Engaging With Our Southern Adelaide Community

Engaging With Our Southern Adelaide Community

inspiring achievement

Introduction Flinders University is an integral part of higher education in South Australia, attracting more than 18,500 students to its main campus in Adelaide’s southern suburbs.

As one of the region’s major employers, Flinders University makes an important economic and social contribution to the area. Being actively engaged with the local community is a key strategy in the university’s 2010-2014 Strategic Plan.

In line with this strategy, Flinders University is a principal partner in many projects, working in collaboration with southern Adelaide organisations to build a vibrant and dynamic community for the future. The following provides an insight into some of these projects.

Contents 1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Southern Knowledge Transfer Partnership 2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Knowledge Exchange Grants 4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Work-Integrated Learning 6 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Higher education for all 8 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Engaging with schools 9 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Indigenous engagement 10 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Regional partnerships

Southern Knowledge Transfer Partnership Since 2008 Flinders University has increased its involvement with schools, industry and the local community in a program to improve the southern region’s knowledge and skills base.

A grant from the Department of Employment, Education and Workplace Relations’ Diversity & Structural Adjustment Fund has enabled the university to work closely with the local community to expand tertiary education and contribute to skills acquisition.

The funding has been used to establish the Southern Knowledge Transfer Partnership (SKTP) Project to help the university: ••

Increase contact with community organisations, businesses and government agencies. This is achieved through a partnership approach with staff and students involved in initiatives to increase knowledge, skills and innovation.

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Collaborate with schools, TAFE and other registered training organisations to raise aspirations about higher education pathways.

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Raise awareness among regional stakeholders about Flinders’ commitment to local collaboration.

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Link with local government, community organisations and businesses in southern Adelaide and provide a portal to the university’s teaching and research capabilities.

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Knowledge Exchange Grants Knowledge Exchange Grants (KEGs) were provided by Flinders University through the SKTP Office to fund partnership projects between university staff, students and regional stakeholders.

Funding was given to applicants in 2010 and 2011 under a competitive selection process up to the value of $10,000.

Projects were assessed for their ability to deliver knowledge exchange between the university and the southern Adelaide community, and also for their alignment with the university’s Strategic Plan, regional priorities, local impact, sustainability and value for money.

Southern Justice Network Justice issues in the southern region are being addressed through a new network launched by Flinders Law School and Anglicare SA. A KEG has helped establish the Southern Justice Network which links various individuals and organisations with an interest in the justice system.

The network was jointly launched in May 2011 by Flinders University ViceChancellor Professor Michael Barber and Dr Lynn Arnold of Anglicare SA at a forum entitled “Early transitions: challenges for children and young people�.

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It has attracted representatives from legal practices, the Law Society of South Australia, the Southern Community Justice Centre, the Legal Services Commission, courts including the new community court project, welfare agencies, schools, local government, State agencies, correctional services, police and community health groups.

A series of network forums are being held so members can explore current justice initiatives and matters of local concern.

The aim is to promote opportunities for knowledge transfer, collaboration, capacity development and professional support by fostering a range of mutually-beneficial relationships.

Students link with business on industry projects University students are working on ‘real life’ business projects through a partnership with the Southern Success Business Enterprise Centre (SSBEC).

Enhancing science education in primary schools

Flinders Business School is building links between students and small businesses in the expectation that both will benefit, businesses through the receipt of innovative ideas and students from working on real business issues.

In a partnership with Woodcroft College, Flinders Faculty of Science and Engineering is developing 10 science kits for southern Adelaide primary schools.

In early 2011, two very different small businesses based in Willunga were selected to undergo an assessment of electronic business opportunities by students studying the third-year e-business topic. The business owners attended a lecture at Flinders University where each discussed their business, current websites and target markets, and presented the students with written information.

The kits are designed to help local schools conduct science activities that enhance the current curriculum by providing hands-on, stimulating learning experiences.

Students were divided into small groups and employed various strategic planning tools to analyse their designated business and outline potential e-business opportunities. They then compiled their ideas into reports which were submitted for marking.

The project also establishes a mentoring scheme for school teachers based around the kits, providing relevance and extension plans for each activity.

From these submissions, four groups were selected to present their findings at a function in June 2011. The function was attended by the participating business owners, other businesses from the Willunga area and representatives from SSBEC and the Willunga Business and Tourism Association.

Feedback was extremely positive and has resulted in ‘real life’ case studies being embedded in the e-business course. Flinders Business School project leaders are also writing up case studies for the SSBEC website and will present their findings to colleagues and the wider university.

Mentoring will continue on an annual basis, building teacher expertise and expanding each activity’s scope. The aim is to ensure each kit becomes an organic and dynamic educational tool that can be used by many teachers.

SSBEC continues to provide ongoing links between the Flinders Business School and small businesses in southern Adelaide.

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Work-Integrated Learning

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Work-Integrated Learning (WIL) is a priority focus for Flinders University so that students can link theory with practice.

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The approach was endorsed by ViceChancellor Professor Michael Barber in May 2008 when he outlined the importance of students working for the public good, and in community and other socially-engaged settings.

He also noted the overwhelming necessity to provide a professionally-connected education in relevant disciplines.

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The SKTP Office and University faculty collaborators are putting the WIL concept into practice through various projects in the southern region including:

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A partnership between Flinders University and Business SA, as members of the Innovative Research Universities network and the Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry respectively, for the production of a web portal dedicated to information on WIL opportunities.

Collaboration with developers of major works and local government to scope WIL projects.

New communication tools, such as flyers and online information, to explain how southern Adelaide businesses and other community organisations can engage with Flinders to secure student placements.

Obesity Prevention and Lifestyle projects

An ongoing relationship with the Southern Success Business Enterprise Centre for students to work with the Onkaparinga Exporters’ Club and local businesses.

OPAL works with Marion Council, local schools, recreation and sporting clubs, businesses and health services to promote awareness of healthy eating and weight control, and the importance of an active lifestyle.

Students from Flinders University are playing an active role in the Marion Obesity Prevention and Lifestyle (OPAL) program.

A productive relationship has developed between OPAL and our Bachelor of Health Sciences students who have been directly involved in research, design and implementation of initiatives.

Other University projects include a series of healthy cooking events in local schools and shopping centres, analysis relating to factors influencing active travel choices in a school community, and the design of a pedometer-based active travel program in several local schools.

Harnessing the power of football and education Flinders University has formed a special relationship with the South Adelaide Football Club (SAFC) to provide valuable hands-on work experience for students studying subjects such as education, health sciences and humanities.

The partnership aims to increase their employability by developing skills in key areas including communication, problemsolving, team-building, organisation and time management. Student participation is encouraged in various activities run within southern Adelaide schools such as:

The relationship also extends to Flinders Creative Arts/Creative Writing honours students who undertake WorkIntegrated Learning at SAFC in a range of communication projects, such as interviewing SAFC staff and players, and writing media releases and newsletters.

- Auskick

SAFC also hosted a Flinders accounting student for the industry placement component of a graduate internship.

- Panthers Be Your Best - Recreational football - Sport Education in Physical Education Program

Falls prevention project

- Nine-a-side carnivals

Third-year medical students at Flinders University’s Onkaparinga Clinical Education Program (OCEP) have been using their training to carry out a community education program to prevent falls among elderly people.

- Power Cup. The scope of the program is extensive.

For example, education students have the opportunity to work with SAFC and local school teachers to develop engaging curricula to motivate and educate young people about the value of healthy and active lifestyles.

On game days physiotherapy students are able to gain hands-on experience as trainers for SAFC, with first-year students given a chance to assist treating on-field injuries for the under-16s, under-18s, reserve and league teams.

In 2011 they developed educational sessions to raise awareness of the risks, and to help elderly people conduct selfassessment and seek support.

The students promoted the program by creating and distributing flyers, and then delivered a series of training sessions to the Aldinga Shores Retirement Community , the Men’s SouthTalk group at the Aldinga Community Centre and members of the general community at the GP Plus Health Care Centre Aldinga.

Local GPs were also informed about the program and the potential for individuals to require further follow up advice. The education sessions were supported by various partners including GP Plus Health Care Centre Aldinga, Pathways to Independence, Domiciliary Care SA and staff at the Aldinga Shores Retirement Community.

Following the success of the project OCEP has been approached by other community groups seeking similar sessions.

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Higher education for all

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Flinders has a long-standing tradition of providing higher education opportunities for all people who aspire to university.

For many years it has been at the forefront of programs to increase retention and participation in education among less advantaged social groups, including Indigenous Australians and students from low socio-economic backgrounds.

Widening Participation in the South Flinders University continues to focus on widening participation and creating opportunities for students to undertake university study through alternate entry pathways.

In 2011 the University further enhanced its relationship with TAFE SA, in particular TAFE SA Adelaide South Institute, by offering the Flinders Foundation Studies program at the TAFE SA Noarlunga Campus. This initiative provides the opportunity for southern Adelaide residents from all walks of life to prepare for an undergraduate degree at Flinders and begin their university studies.

The Flinders Foundation Studies program is delivered in partnership by staff from TAFE SA and the University. The program promotes the opportunity to study at university regardless of life background and encourages local residents to improve their future through education.

In addition to the relationship with TAFE SA, Flinders is also working with community organisations, including The Smith Family and Mission Australia, to develop university pathways for people living in Adelaide’s south.

Catalyst Clemente with Mission Australia Southern Adelaide residents who have disengaged from formal education are being encouraged to enrol in university studies through the Catalyst Clemente program.

The program was established by Flinders University and Mission Australia in 2010 to support people who have experienced significant disadvantage and marginalisation. It is based on a successful joint initiative between Mission Australia and the Australian Catholic University.

The initiative is building on existing expertise and networks developed through various peer mentoring programs and the Flinders Foundation Studies Program which enables people from all walks of life to begin university studies.

Inspire Mentor Program (Inspire) Inspire aims to increase educational opportunities for school students and help young people reach their full potential. The program immerses Flinders University students who act as mentors in the classroom and within community organisations as co-learners or peers.

Mentors bring their own study skills, knowledge, passion and interest to benefit the student “mentees�.

Inspire is living up to its name, exposing young people to a range of topics in an effort to dispel common misconceptions of university and highlight university pathways as a real option.

Inspire continues to work providing mentors to support school students in southern Adelaide, as well as in other identified areas across South Australia.

Since its inception in 2003, over 900 Flinders Inspire Mentors have assisted over an estimated 5,000 young people.

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Engaging with schools The close bond developed by Flinders University and schools in southern Adelaide is supporting learning programs on many levels.

Collaborative links with schools in the region are improving opportunities for young students to realise their full potential and further their education, while school teachers are also benefitting.

Schools in the South Flinders University, through the Student Access Unit, works closely with primary and secondary schools throughout the southern suburbs to help raise student aspirations for university study.

Current Flinders University students are engaged as mentors to work with students in schools. The students are shown that university is an option for everyone, no matter where they are from or how much they know of university life.

In addition to mentors spending time with students at their schools, students are also given the opportunity to visit the Flinders campus and enjoy an interactive and informative experience.

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In 2011, the Student Access Unit, recognising the importance of parent and community involvement in the education of children, undertook a ‘whole of school’ information evening with Cardijn College.

The event consisted of a series of age appropriate presentations to parents and students talking about university study, pathways and career development.

Feedback from parents, students and the school has suggested a very beneficial and successful event. Similar events with other schools in the region have been planned for 2012 and beyond.

Year 12 Science and Maths Academy Year 12 students from Adelaide’s south are being given specialist support for their science and maths studies.

The Year 12 Science and Maths Academy at Flinders (SMAF) is an initiative of the SKTP Office and the Flinders Centre for Science Education in the 21st Century to improve Year 12 tertiary aspirations and the transition to university.

The pilot partnership is assisting the teaching of Stage 2 (Year 12) Physics, Chemistry, and Specialist Mathematics to students from six southern schools: Aberfoyle Park High School, Christies Beach High School, Eastern Fleurieu School, Mount Compass Area School, Seaford 6-12 School and Wirreanda High School.

The SMAF Academy is closely aligned with study pathways to University. Students are taught in laboratories and learning spaces at Flinders University by highly skilled teachers competitively selected from the participating schools.

Flinders Education and Science and Engineering students and lecturers work alongside the school students to provide valuable mentoring and tutoring support.

Café Scientifique Flinders Centre for Science Education in the 21st Century (Science21) runs a series of informal science events for secondary teachers as part of the internationally renowned Café Scientifique forums.

Café Scientifique is a place where people come together to explore the latest ideas in science and technology and debate science issues in informal settings that are always outside of a traditional academic context.

The café starts with a short talk from a guest speaker followed by a refreshment break, which provides opportunities for one-on-one conversation and enables everyone involved to voice their opinions on the topic.

Indigenous engagement The presence of Indigenous education at Flinders University commenced in 1990 and has evolved into Yunggorendi First Nations Centre for Higher Education and Research.

Life in the Uni Lane Indigenous secondary students from southern Adelaide and the Fleurieu region are introduced to university through Life in the Uni Lane.

The program targets students in Years 8, 9 and 10 to experience university life on campus.

Current students at the University act as guides and share important real-life knowledge of being Indigenous and experiences of Flinders University.

Yunggorendi is a focal point for Indigenous students to encourage participation and success in higher education.

Staff at the centre are involved in Indigenous research and education at Flinders, as well as participating actively in the southern Adelaide region.

In 2010, for example, the Centre organised for 60 students and supporting staff to visit the Faculty of Science and Engineering. Participants took part in a bushwalk, a bushfire evaluation of the upper campus, a tour of the Biological Sciences animal and marine facilities and also explored a robotics display.

Corka Readers The Corka Readers program operates at Clovelly Park Primary School and aims to improve the literacy performance of Indigenous students.

The primary school students are supported by Indigenous students from Flinders University who volunteer as mentors. University involvement was organised following collaboration between Yunggorendi and the project manager of the Inner South Innovative Community Action Network (ICAN).

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Regional partnerships Effective collaboration between Flinders and the broader community is a major focus of the University’s southern Adelaide program.

Regional Strategic Advice Flinders University is represented by our Vice-Chancellor, Professor Michael Barber, on two key regional strategic advisory groups - the Southern Suburbs Coordination Group (SSCG) and the Southern Adelaide Economic Development Board (SAEDB).

The SSCG provides advice to the South Australian Government on regional structural adjustment as a result of the Mitsubishi closure. It provides a coordinated role for the variety of agencies dealing with the consequences of the closure and opportunities for the region.

The SSCG focuses on workforce needs and business investment in southern Adelaide.

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The SAEDB supports and works to develop initiatives in the Marion and Onkaparinga Local Government Areas.

The Board focuses on regional issues including broadband, industry attraction, workforce development, the Tonsley Park Redevelopment site, land use planning and the 30-Year Plan for Greater Adelaide.

Flinders was a proud sponsor of SAEDB’s 2011 initiative, Southern Adelaide Business Month.

OCTOBER 2011 Exciting workshops and seminars for southern businesses For information visit sabm2011.com.au Majority of workshops & seminars are FREE!

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Inter-professional health education The launch of GP Plus Health Care Centres in South Australia is bringing together health professionals from multiple disciplines.

To support this new model of care in the southern suburbs, Flinders’ Faculty of Health Sciences has initiated the InterProfessional Education (IPE) project.

GP Plus clinics are considered a key economic and workforce priority in the southern Adelaide region and they involve a strong focus on inter-professional training practice.

The IPE Group aims to bring together health educators and GP Plus clinicians to address specific issues arising from an inter-professional approach and to prepare health professionals for a workforce that is increasingly interactive across fields.

Flinders University, SKTP and GP Plus are funding a project officer to develop a collaborative approach to interprofessional education in partnership with SA Health and southern Adelaide GP Plus clinics.

Fleurieu Art Prize Flinders University is a sponsor of the Fleurieu Art Prize, a significant national visual arts festival which aligns arts in McLaren Vale and Fleurieu Peninsula with local wine, food and tourism industries.

In 2011 the prize also promoted the importance of creative thinking and action involving contemporary landscape art and how it can inform debate about the environment.

The Fleurieu Landscape Art and Environment Field Research Project brought together artists, environmental experts from Flinders University, arts researchers, winemakers, water sustainability experts and members of the local community.

Several field trips were organised to discuss and research environmental issues of regional importance and the project concluded with an exhibition of artists’ work which was inspired by the event.

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green initiatives

Rotaract comes to Flinders Community projects in Australia and overseas are benefitting from a partnership between the Flinders SKTP Office and six Rotary Clubs in the southern suburbs.

Flinders students with a keen interest in matching their studies with service to the community helped establish the Rotaract Club of Flinders University in 2011. The club had 42 inaugural members and is growing.

Rotaract focuses on developing young adults as leaders in their communities and workplaces. By linking with southern Adelaide Rotary clubs the students have access to a local network with specialised knowledge and experience in business and community projects.

Flinders Rotaract is a service club and students plan activities across the year to support the local and wider community.

The Club’s first activity involved sorting goods collected for developing countries

by The Rotary Donations In Kind program, and packing them into shipping containers for delivery.

Research Innovation Showcase Flinders University’s inaugural Research Innovation Showcase attracted more than 200 researchers, local business people and government officials to the Bedford Park campus in September 2010.

Twenty of Flinders top researchers described their research capabilities in a series of rapid-fire presentations which were complemented by a series of display booths promoting the University’s research in groundwater, medical devices, marine science, biofuels, eye and vision, nutrition, clinical change and cancer prevention, psychology and molecular technologies.

The showcase, an initiative of Flinders Partners and held in the Science Innovation Learning Centre, provided insight into the calibre of research being undertaken at the University and represents Flinders commitment to promoting industry and community collaboration.

Coast FM Flinders takes to the local airwaves on “Coast Talk”, every fortnight on community radio station Coast FM. The session brings together students and experts around a variety of topics. The theme in 2011 centred around the “Flinders Family”, with the Flinders Director of Marketing and Communications bringing to life the idea of community partnership projects and the mutual benefits that come from working together.

A second program, “Flinders on Air” is hosted by the Flinders Head of News and Media once a month. The program brings together a panel of academic experts from the University for lively discussions of “hot” topics and current affairs. The format also gives listeners the opportunity to call in with questions and to join in the debates.

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Regional partnerships

Brighton Surf Live Saving Club and Sculptures by the Sea In a heady fusion of activities, Flinders proudly sponsors the Brighton Jetty Classic and Sculptures by the Sea, two linked events that bring together art, culture, education and surf.

Flinders staff and alumni participate in the Brighton Jetty Classic swim and also act as volunteers at the associated community events. With more than 15,000 visitors and participants, the Classic is a highly visible example of the University’s community engagement.

In 2011, Flinders School of Education students were among the Sculptures by the Sea exhibitors, and the works were viewed by more than 5,000 visitors.

Flinders sponsors the Environmental Awareness Award, one of nine prizes available to entrants. Students studying to become art teachers and their lecturers also engaged in sea-side workshops on children’s art.

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The talents of Flinders students from the Department of Screen and Media have been harnessed to shoot and edit a DVD documenting the swim and sculptures.

The video is being used to promote the event to arrivals at Adelaide Airport during December 2011 and into 2012.

For those unused to life on the coast, Flinders international students participate in ongoing water safety sessions organised by the International Student Services Unit and Brighton Surf Life Saving Club life savers to prepare them for a summer on Australian beaches.

Benefitting from the National Broadband Network Maximising the benefits of the National Broadband Network (NBN) is the goal of a joint research project at Willunga on the Fleurieu Peninsula.

The project is focusing on what mechanisms should be in place for the adoption of the NBN and how the impact on communities can be realised.

The study involves a partnership between Flinders School of Computer Science, Engineering and Mathematics, the SKTP Office, University of Adelaide and the Southern Adelaide Economic Development Board.

The Willunga pilot study aims to identify measures to assess the adoption and impact of high-speed broadband and is being supported by an evaluation of international cases and academic literature.

The review will provide valuable information to stakeholders as the NBN is rolled out, and drive policy and implementation strategies.

The project has attracted national interest in how the university and community have brought together an academic approach and community outcomes.

A number of complementary projects are adding further value to the impact of the NBN in the region.

Staff in the School of Humanities are exploring the challenges and opportunities of the NBN with Willunga Primary School staff, students and community. The aim is to help the region make the most of the potential of the NBN to enhance learning within and beyond the classroom.

The School of Social Work and Social Policy is working with Marion Youth to develop a training package for local schools on safe use of social networking.

Achieving Community Out-Reach Network Workskil and Flinders University’s Student Access Unit are partnering to deliver the Achieving Community Out-Reach Network (ACO-RN) program.

Workskil provides outreach services to youth and was approached by the City of Holdfast Bay to develop a program in response to concerns raised about transient youth in the Glenelg area.

Participation in the program enables current Flinders University students to put their theoretical studies into context through practical experience, develop their graduate skills, as well as actively engage with the community.

Due to the success of the pilot in Glenelg over 2010, ACO-RN will expand into targeted areas of the eastern suburbs by the end of 2011, and potentially into the western suburbs in 2012.

The aim of ACO-RN is to find, connect and engage with disengaged young people in the Glenelg area who may be experiencing issues such as: homelessness; antisocial behaviour; boredom; lack of facilities; drug and alcohol use/misuse, and/or gang culture.

As the region experiences an upswing of connectivity, an understanding of safe digital use is vital for young people who may have had only limited access to social networking.

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inspiring achievement

This report was produced by the Southern Knowledge Transfer Partnership (SKTP) Office and provides information about Flinders University community engagement activities in southern Adelaide.

For further information please contact: Southern Knowledge Transfer Partnership Office GPO Box 2100, Adelaide SA 5001 P: (08) 8201 5120 | E: sktp@flinders.edu.au www.flinders.edu.au/sktp

The Southern Knowledge Transfer Partnership Office is jointly funded by the Australian Government Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations and Flinders University

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