Community benefits from University partnerships
[ Goulburn Valley UniNews Vol. 3, No. 1
May 2006 ]
The University of Melbourne’s Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Innovation and Development) Professor Vijoleta Braach-Maksvytis recently visited the Goulburn Valley campuses and departments and met with regional partners.
Professor Braach-Maksvytis who is leading the development of the University’s knowledge transfer activities said the visit provided an opportunity for her to meet some of the faces behind the educational and cultural projects for which she is responsible.
Knowledge transfer, part of the University’s new strategic direction, is a two-way interaction between the University and its external partners through public outreach programs linked to teaching and research.
In the Goulburn Valley this will strengthen the University’s existing partnerships in the region.
The School of Rural Health will continue to provide quality teaching for medical students through their Rural Clinical School, Rural Health Module, dental placements and allied health programs, but will also pursue projects providing a direct benefit and transfer of knowledge to the local community.
Examples of research projects already addressing this goal include evaluation of the Greater Shepparton City Council’s Best Start Program and Municipal Public Health Plan as well as recent research into strength training for older residents in rural communities.
The University’s Faculty of Education is a partner in the Academy of Sport, Health and Education (ASHE), which by furthering the education and employment opportunties of Indigenous communities is also engaging in significant knowledge transfer activities.
The social and economic benefits of this engagement are already being demonstrated with outcomes in the areas of education, training, employment and reduced juvenile criminal justice interventions in the region.
Dookie campus’ endeavours to achieve the University of Melbourne’s new strategic priorities are also very clear.
Aside from existing undergraduate courses, the campus is focusing on expanding its research capacity of significant regional research projects – particularly through the Centre for Water and Landscape Management, and reviewing its community outreach programs and broadening industry liaisons and interactions.
The University’s Goulburn Valley partnerships extend beyond the boundaries of the physical facilities in the region.
A number of important projects being carried out through collaborations with community organisations are having a positive impact on the regional community and providing the University with direct intellectual benefits.
Examples of this include the creation of a digital history of the Goulburn Valley (see story below), the archiving of an important collection of historical images documenting Benalla and its surrounding district, and a number of social and health-related research projects focusing on Indigenous health.
The University of Melbourne’s Manager of Development for the Goulburn Valley, Sally Simson, said knowledge transfer is a direct, two-way interaction between the University and its external communities.
Professor Braach-Maksvytis believes the benefit of the University’s presence in the Goulburn Valley will continue to be seen in the future through such distinctive contributions to the region’s social, economic and cultural welfare.
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