UC EVENTS

Introduction to Analysis of Socio-economic Data Using STATALocation: 11B44, University of CanberraDATE: Thursday 21 and Friday 22 November 2024, 9:00am-4:00pmCONTACT:  inga.stebbing@canberra.edu.auInstructor: Professor Xiaodong Gong Workshop description: This workshop by Professor Xiaodong Gong offers a hands-on introduction to applied socio-economic data analysis. With a combination of lectures and computer lab sessions, this course is designed for people who wish to refresh or develop their skills in quantitative socio-economic data analysis and social policy modelling. Topics covered include introduction to the use of STATA; introduction to applied data analysis and regressions, model specification and construction, interpretation of regression results, and model evaluation (diagnostic testing). The participants will gain further insight into these topics by applications on real-world data.About the instructor: Professor Xiaodong Gong has published in International and Australian journals such as Journal of Economic Behavior and Organization, Annals of Applied Statistics, Journal of Human Resources, Journal of Econometrics, Journal of Applied Econometrics, Economic Development and Cultural Change, The Economic Record and many other reputable journals. His work includes modelling labour supply, tax and welfare policy, childcare, labour mobility, child development and education, and household consumption.Prior to joining University of Canberra, Xiaodong has worked at the Institute for the Study of Labour (IZA) in Germany, The Australian National University, and the Australian Treasury. He is a Fellow of the IZA.This workshop is for UC staff and students only. The target audience includes HDR/Honours students and early career researchers who are conducting empirical analysis.STATA software/(trial version) will be provided for participants who do not have access to it.Contents:basics of regressionbasics of STATAinterpreting coefficientsgoodness of fithypothesis testingmodel specification issues—diagnostic and remediesProgram: will be provided down the track.  References: No specific references are suggested although participants are encouraged to bring any STATA documentation they may have. For an overview of the STATA package, please visit http://survey-design.com.au or http://stata.comREGISTRATIONS details: The workshop is free but participants need to register through Humanitix before 1 October 2024Please note that the workshop will only proceed if there is enough interest.

Should a doctor prescribe poetry-writing, or visiting an art gallery, as an alternative for medication? The fact that medical professionals are increasingly doing so in a range of countries provides the context for this two-day event. Could this be a case where Western medicine is catching up with practices First Nations communities have enacted for millennia? How are health and wellbeing impacted by creative art?Sessions will range from a discussion of current policy settings, papers on the relationship between poetry and wellbeing, panel discussions among artists and community workers, along with hands-on poetry writing and creative arts workshops. The first day’s activities (attend in person or online) will culminate in the award of the 2024 Vice Chancellor’s Poetry Prize and the 2024 Health Poetry Prize. ?The second day (in person only) will include two creative workshops, starting with a morning haiku walk on Belconnen Lake.? This is a free event.For further information and to register: cccrevents.orgThis event is hosted by the University of Canberra's Centre for Creative and Cultural Research in collaboration with the Health Research Institute and Belconnen Arts Centre.

Should a doctor prescribe poetry-writing, or visiting an art gallery, as an alternative for medication? The fact that medical professionals are increasingly doing so in a range of countries provides the context for this two-day event. Could this be a case where Western medicine is catching up with practices First Nations communities have enacted for millennia? How are health and wellbeing impacted by creative art?Sessions will range from a discussion of current policy settings, papers on the relationship between poetry and wellbeing, panel discussions among artists and community workers, along with hands-on poetry writing and creative arts workshops. The first day’s activities (attend in person or online) will culminate in the award of the 2024 Vice Chancellor’s Poetry Prize and the 2024 Health Poetry Prize. ?The second day (in person only) will include two creative workshops, starting with a morning haiku walk on Belconnen Lake.? This is a free event.For further information and to register: cccrevents.orgThis event is hosted by the University of Canberra's Centre for Creative and Cultural Research in collaboration with the Health Research Institute and Belconnen Arts Centre.

University is a great place for reading and learning! How about putting aside some time for learning about Jesus? 'Reading about Jesus' is an opportunity to join with others and read through the Bible’s accounts of Jesus, to discuss and learn together. Held on FRIDAY of each week, 1-2pm, in 1C100 or via Microsoft Teams.Anyone is welcome – you may be a long-time Christian, or just someone (of other faith or no faith) who would like to read about Jesus with others.We are currently holding the activity online using Microsoft Teams and also meeting in-person at the same time in 1C100, as a mixed-mode event.If you are interested in joining the activity please contact the organiser, Craig Johnson, to confirm the online details or location.

On completion of the course, you'll receive a Responsible Service of Alcohol (RSA) accreditation, allowing you to work in bars and serve alcohol, greatly broadening the jobs you're able to apply for and work in!Applications for enrolment will close on 18 November 2024.If you have any questions, please contact uclife@canberra.edu.au.

The Indigenous Higher Education Curriculum Conference will be a three-day conference held at the University of Canberra from Monday 25 to Wednesday 27 November 2024. There will be a unique On-Country Experience on Monday 25 November, and optional specialised and applied professional development workshops on Thursday 28 November.The Indigenous Higher Education Curriculum Conference was started by UTS in 2022 and is now supported by an International Indigenous Curriculum Community of Practice. The purpose of the conference is to highlight that Australian universities are progressively embedding Indigenous perspectives into higher education curriculum to provide students with Indigenous graduate attributes to work with and for Indigenous Australians across their chosen professions.

UC Medical and Counselling Centre are supporting the UC community by offering Standard Mental Health First Aid to UC staff at a subsidised fee of $150 (paid by the staff members department).Led by a licensed instructor, Mental Health First Aid is a practical skills-based education program that equips people with the skills and confidence needed to recognise and respond to someone they know who may be experiencing a mental health problem or mental health crisis. Grounded in research and guided by the voice of lived experience, this course provides high-quality, safe and proven mental health first aid literacy and skills training to strengthen the support available to all Australians.IMPORTANT INFORMATION: 26 NOVEMBER (BLENDED COURSE)This course is presented as a blended course: a self-paced, eLearning component and a face-to-face component on 26 NovemberThis course is available to UC staff onlyLocation: Building 2, Level C, Room 8 (02C08)Breaks will be provided (participants to BYO refreshments)At the end of the course, participants can complete an online accreditation assessment to become an Accredited Mental Health First AiderAll staff should provide their cost centre, and a screenshot of their managers approval, when registering 

Student Equity and Participation invites you to join us for a special event to mark World Access to Higher Education Day.Traditionally, World Access to Higher Education Day has been celebrated annually in November to raise global awareness around inequalities in access and success in higher education, and act as a catalyst for international, regional and local action.The annual event provides UC and the community with an opportunity to demonstrate our support and celebrate the strengths and successes of those from equity backgrounds. This year our celebrations will be themed around "Dreams for the Future". We will have the privilege of several primary school students from Aspire UC partner school Delegate Public School sharing their dreams for the future with us. We will also hear from Delegate Public School Principal, Brad Bannister, about the strengths of rural schools and how we can best support students from these schools to access and succeed in higher education. In addition, several UC students from diverse backgrounds will share their stories with us.At the celebrations, we will also be recognising UC students who do incredible work in promoting equity, diversity and inclusion both at UC and in the wider community through the annual "Ambassadors of Change" awards.Formalities will kick off 12:30pm Tuesday the 26th at the Inspire Centre (Building 25). We invite you to join us for light refreshments once the formal part of the celebration has concluded. To register, please follow this link.

Citizen Centred Justice Legal ClinicThe Citizen Centred Justice Legal Clinic (CCJ) is a not-for-profit health-justice partnership, legal practice, and registered association which operates on-campus in collaboration with the University of Canberra Medical and Counselling Centre (UCM&CC). CCJ provides pro bono legal support, assistance, advocacy, and referral services for clients referred from the UCM&CC, UC students and UC staff,  as well as on an ad hoc basis to other vulnerable clients who may be referred to the Clinic from other sources. CCJ is run by lawyers supported by UC law students who are gaining legal practice experience towards their legal qualification. The service is a free and confidential legal service.CCJ is a by-appointment legal advice clinic located on the Bruce campus of the University of Canberra. It is open for appointments on Wednesdays. CCJ is located in Building 1, Level B, adjacent to the UC Medical & Counselling Centre. You can book a face-to-face or telephone appointment through the University's Medical & Counselling Centre by telephoning 02 6201 2351. When booking, let our receptionist staff know if you prefer a face-to-face or telephone appointment. Bookings need to be made by telephone, not by direct email to the CCJ. When you arrive for your appointment, you will need to check-in at the UCM&CC and complete some paperwork. 

Grab your running shoes and join us every Thursday morning for a run, jog or walk by the lake, followed by free coffee and chats!Running for Resilience (R4R) was started by Matt Breen 10 years after his father's suicide, with the goal of saving one life. It began as a one-off run from The Dock, aiming to bring people together to support each other and promote mental health through exercise.R4R has now grown into four weekly events attended by over 500 runners and walkers. R4R's mission is to make the ACT suicide-free by 2033, by making it easier for people to exercise with friends and build strong, supportive communities.R4R-UC kicks off every Thursday at 8.30am from The Coffee Grounds UC for a 3km walk or 5-6km jog.

Sometimes it is hard to meet new people, or to find opportunities to practise speaking in English. We wanted to provide a chance to help you with this. Our English Conversation Club is an informal time, not a structured class. In a small group, we talk about a different topic each meeting, with a native English speaker. Improve your English by practising your speaking and listening, and make some new friends along the way! Anyone is welcome join this activity. The English Conversation Club is a free activity, and especially for international students or visiting scholars from overseas – but anyone who wants to practise their English is welcome.We are currently holding the English Conversation Club online using Microsoft Teams, and at the same time meeting in-person in 1C100, as a mixed-mode event.If you are interested in joining the activity, please contact the organiser, Craig Johnson, to confirm details (times and location can change).

FREE + ALL AGESHailing from Melbourne, Pisco Sour are a high-energy five-piece that packs a punch.Led by Nich’s commanding vocals, Jules, Tom, TV and Alex draw on their time as friends in their younger lives to form one of Naarm’s most riveting and charismatic live acts.Pisco Sour’s sound is infectious and sun-kissed. Catchy hooks and a lively pace are met with a dynamic style in their debut EP How Much Is Too Much? and their latest singles, Kids and Voicemail.

2024 JOINT ANZRSAI/RSA CONFERENCE? INCLUSIVE REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT47th Australian and New Zealand Regional Science Association International,and the 5th Regional Studies Association Australasian Conference CALL FOR PAPERSThe conference this year will go back to the general theme of development with a particular focus of being inclusive. The theme hopes to cover a wide range of topics from the understanding of development, various indicators such as economic activity, income and wealth, the fulfilment of housing, transport, infrastructure, the role of technology and artificial intelligence and various other factors such as government and governance. In trying to capture the inclusiveness of development within and between people, space and place, the conference will also look at topic such as Urban-Rural Divide, Cultural, Community and Intergenerational issues.This conference is convened jointly by the Australia and New Zealand Regional Science Association International (ANZRSAI) and the Regional Studies Association (RSA). The two associations bring together researchers across academic and policy fields to explore the cutting edge of regional development and regional analysis in Australia, New Zealand and around the world. The event will be hosted by the University of Canberra on 2-3 December 2024. It will be a hybrid conference so on-line presentation and attendance will be available.Proposals for contributed papers, for themed panels, or for special sessions, will be welcomed on any topic related to regional development.For those who can attend in person, the venue is the Ann Harding Conference Centre at University of Canberra. More information on the conference and other relevant material will be available from the University Canberra (UC) Event, RSA and ANZRSAI websites at: Regional Studies Association https://www.regionalstudies.org/events/2024-australasia/ANZRSAI TIMETABLE17 October Final date for submission of proposals for themed panels or special sessions on particular topics.17 October Final date for submission of abstracts for papers.24 October Date for notification of acceptance of paper.31 October Final date for conference registration for paper presenters, for their paper to be confirmed in the programme.31 October Final date for submission of full paper by authors wanting their contribution to be considered for the best paper awards.18 November Date for publication of programme.1 December Informal welcome party (optional, time TBC)2-3 December Conference3 December Conference Dinner 7pm (separate registration necessary)ABSTRACT SUBMISSIONThe Regional Studies Association (RSA) and the Australia and New Zealand Regional Science Association International (ANZRSAI) Council invite contributions from academics, practitioners and policy advisors on any aspect of regional studies and science for presentation at the conference. The programme will include PowerPoint presentations, academic papers (which may be peer reviewed), themed panels and special sessions on topics in regional science theory, regional development practice or regional planning policy. Presentations can be made in person, or on-line in two or three parallel sessions.Click here https:https://www.regionalstudies.org/events/2024-australasia/ to submit your abstract.TRAVEL AND ACCOMMODATIONUniversity of Canberra, is located in the west of Canberra at the central business district of Belconnen. There is a wide range of accommodation available with Mercure Belconnen and Abode Belconnen less than 2km (walking distance) from the venue. The University also has short term accommodation available on campus. Please contact csm.campuswest@unilodge.com.au with any enquiries.Special offer on accommodation will be added to our conference page at https://www.anzrsai.org/conference/conference-2024/CONFERENCE REGISTRATIONThis joint Regional Studies Association (RSA) and ANZRSAI conference will start with informal welcome event on the evening of Sunday 1 December 2024 (place & time TBC) and be followed by two days of stimulating plenary addresses, panels of expert speakers and parallel sessions of submitted papers.This is an opportunity for Regional Studies Association members and ANZRSAI members and others interested in regional issues to share experiences and network with each other, to keep up-to-date with latest developments in regional research and to address important issues in regional planning.Once the programme of plenary speakers is finalised, details will be published on the conference partners’ websites.Registration for the conference includes morning and afternoon tea as well as admission to all plenary and parallel sessions.FEESEarly Bird Standard Registration (paid before 31 October) $350.00Standard Registration for full conference (paid after 31 October) $400.00Student or Emeritus Registration for full conference $150.00ANZRSAI Awards Dinner (Monday 2 December, 7pm) $125.00To register for the conference, please visit: https://www.anzrsai.org/conference/conference-2024/ INVITATION FROM THE ANZRSAI AND RSA LEADERSOur two regional studies organisations, the Regional Studies Association (RSA) and ANZRSAI, are delighted to be able to jointly host a conference bringing together regional researchers globally. The theme of this year's conference, “Inclusive Regional Development”, covers a wide range of topics from the understanding of development, its indicators, its determinants and more importantly how to make it more inclusive within and between people, space and place, including in terms of Urban-Rural Divide, Cultural, Community and Intergenerational issues. Therefore, we encourage the participation of those working to enhance wellbeing, including scholars, policy makers and people involved in advocating and delivering various programmes to the communities.We are delighted that the Faculty of Business, Government and Law will host the conference in Canberra. Bringing the conference to the Australian Capital and the seat of government will provide an ideal venue for the interaction between scholars, policy makers and community workers to discuss how to bring development to everyone. This is also reflected by the range of keynote speakers for this conference. We are confident this conference will have a wide appeal for those working in regional studies and science and for related policy makers.We, thank BCARR – the Bureau of Communications, Arts and Regional Research – in the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications and the Arts, for their financial support as the Conference’s chief sponsor. This is a significant contribution to regional studies and science in AustraliaAmong other publication opportunities, participants are welcome to submit papers presented at the conference to the Australasian Journal of Regional Studies or to any of the RSA’s six journals – Regional Studies; Spatial Economic Analysis; Territory, Politics, Governance; Regional Studies, Regional Science; Area Development and Policy and finally the new start journal Finance & Space.Yogi Vidyattama, ANZRSAI, and Alan Kinder, RSATHE KEYNOTE SPEAKERSAndrew Leigh is the Assistant Minister for Competition, Charities and Treasury, and Federal Member for Fenner in the ACT. Prior to being elected in 2010, Andrew was a professor of economics at the Australian National University. He holds a PhD in Public Policy from Harvard, having graduated from the University of Sydney with first class honours in Arts and Law. Andrew is a past recipient of the Economic Society of Australia's Young Economist Award and a Fellow of the Australian Academy of Social Sciences. He has many publications with the latest books include, Reconnected: A Community Builder's Handbook (with Nick Terrell) (2020), What's the Worst That Could Happen? Existential Risk and Extreme Politics (2021) and Fair Game: Lessons From Sport for a Fairer Society & a Stronger Economy (2022).Kirsty Leslie is currently the Director of the Regional Workforce Assessments team at Jobs and Skills Australia (JSA). This team plays a key role in drawing together labour market and skills data analysis and insights at a regional level and is leading the work towards JSA producing a Regional Jobs and Skills Roadmap. Kirsty holds a Bachelor of Science in Statistics. Kirsty has an established career of over 25 years working across Government in senior statistical roles at Jobs and Skills Australia (JSA), the Australian Bureau of Statistics, the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare and the departments of Education and Employment. Kirsty was the director of labour statistics at the ABS for many years and was recognised as an international expert in this field. Kirsty has a long history in statistical concepts and data strategies, survey management, and data integration across labour, education and training and health areas.Rebecca Vassarotti MLA is a Member for the seat of Kurrajong, elected in 2020. A member of the ACT Greens, she is the ACT Minister for the Environment, Heritage, Homelessness and Housing Services; and Sustainable Building and Construction (2020-2023). Rebecca earned her Bachelor of Arts (with majors in Anthropology and Political Science) and her Masters in Environmental Law from the Australian National University. Rebecca has extensive experience in the community sector, having held the positions of Executive Director at YWCA Canberra, Deputy CEO of the Australian Council of Social Service, and Executive Director of the International Network on Hepatitis and Substance Use. Rebecca has been a long term advocate for social justice and equality. Throughout her career, she has taken a keen focus to addressing issues like gender equity, homelessness, affordable housing, gambling reform and drug harm reduction.Professor Jacki Schirmer is the director of the Centre for Environmental Governance, Lead of the WellRes research unit and Chair of the Climate Change Adaptation and Resilience Research Network at the University of Canberra. Jacki's own research focuses on understanding the social dimensions of natural resource management and resilience to extreme climatic events, particularly how people's access to and use of natural resources affects their health and wellbeing. She leads the Regional Wellbeing Survey, an annual survey examining the views of 15,000 rural, regional and urban Australians about the liveability and resilience of their community, and their own wellbeing and resilience.Dr Liz Allen is a demographer and senior lecturer at ANU Centre for Social Policy Research, where she researches population dynamics and teaches research methods. She is a member of ANU Council and an advocate for inclusive and accessible higher education. Liz was named among the ABC Top 5 Humanities and Social Sciences academics in Australia in 2018, and a woman to watch by the Australian Financial Review in 2023. Dr Allen is a member of the National Foundation of Australian Women social policy committee, and a regular media commentator for all things demography. Her book, The Future of Us (2020), is a call to action to build a stronger Australia through fairness and equality.CONFERENCE COMMITTEE:Associate Professor Yogi Vidyattama, University of CanberraProfessor Delwar AkbarKaren Cain, Transition & Recovery AustraliaProfessor Michael Cameron, University of Waikato.Associate Professor Azizur Rahman, Charles Sturt University (CSU).Dr Greg Jones, University of Southern Queensland (Toowoomba campus).Professor Tony Sorensen , University of New England.Professor Rolf Gerritsen , Charles Darwin University.Dr Kim Houghton, Strategic Economic SolutionsDr Paul McPhee , University of Wollongong.Dr. Deanna Hutchinson , Swinburne University of TechnologyProfessor Matthew Roskruge, Massey University

2024 JOINT ANZRSAI/RSA CONFERENCE? INCLUSIVE REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT47th Australian and New Zealand Regional Science Association International,and the 5th Regional Studies Association Australasian Conference CALL FOR PAPERSThe conference this year will go back to the general theme of development with a particular focus of being inclusive. The theme hopes to cover a wide range of topics from the understanding of development, various indicators such as economic activity, income and wealth, the fulfilment of housing, transport, infrastructure, the role of technology and artificial intelligence and various other factors such as government and governance. In trying to capture the inclusiveness of development within and between people, space and place, the conference will also look at topic such as Urban-Rural Divide, Cultural, Community and Intergenerational issues.This conference is convened jointly by the Australia and New Zealand Regional Science Association International (ANZRSAI) and the Regional Studies Association (RSA). The two associations bring together researchers across academic and policy fields to explore the cutting edge of regional development and regional analysis in Australia, New Zealand and around the world. The event will be hosted by the University of Canberra on 2-3 December 2024. It will be a hybrid conference so on-line presentation and attendance will be available.Proposals for contributed papers, for themed panels, or for special sessions, will be welcomed on any topic related to regional development.For those who can attend in person, the venue is the Ann Harding Conference Centre at University of Canberra. More information on the conference and other relevant material will be available from the University Canberra (UC) Event, RSA and ANZRSAI websites at: Regional Studies Association https://www.regionalstudies.org/events/2024-australasia/ANZRSAI TIMETABLE17 October Final date for submission of proposals for themed panels or special sessions on particular topics.17 October Final date for submission of abstracts for papers.24 October Date for notification of acceptance of paper.31 October Final date for conference registration for paper presenters, for their paper to be confirmed in the programme.31 October Final date for submission of full paper by authors wanting their contribution to be considered for the best paper awards.18 November Date for publication of programme.1 December Informal welcome party (optional, time TBC)2-3 December Conference3 December Conference Dinner 7pm (separate registration necessary)ABSTRACT SUBMISSIONThe Regional Studies Association (RSA) and the Australia and New Zealand Regional Science Association International (ANZRSAI) Council invite contributions from academics, practitioners and policy advisors on any aspect of regional studies and science for presentation at the conference. The programme will include PowerPoint presentations, academic papers (which may be peer reviewed), themed panels and special sessions on topics in regional science theory, regional development practice or regional planning policy. Presentations can be made in person, or on-line in two or three parallel sessions.Click here https:https://www.regionalstudies.org/events/2024-australasia/ to submit your abstract.TRAVEL AND ACCOMMODATIONUniversity of Canberra, is located in the west of Canberra at the central business district of Belconnen. There is a wide range of accommodation available with Mercure Belconnen and Abode Belconnen less than 2km (walking distance) from the venue. The University also has short term accommodation available on campus. Please contact csm.campuswest@unilodge.com.au with any enquiries.Special offer on accommodation will be added to our conference page at https://www.anzrsai.org/conference/conference-2024/CONFERENCE REGISTRATIONThis joint Regional Studies Association (RSA) and ANZRSAI conference will start with informal welcome event on the evening of Sunday 1 December 2024 (place & time TBC) and be followed by two days of stimulating plenary addresses, panels of expert speakers and parallel sessions of submitted papers.This is an opportunity for Regional Studies Association members and ANZRSAI members and others interested in regional issues to share experiences and network with each other, to keep up-to-date with latest developments in regional research and to address important issues in regional planning.Once the programme of plenary speakers is finalised, details will be published on the conference partners’ websites.Registration for the conference includes morning and afternoon tea as well as admission to all plenary and parallel sessions.FEESEarly Bird Standard Registration (paid before 31 October) $350.00Standard Registration for full conference (paid after 31 October) $400.00Student or Emeritus Registration for full conference $150.00ANZRSAI Awards Dinner (Monday 2 December, 7pm) $125.00To register for the conference, please visit: https://www.anzrsai.org/conference/conference-2024/ INVITATION FROM THE ANZRSAI AND RSA LEADERSOur two regional studies organisations, the Regional Studies Association (RSA) and ANZRSAI, are delighted to be able to jointly host a conference bringing together regional researchers globally. The theme of this year's conference, “Inclusive Regional Development”, covers a wide range of topics from the understanding of development, its indicators, its determinants and more importantly how to make it more inclusive within and between people, space and place, including in terms of Urban-Rural Divide, Cultural, Community and Intergenerational issues. Therefore, we encourage the participation of those working to enhance wellbeing, including scholars, policy makers and people involved in advocating and delivering various programmes to the communities.We are delighted that the Faculty of Business, Government and Law will host the conference in Canberra. Bringing the conference to the Australian Capital and the seat of government will provide an ideal venue for the interaction between scholars, policy makers and community workers to discuss how to bring development to everyone. This is also reflected by the range of keynote speakers for this conference. We are confident this conference will have a wide appeal for those working in regional studies and science and for related policy makers.We, thank BCARR – the Bureau of Communications, Arts and Regional Research – in the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications and the Arts, for their financial support as the Conference’s chief sponsor. This is a significant contribution to regional studies and science in AustraliaAmong other publication opportunities, participants are welcome to submit papers presented at the conference to the Australasian Journal of Regional Studies or to any of the RSA’s six journals – Regional Studies; Spatial Economic Analysis; Territory, Politics, Governance; Regional Studies, Regional Science; Area Development and Policy and finally the new start journal Finance & Space.Yogi Vidyattama, ANZRSAI, and Alan Kinder, RSATHE KEYNOTE SPEAKERSAndrew Leigh is the Assistant Minister for Competition, Charities and Treasury, and Federal Member for Fenner in the ACT. Prior to being elected in 2010, Andrew was a professor of economics at the Australian National University. He holds a PhD in Public Policy from Harvard, having graduated from the University of Sydney with first class honours in Arts and Law. Andrew is a past recipient of the Economic Society of Australia's Young Economist Award and a Fellow of the Australian Academy of Social Sciences. He has many publications with the latest books include, Reconnected: A Community Builder's Handbook (with Nick Terrell) (2020), What's the Worst That Could Happen? Existential Risk and Extreme Politics (2021) and Fair Game: Lessons From Sport for a Fairer Society & a Stronger Economy (2022).Kirsty Leslie is currently the Director of the Regional Workforce Assessments team at Jobs and Skills Australia (JSA). This team plays a key role in drawing together labour market and skills data analysis and insights at a regional level and is leading the work towards JSA producing a Regional Jobs and Skills Roadmap. Kirsty holds a Bachelor of Science in Statistics. Kirsty has an established career of over 25 years working across Government in senior statistical roles at Jobs and Skills Australia (JSA), the Australian Bureau of Statistics, the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare and the departments of Education and Employment. Kirsty was the director of labour statistics at the ABS for many years and was recognised as an international expert in this field. Kirsty has a long history in statistical concepts and data strategies, survey management, and data integration across labour, education and training and health areas.Rebecca Vassarotti MLA is a Member for the seat of Kurrajong, elected in 2020. A member of the ACT Greens, she is the ACT Minister for the Environment, Heritage, Homelessness and Housing Services; and Sustainable Building and Construction (2020-2023). Rebecca earned her Bachelor of Arts (with majors in Anthropology and Political Science) and her Masters in Environmental Law from the Australian National University. Rebecca has extensive experience in the community sector, having held the positions of Executive Director at YWCA Canberra, Deputy CEO of the Australian Council of Social Service, and Executive Director of the International Network on Hepatitis and Substance Use. Rebecca has been a long term advocate for social justice and equality. Throughout her career, she has taken a keen focus to addressing issues like gender equity, homelessness, affordable housing, gambling reform and drug harm reduction.Professor Jacki Schirmer is the director of the Centre for Environmental Governance, Lead of the WellRes research unit and Chair of the Climate Change Adaptation and Resilience Research Network at the University of Canberra. Jacki's own research focuses on understanding the social dimensions of natural resource management and resilience to extreme climatic events, particularly how people's access to and use of natural resources affects their health and wellbeing. She leads the Regional Wellbeing Survey, an annual survey examining the views of 15,000 rural, regional and urban Australians about the liveability and resilience of their community, and their own wellbeing and resilience.Dr Liz Allen is a demographer and senior lecturer at ANU Centre for Social Policy Research, where she researches population dynamics and teaches research methods. She is a member of ANU Council and an advocate for inclusive and accessible higher education. Liz was named among the ABC Top 5 Humanities and Social Sciences academics in Australia in 2018, and a woman to watch by the Australian Financial Review in 2023. Dr Allen is a member of the National Foundation of Australian Women social policy committee, and a regular media commentator for all things demography. Her book, The Future of Us (2020), is a call to action to build a stronger Australia through fairness and equality.CONFERENCE COMMITTEE:Associate Professor Yogi Vidyattama, University of CanberraProfessor Delwar AkbarKaren Cain, Transition & Recovery AustraliaProfessor Michael Cameron, University of Waikato.Associate Professor Azizur Rahman, Charles Sturt University (CSU).Dr Greg Jones, University of Southern Queensland (Toowoomba campus).Professor Tony Sorensen , University of New England.Professor Rolf Gerritsen , Charles Darwin University.Dr Kim Houghton, Strategic Economic SolutionsDr Paul McPhee , University of Wollongong.Dr. Deanna Hutchinson , Swinburne University of TechnologyProfessor Matthew Roskruge, Massey University

The UCX Food Pantry are here with one last surprise to round out the year, and just in time for the holiday season!Introducing holiday hampers! Drop by UC Hub on Wednesday 4 or Thursday 5 December and receive a holiday hamper filled with lots of free goodies!OPENING HOURS:Wednesday, 4 December: from 4pm (until stocks last)Thursday, 5 December: from 11am (until stocks last) To receive a hamper you must bring a valid UC Student ID, limit of 1 per person.

Back at their spiritual home of the AIS Arena, the UC Capitals host reigning Champions the Southside Flyers in Round 6 of the Cygnett WNBL.Watch as WNBA draft pick, Nyadiew Puoch, takes on her former side for the first time in Canberra.It’s set to be another epic battle between the two sides, so show the Caps some love on Wednesday 4 December from 7pm.  

Come and join us to do some bouldering and share a drink or two.  All abilities are welcome. Mountain Strong has a vast range of ability levels, from beginner to expert! This is a good way to meet some like-minded outdoorsy people in Canberra.  The bouldering starts at Mountain Strong (66-68 Townsville St, Fyshwick ACT 2609) at 5 pm. Then we will head to Captial Brewing Co. (Building 3/1 Dairy Rd, Fyshwick ACT 2609) for a bevvy and some food. There will most likely be someone in their UCOC shirt to identify who is with the club easily.  If you can’t make it at 5 pm, we will be bouldering until about 6-6.30 pm, so please feel free to join us later.  The bouldering and beers/burgers are at your own expense.  Entry to Mountain Strong is $13 for club members, which covers entry and shoe hirer. For non-members, it is $16.  On Friday, 9 February, the first 20 people will have free entry to Mountain Strong. You will need to pay the entry fee if you are not one of the 20 people.  We head to Moutain Strong on the first Friday of most months. All the dates are listed below. If the date is listed, then bouldering is on; the dates are as follows;  Friday, 9th February Friday, 1st March Friday, 5th April Friday, 3rd May Friday, 7th June Friday, 5th July Friday, 2nd August Friday, 6th September Friday, 4th October

With entertainment on and off the court, there’s no better way to spend your Sunday afternoon than watching the UC Capitals at the AIS Arena. Cheer on the Caps as they take on the Perth Lynx from 12.30pm on 29 December ... and win some prizes while you enjoy some of the best basketball in the country!

Watch as Geelong United play their first ever game in Canberra!Family fun for all ages – the AIS Arena is the place to be on Sunday afternoon, 5 January 2025, when the UC Capitals host Geelong United. There's an impressive roster on the day, including Jade Melbourne, Nicole Munger, Nyadiew Puoch and Charli Collier – be there to watch them take on former teammate Gemma Potter at the AIS Arena. Tip off is 12.30pm.

The UC Capitals are ready to take on the Sydney Flames on Thursday 9 January, back at the AIS Arena for Round 11 of the Cygnett WNBL. It’s always an intense battle against their Sydney opponents and it certainly won’t be one to miss. Doors open from 5.30pm with tip off at 6.30pm.

To celebrate the UC Capitals 40th Anniversary, we're throwing it back and hosting Retro Round!Dig out your favourite Caps merch from seasons gone by, and head to the AIS Arena to cheer on the Caps as they go up against the Adelaide Lightning!Be there as Jade Melbourne and the UC Capitals take on Olympic teammate Izzy Borlase and the Lightning at the AIS Arena on 11 January from 3.30pm. With things to see and do on and off the court, there’s something in it for everyone!Doors open from 2.30pm and tip off is at 3.30pm.

After taking their mission global in 2024, Sydney hardcore staples SPEED are kicking off 2025 with an extensive tour all across Australia. These no-barrier shows will see the band hitting capital cities and regional hotspots, performing anthems from their widely praised album ‘ONLY ONE MODE’ and favourites from their back catalogue. With special guests also performing at all shows, this tour is a rare chance to catch SPEED in a raw, intimate setting.

UC Medical and Counselling Centre and the Citizen Centred Justice Clinic (CCJC) are offering a FREE Will information seminar for staff and students at the University of Canberra. The session will be run by an experienced lawyer from CCJC and will focus on the importance of making a will, how to utilise a will kit, important factors to consider, and how the CCJC can assist you in making your will.After attending this session, attendees are encouraged to attend the FREE Will Writing Session. Registrations available via events.humanitix.com/host/ucmccIf you have any questions or enquiries, please contact the Medical & Counselling Centre on (02) 6201 2351 or email: ucmcc@canberra.edu.au

Join the UC Life Team for a picnic BBQ on the UC Concourse Lawns. Come for tasty food, picnic games, music, and good company. * This event is for UC Students 

Sparks will fly when the UC Capitals take on 23/24 WNBL Champions the Southside Flyers, in Round 13 of the Cygnett WNBL. With the Caps cavalry including Jade Melbourne, Nyadiew Puoch and US imports Nicole Munger and Charli Collier, it’s set to be an intense battle on Saturday 25 January. Doors open from 2pm, with tip off at 3pm.

UC Medical and Counselling Centre and the Citizen Centred Justice Clinic (CCJ) are offering a FREE will writing session for staff and students at the University of Canberra. The session will be run by an experienced lawyer from CCJ and will focus on how to formally write your will, final considerations for your will, and having your will witnessed.Attendees are encouraged to bring their laptop to complete documentation provided before the session. Documents will be emailed to attendees upon registration.All attendees should first register and attend the Will Information Session before attending the Will Writing Session: https://events.humanitix.com/will-information-session-g3tu93ht 

With only two home games remaining of the regular season, make sure you head to the AIS Arena on Thursday 30 January to watch the UC Capitals take on the Sydney Flames.With food and drink options available, as well as fun and games on and off the court, there’s no better way to spend your Thursday night. Doors open from 5.30pm for a 6.30pm tip off – come cheer on the UC Caps at the AIS!

This is it Caps fans – the final home game of the regular WNBL season. It won’t be one to miss, as the UC Capitals host Marianna Tolo and the Bendigo Spirit on Saturday 15 February from 3.30pm. Be there as Canberra cheers on the Caps and lifts the roof off the Arena, when the best of the best goes up against each other for some entertaining Saturday afternoon basketball.

In Hearts Wake’s INCARNATION SUMMER TOUR will deliver 17 massive shows from Cairns to Hobart in January/February with support from Australia’s next wave of heavy hitters: Ocean Sleeper, Reliqa and InertiaAfter entirely selling out their capital city tour and playing across the United States with Miss May I, In Hearts Wake will return home in 2025 to play the INCARNATION SUMMER TOUR, and perform at KNOTFEST 25’.If their recent INCARNATION tour is anything to go by, these shows will sell fast. Don’t miss out on In Hearts Wake’s only Australian headline tour in 2025! Tickets on sale at inheartswake.com

Commonfolk Presents is proud to announce independent singer-songwriter Ziggy Alberts is bringing his New Love Tour to regional Australia in March and April 2025. This tour marks his first full-length regional run in his home country since the highly successful Laps Around The Sun World Tour (2018-19). Ziggy will be celebrating the release of his highly anticipated seventh studio album, New Love, which drops in February 2025.Having taken his New Love World Tour across Europe, the UK, North America, and Asia, Ziggy now brings the magic back home to some of Australia’s most vibrant regional towns. Kicking off on 1 March 2025 at 3 Oceans Winery in Margaret River, WA, the tour will feature songs from New Love, including hit singles 'New Love,' 'Outlaw' and 'Where Does the Love Go?'. Fans can also expect unforgettable moments of connection with singalongs to favourites like 'Runaway' and 'Love Me Now', as Ziggy reconnects with his Australian audience in these intimate settings.With stops at iconic venues such as the Tank Arts Centre in Cairns, The Powerhouse in Toowoomba, and the Civic Hall in Ballarat, this tour offers a rare chance to experience Ziggy’s spirited folk sound and captivating energy up close. Each show promises to be a memorable experience, filled with raw emotion, spontaneity, and the heartfelt lyrics that have seen Ziggy Alberts connect with fans and showgoers worldwide.Ziggy has built his career on unwavering independence, resilience, and a deep commitment to his craft. From busking on Byron Bay’s streets to sold-out world stages - all as a solo act - his journey has always been about direct connection with his audience. His upcoming album, New Love, is a testament to that ethos – a project born from the road, shaped by his fans, and designed for the live stage. New Love reflects Ziggy’s growth, embracing simplicity and the spirit of adventure.Don’t miss your chance to be part of this special celebration. Secure your tickets now and join Ziggy Alberts as he brings his signature blend of music, passion, and connection to life in some of Australia’s most beautiful regional settings.

Grab your cowboy boots and your little black dress as Cody Pennington brings his country show to Australia in May 2025!Get ready for the Cody Pennington Country Show - the only country show starring a true-blue Nashville artist!After two incredible sold-out tours and over 50,000 tickets sold, Nashville native Cody Pennington is bringing his country show to Australia for the first time!Join us for a night of unforgettable country music as we pay tribute to the finest artists in the genre, including Luke Combs, Morgan Wallen, Dolly Parton, and many more. Cody will also be performing his chart-topping originals, including the #1 hit "Downtown" and the #2 "Cowboy Sitting at the Bar."What to Expect:A Tribute to Country Legends, Old and New - Sing along to your favorite country classics as Cody pays homage to the legends who've shaped the genre, both old and new. If you're a country fan, you'll hear something you love!Cody Pennington's Own Hits - Experience Cody's chart-topping tracks live as he takes you on a journey through his musical career.Unforgettable Live Performances - Prepare for an epic night of high-energy entertainment, dazzling lights, and top-notch musicianship.Dancing & Good Times - Grab your partner and dance the night away, or simply sit back and soak in the pure country vibes.Fan Engagement - Cody loves his fans, and he's ready to connect with you like never before. Get ready for some exciting surprises! This is your chance to be part of a country music party like no other.Tickets are sure to disappear faster than a tumbleweed in the wind, so mark your calendar and grab your tickets fast!Let’s make memories, celebrate the heart of country music, and raise the roof at the Cody Pennington Country Show!