities for people living in our communities.”
The Explore event was one of three AREA awards presented to Uni Hub Spencer Gulf. The Roxby Downs Early Childhood Project also received two awards – the Early Education Award (demonstrating commitment to the provision of quality Early Education in a Regional, Rural and Remote Community) and the Vocational Education Award (recognising innovation and excellence in Regional, Rural and Remote Vocational Education).
EVENT WORKING PARTY (PICTURED FROM LEFT): Michael Gurr (Uni Hub Spencer Gulf), Andrea Broadfoot (Local Jobs), Cate Wuttke (Uni Hub Spencer Gulf), Richard Horgan (Regional Development Australia EP), Dianne Fitzgerald ( Department for Education), Kristina Miletic (Department for Education), Ellisa Bayly (Eyre & Far North Local Health Network). Absent: Georgina Shirley (Uni Hub Spencer Gulf), Geraldine Giddings (Uni Hub Spencer Gulf) and Kirsty Fox (Department for Education).
