EduVenture : Sparking the Conversation. Creating Moments of Connection

Gemma Death; Evan Weller

doi:10.47381/aijre.v35i2.785

EduVenture

Sparking the Conversation. Creating Moments of Connection

Authors

Gemma Death Taree Universities Campus https://orcid.org/0009-0004-7965-5516
Evan Weller Taree Universities Campus https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7454-9827

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.47381/aijre.v35i2.785

Keywords:

aspirations, career, community, confidence, consultation, youth

Abstract

The EduVenture project, initiated under the Regional Partnerships Project Pool Program (Australian Government Department of Education, 2024), aims to address barriers faced by regional and remote students in aspiring to and preparing for higher education. This initiative stems from the Australian Government Department of Education’s (2019) National Regional, Rural, and Remote Tertiary Education Strategy and is led by Taree Universities Campus, a Regional University Study Hub, in partnership with the Australian National University and the University of Newcastle. By leveraging community consultation and co-design principles, the project fosters engagement between Taree Universities Campus, local high schools, universities and industries to enhance students’ aspirations and career preparedness. Phase 1 of the project emphasised gathering community insights, including perspectives from students, educators and local community members, including Indigenous leaders, while Phase 2 implements hands-on experiences, such as career workshops, industry collaboration and campus tours. Activities are tailored to address the socio-educational challenges identified in the Mid Coast region of New South Wales, where students and schools face significant socio-economic disadvantage and low attendance rates.

Author Biographies

Gemma Death, Taree Universities Campus

Gemma Death is the Education Student Support Officer at Taree Universities Campus (TUC), supporting students studying Education, yet also offering academic support and study skills for all registered students. As a passionate educator who worked in Primary Education for 15 years, Gemma loves being able to give back and help those embarking on the challenge that study brings and growing career aspirations of local school students through leading TUC’s outreach programs.

Evan Weller, Taree Universities Campus

Evan Weller is the Campus Coordinator at Taree Universities Campus (TUC) and is responsible for building the student cohorts and coordinating daily student and administration activities for the Taree Universities Campus, specifically in providing course related support, wellbeing support and campus collegiality. Having held both teaching and student support roles at several universities, Evan has been with TUC for just over 2 years.

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Published

29-07-2025

How to Cite

Death, G., & Weller, E. (2025). EduVenture : Sparking the Conversation. Creating Moments of Connection. Australian and International Journal of Rural Education, 35(2), 127–140. https://doi.org/10.47381/aijre.v35i2.785

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Issue

Vol. 35 No. 2 (2025): Improving Rural and Regional Student Experiences

Section

RURAL CONNECTIONS: CELEBRATING SCHOOLS AND COMMUNITIES

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