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March 27, 2024

$1m innovation hub to develop regional businesses

Latest News

Safety and preparation saves lives on the water

A large number of boaters are expected to hit the water over the Easter long weekend and Marine Rescue NSW is reminding boaters to be prepared and log on to the Marine Rescue NSW app.

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Democracy on the ropes?

The ancient idea of democracy is under threat around the world. Today, there are only 63 democracies compared to 74 autocracies, and many of these democracies are highly problematic.

Terania blockade film to support Wallum cause

A film about Australia’s first environmental confrontation, which occured at Terania Creek near Nimbin, will screen on Friday, 22 March from 7pm at Brunswick Picture House as a fundraiser for the Save Wallum campaign. 

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Protecting nature and naturism from prejudice in Byron Shire

A new regime of social repression is imposing itself over the Byron Shire. Supported by local conservatives, the NSW National Parks Wildlife Service is attacking diversity and a particular minority group in Byron Shire – naturists.

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Got a creative theatre idea?

Mullumbimby’s The Drill Hall Theatre Company (DHTC) is offering two creative development opportunities for local independent artists to develop new performance piece concepts.

Ben Roche, Director of Engagement Southern Cross University; Professor Peter Lee, Vice Chancellor Southern Cross University; Minister for Regional Development, Skills and Small Business, John Barilaro; Member fore Lismore Thomas George MP, Ben Franklin MLC; and Kevin Hogan, Federal Member for Page. (supplied)
Ben Roche, Director of Engagement Southern Cross University; Professor Peter Lee, Vice Chancellor Southern Cross University; Minister for Regional Development, Skills and Small Business, John Barilaro; Member fore Lismore Thomas George MP, Ben Franklin MLC; and Kevin Hogan, Federal Member for Page. (supplied)

An ‘innovation hub’ will be established at Southern Cross University in Lismore in an effort to create new ideas about sustainable business development in the northern rivers region.

The state government has entered into a two-year $1 million partnership with the university to establish the hub.

NSW Minister for Regional Development John Barilaro, who toured the campus this week, said the hub would enable students, researchers and entrepreneurs collaborate on new ideas.

‘Collaboration and sharing ideas is a key driver of innovation in small business and this program will ensure start-ups and entrepreneurs in the Northern Rivers have access to a space that will allow them to do this, parallel to those in the Sydney metropolitan area,’ Mr Barilaro said.

‘Small business is the engine room of the NSW economy and this partnership with Southern Cross University will create new business ideas, new job opportunities and new industries for the Northern Rivers region.’

Lismore MP Thomas George said the funding would also support efforts to develop local talent to support business needs and build on the University’s particular research strengths.

‘This funding will help Southern Cross University further promote and develop its research capabilities in collaboration with local businesses, as well as helping to accelerate local industry development and local business networks throughout the Region,’ Mr George said.

SCU vice chancellor Professor Peter Lee said the enterprise lab provided a wonderful opportunity for the region’s entrepreneurs.

‘The best innovation ecosystems are those where new industries and opportunities are delivered through collaboration between research, industry, business, community and government partners,’ said Professor Lee.

The co-working space in Lismore is expected to be open to businesses for university-industry engagement before the end of the year.

For more information on support available to industry visit: www.industry.nsw.gov.au/


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