Charles Sturt University’s Sustainable Futures program

Member for Wagga Wagga Dr Joe McGirr has acknowledged the enormous importance of Charles Sturt University to the Wagga Wagga and regional community.

Dr McGirr, along with Mayor of Wagga Wagga, Councillor Greg Conkey, recently sought a meeting with Charles Sturt University Chancellor, Dr Michele Allan, and Acting Vice-Chancellor, Professor John Germov to discuss proposed cuts to courses and staffing and the future of the Wagga Wagga Campus.

During that meeting, Dr McGirr and Councillor Conkey emphasised the critical role the University plays in the region, including the creative arts degrees and the AgriPark and agricultural research sector, which have long been recognised as integral to the University’s commitment to support Australia’s agricultural sector.

Charles Sturt affirmed its commitment to agricultural education and research, and its continuing support of the Playhouse, and to work with the Council to increase its availability for community events.

A decision was made, as a result of that meeting, to also form a regional working group with local state and federal government representatives as well as the community that will work to develop new opportunities for the Wagga Wagga campus that will benefit not only Charles Sturt University, but also the wider region.

“We emphasised the importance of the Wagga Wagga campus and I believe this was acknowledged by the Chancellor. There was, I believe, a genuine commitment to working with all levels of government and the community,” Dr McGirr said.

“Like Charles Sturt University, I particularly understand the vital role agriculture plays, not only in the Wagga Wagga electorate, but to our whole nation.

“I am also hopeful that the University’s long-standing traditions of creative arts, which have deep links to the Wagga Wagga community, can continue.”

Dr McGirr said there was no doubt the COVD-19 pandemic had had an enormous effect on the University.

“I understand the need for the university to be financially viable and the current challenges it faces with the pandemic. The University is taking action to address these sector-wide challenges to make sure it continues to deliver for our community, including to teach creative arts skills in Wagga Wagga despite the changes the university needs to make.

 However, it is critical that reductions and changes do not undermine the core strengths of the university, particularly its links to the regional community of Wagga Wagga,” he said

“I am looking forward to continuing work with Charles Sturt University to ensure the future for this vital institution continues to grow,” he said.