From the Chancellery
Professor Hilary Winchester
Pro Vice Chancellor and
Vice President: Strategy and Planning
A life of rock and roll and national fame has not meant singer
Jimmy Barnes has forgotten his roots.
Recently, Barnes made a public plea for a change in attitudes and services both in and around his old neighbourhood of Elizabeth, north of the city.
Leading figures in South Australia, including the Governor of South Australia, who is a supporter of many programs in the north, saw this as an opportunity to engage in a concrete manner to address these important issues.
It was only logical for UniSA to be involved, considering its long standing interest with the north and its commitment to building social cohesion.
In response to the plea made by Barnes, UniSA, together with several external groups and individuals, organised the Northern Community Summit.
Held at the Playford Civic Centre on Friday 1 August, the Summit brought together approximately 400 people who live, work or are committed to northern Adelaide through their work or voluntary work.
The list of dignitaries who attended included His Excellency the
Governor of South Australia, the Premier, Ministers Caica and
Lomax-Smith and the newly appointed Minister for the Northern
Suburbs, Hon Jennifer Rankine.
There were a host of politicians, both federal and state, all the local mayors, the Lord Mayor of Adelaide, and CEOs from Government Departments and business, as well as a good proportion of people from the community.
They included teachers and school students and voluntary organisations that run programs in northern Adelaide.
The University representation included the Chancellor and the Vice Chancellor, three Pro Vice Chancellors, academic and professional staff and students.
A significant contribution was made by the School of Communication whose staff and students made a video on Northern Adelaide (Look Again) and acted as recorders of the proceedings and discussions.
Thirty tables of people discussed issues relating to education and their big ideas for northern Adelaide.
The Northern Community Summit received fantastic support from the community. There was financial support from the Innovative Economic Opportunities Group (IEOG), Land Management Corporation, the Committee for Economic Development of Australia (CEDA) and Playford Council.
Unlike many conferences and events, attendance did not drop off after lunch.
People engaged with one another and the issues for the entire day. Some who had to leave came back later in the day. There was a real sense of achievement. This was the case even before the Summit was convened, when the Premier announced in the Cabinet re-shuffle, the appointment of the Minister for the North.
What was achieved at the Summit? The list of developments and outcomes related directly or indirectly to the Summit includes:
- Creation of the Office of the Minister for the North in Elizabeth
- A proposed Cabinet meeting in Elizabeth
- $170,000 worth of scholarships promised by UniSA for northern Adelaide students at school and for continuing study.