Momentum for a Pilbara Universities Centre (PUC) is continuing to grow with a PUC Advisory Committee established following unanimous support at stakeholder and community meetings in Karratha at the end of July.
Expressions of interest for the committee were opened in August. After GUC Board deliberations in consultation with the City of Karratha, who are supporting the PUC Advisory Committee, The Geraldton Universities Centre (GUC) has now established a nine-member Pilbara Universities Centre (PUC) Advisory Committee.
“Interest in the Committee was strong with 20 expressions of interest received. This bodes extremely well for a PUC to develop with grass roots community support, as was the case for the GUC and a major factor in our success to date,” said GUC Chair Steve Douglas.
The nine member PUC Advisory Committee includes: Peter Long (Mayor), Frank Ye (Chartered Accountant, KPMG), Jennifer McMahon (Principal Karratha Senior High School), Kylah Morrison (Maverick Effect / KDCCI President), Neil Darby (Pilbara Regional Executive Director, Department of Education), Sharyn Larsen (HR Manager, Yara Pilbara), Camille Barton (Lead HSE Advisor), Jan Ford (Port Hedland Community Progress Association), and, Monica Moran (OT, Associate Professor, WA Centre Rural Health).
Those not offered a place on the PUC Advisory Committee will form a wider community liaison group with other stakeholders to strengthen the push for a Pilbara Universities Centre for the region.
“The community liaison group will act as a reference point for the advisory committee on issues to do with the PUC as well as being kept informed on progress, invited to briefings and consulted for questions and feedback. We look forward to the ongoing input and support of the community liaison group towards a PUC and beyond,” said GUC Director Natalie Nelmes.
The first meeting of the PUC Advisory Committee is to be held on Thursday September 21.
“At the first meeting, roles of the Committee will be confirmed but have been put forward as; being the local voice for the development of the PUC; seeking sources of funds; creation of local strategic partnerships; helping shape the GUC model as appropriate for the Pilbara; local knowledge and input on courses, student needs and potential tutors; and, advocacy and promotion for the PUC within the Pilbara,” said Ms Nelmes.
In addition to the Community Liaison and Advisory Committees interested community members can join a Pilbara Universities Centre Facebook group to be kept in the loop and to join in on discussions about a developing PUC.
Join the group at; https://www.facebook.com/groups/PilbaraUniversitiesCentre/
For further information contact Brendan Penzer brendanp@guc.edu.au, 9920 4404 or visit https://www.guc.edu.au/pilbara/