Mid Coast Uni Portal Launched
Another milestone in our region’s attempts to increase university participation rates was reached recently with the launch of the Mid Coast Uni Portal website. The website ‘went live’ at an official opening ceremony at the Port Macquarie Tertiary Campus.
The web portal provides a one stop information shop on tertiary study options and pathways, financial assistance, special entry schemes and scholarships available through the University of Newcastle, University of New England, Southern Cross University, Charles Sturt University, University of New South Wales, the University of Sydney and North Coast TAFE.
The Mid Coast Uni Portal has its own Facebook page to enable students to share their university plans and experiences and get regular updates on key dates, open days, information sessions and other news. A competition is currently open to anyone willing to provide some initial feedback about the site. There are five $200 shopping vouchers to be won. To enter, visit the portal at: www.midcoastuniportal.com.au
E3 Pathway Program
E3 Pathway Program
As part of the Mid North Coast Higher Education Project, a program based on developing pathways from Education to Experience to Employment is currently underway. The program is facilitated by Port Macquarie-Hastings Council and funding assistance has been provided by Industry & Investment NSW.
We would appreciate your participation in a short on-line survey (link provided below) to establish a database of host organisations.
The program enables local students who are studying away from the area to be placed on a short-term basis with businesses while they are 'home' from university. The program also enables students from outside the region to come to the Mid North Coast region to refine their skills and get a taste for living here. Added to this, the program is available for local university and TAFE students that are studying 'on-campus' or by distance/on-line.
The survey is short and will only take about 2 minutes to complete. The personal information will not be published. The program aims to assist with skill shortages that currently exist in regional NSW. Added to this, the students will gain valuable experience with the long-term goal of increasing their employment opportunities.
2011 will see the launch of new websites for both Customer Care and Journey of Flavour. Further details will be sent out next month. Your feedback on the websites would be greatly appreciated for their further development.
"Taste" Magazine
"Taste" Magazine
On Wednesday, 22 December Port Macquarie News distributed a new A5 size magazine entitled "Taste". This magazine is proudly sponsored by Journey of Flavour and local businesses dedicated to service excellence and quality local products. As with all of our activities this magazine is about highlighting member businesses and their specialness. Please open the attachment to view the magazine or if you would prefer a hard copy, contact Wendy Beverley, Industry Development Coordinator via email wendy.beverley@pmhc.nsw.gov.au
Commodity vs Innovation, Poor vs Wealth
I would contend that a major issue confronting regional Australia is that we are so often caught up in the commodity trap.
Commodities are products and services which are largely indistinguishable - a flight from Port Macquarie to Sydney (Virgin vs Qantas) a bag of concrete or a tonne of wheat. Manufacturers go to great length to claim their product as superior but the rule for winning is so often to provide the lowest price. And to provide the lowest price you have to reduce your overheads - wages, salaries and standard of living. This is why regional communities are so often poor.
On the other hand, wealth is created by innovation - products or services with distinctive features for which customers will pay a premium.
The aim of the Economic Development Section is to work with innovative firms with the desire to sell their products/services to customers outside of this area.
If you have a story about innovation in your business, we'd love to hear about it.
Customer Care Membership Fee
The Customer Care Taskforce has recently resolved to apply a $100 membership fee, to be used to promote Customer Care accredited businesses as the businesses of choice.
This proposal is currently on public exhibition until 11 February 2011.
Should you wish to comment, written submissions will be received no later than 4.30pm on 11 February and will be considered and reported to Council. Submissions should be sent to Trevor Sargeant, PMHC, PO Box 84, Port Macquarie 2444.
Please tell us about your Customer Care experience. All members are distinguished by the logo on their front doors.
