A stronger local health workforce and easier access to university study are at the centre of a deepening collaboration between Southern Cross University, Country Universities Centre Norfolk Island (CUCNI) and the Norfolk Island Health and Residential Aged Care Service (NIHRACS).
More than 30 students on Norfolk Island are registered with CUCNI, where they can study Southern Cross University courses online and access local study support and facilities. According to CUCNI, Southern Cross University is the most popular choice among its students.
They follow graduates who've returned to the island or completed placements there, and researchers who've worked on projects including resource recovery and waste management.
A Memorandum of Understanding between Southern Cross University, CUCNI and NIHRACS now formalises those existing connections, supported by funding from the Australian Government Department of Education under the Regional University Study Hubs (RUSH) Program.
"Students on Norfolk Island can already study Southern Cross University courses online while getting local support and connection through the Centre. Now we can work more closely together to get great outcomes for students, and the community," said Michelle Sanson, Centre Manager, CUCNI.
A local pathway into health careers
Tahlia Hunt (Southern Cross University), Michelle Sanson (CUCNI) and Carter Stormann (NIHRACS) at the Norfolk Island Careers Week.
Health workforce is the most immediate priority for the collaboration.
"We have several CUCNI students studying for careers in health and the partnership can enhance their engagement, motivation and retention, provide them with industry exposure and mentoring skills, and strengthen their value to the local workforce after graduation," said Ms Sanson.
While Norfolk Island students are able to go off-island for placements, the partnership will also focus on sending students from the mainland to Norfolk Island for internships and placements.
A recent Careers Week on Norfolk Island saw participation from Southern Cross University, NIHRACS and CUCNI in collaboration with the Norfolk Island Central School (NICS).
"We appreciated the excellent engagement of a student ambassador from Southern Cross University, and some visiting health professionals in areas such as data and information management, speech pathology and behavioural science, identified by NIHRACS," said Ms Sanson.
Southern Cross University student ambassador Tahlia Hunt addressed staff at Norfolk Island Careers Week.
Also in the pipeline are "Go-See" visits for CUCNI students, providing off-island industry exposure in areas such as social work, sports coaching, remedial massage, and counselling focused on recovery from substance use.
Norfolk Island already has strong links with Southern Cross University health programs, through past students, graduates and researchers who have worked on the island.
Page image courtesy of Norfolk Island Tourism.
