Community Colleges Australia (CCA) has announced details of its upcoming Western Sydney Regional Economic Development Skills Forum in Parramatta, on Friday 26 October 2018. This event constitutes part of CCA’s Western Sydney Regional Economic Development Project.
“CCA is undertaking this project to ensure that Western Sydney becomes a stronger and more connected region. We intend that this project will increase the region’s post-secondary education and training capacity and accessibility, stimulating new opportunities conducted in local centres by the region’s not-for-profit adult and community education providers,” says CCA CEO, Dr Don Perlgut.
“With one million more people expected to live west of Homebush by 2031, Western Sydney’s population will grow by almost 50% in just over 15 years,” says the Deloitte report Shaping Future Cities - Designing Western Sydney (PDF).
The report identifies “seven key drivers for creating jobs”, including lifting workforce participation rates to “support disadvantaged groups through training and work transitions, creating a more balanced and equitable city.”
Dr Perlgut says: “NSW not-for-profit adult and community education organisations have a crucial role to play in ensuring that the region has the necessary infrastructure to prosper, as an instrument for this job creation driver. Our sector's expertise in supporting and engaging disadvantaged and vulnerable groups puts our members in an excellent position to assist in lifting workforce participation."
Dr Perlgut continues: "These macro-economic forces are only part of the many challenges that face Western Sydney. Given that one in ten Australians lives in Western Sydney, its importance to Australia’s economic well-being and future prosperity cannot be overstated.”
Confirmed speakers the CCA Western Sydney Forum include:
- Zoe De Saram, Deputy Secretary, Skills & Economic Development, NSW Department of Industry
- Kerry Robinson, General Manager of Blacktown City Council, discussing the Council's plans for a local university campus
- Michael Cullen, Regional General Manager, Western Sydney, TAFE NSW
- Terry Rawnsley, Principal, SGS Economics & Planning, analysing Western Sydney's demography and skills base, and where community education providers deliver services
- Julie Scott, Manager Economic Development, or Chris Guthrie, Acting Manager City Economy, Liverpool City Council
- David Borger, Director, Western Sydney Business Chamber
- Nicolene Murdoch, CEO Western Sydney University – The College
- Therese O’Dwyer, Director of Regional Development/Executive Officer, Regional Development Australia (RDA) Sydney
- Paula Abood, CALD Coordinator, Sydney Region & Dennis Smith, CALD Coordinator, Western Sydney Region, TAFE NSW
- Sam Stewart, Policy & Advocacy Officer, The Committee for Sydney
- Community Colleges Australia Western Sydney members
CCA welcomes community education providers, NSW state and Commonwealth government agencies, local councils, other post-secondary educational institutions, peak business and industry groups, community groups and other VET providers to the Forum. If interested, please email CCA for details or ring our office on (02) 9233 3634.
