News + stories

Crafting a memorable brand
Regional business owners refined their brand strategy in a hands-on masterclass with Paul Chappell, walking away with clarity, direction, and actionable insights.

Cutting through the noise with our Copywriting Masterclass
On Wednesday, 12th February, we held our first Masterclass for the year in Tamworth - Copywriting for Entrepreneurs.
At a time of endless hype about AI-generated content, UNE SRI’s latest Masterclass took a different route. Set to a 1960s Mad Men-inspired soundtrack, this workshop focused less on Chat GPT prompts and more on setting pen to paper.

HATCH Program Empowers Local Entrepreneurs in Armidale
Last Saturday morning saw five aspiring entrepreneurs gather for an intensive business planning workshop through the UNE SMART Region Incubator HATCH program.
The four-hour session, focused on the Lean Canvas methodology, helped participants transform their initial business ideas into structured, actionable plans.

Festive Celebrations in Tamworth as we reflect on an amazing 2024.
On Wednesday, December 4th, Tamworth founders gathered at UNE Tamworth to celebrate the festive season and an amazing 2024.

Celebrating Our Wins of 2024 in Moree - End of Year Breakfast
UNE SRI Moree celebrated our wins and the wins of local businesses and organisations over breakfast and coffee by Annie at the Social Co House on 3rd December.
Thank you to all who have supported the UNE SRI and Social Co House in Moree in 2024. Wishing you all a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year

2024 founder survey
As 2024 draws to a close, we reflect on the year that has been—and the incredible inspiration we’ve drawn from our founders. Their steadfast dedication to their missions has fuelled our determination for us to remain mission-driven. We too have aligned with the New England North West community to set ambitious goals for the future: advancing net-zero agriculture, fostering a connected innovation community, and creating transformative opportunities for our region.
Feeding the future: UNE’s role in sustainable agriculture
On Friday, 15 November, the University of New England (UNE) celebrated National Agriculture Day by hosting What Does It Take to Make a Net Zero Steak?
This Futures Series event brought together leading voices from research, industry, and innovation to explore how Australian agriculture can achieve net-zero emissions
Launching the future: Women in STEM Royal Society of NSW New England North West branch
The New England North West branch of the Royal Society of NSW was officially launched on Monday 25 November, celebrating the contributions of women in STEM and the transformative power of diversity in science.
The event brought together researchers, innovators, and trailblazers from across the region to inspire collaboration and innovation.

What does it take to make a ‘net zero’ steak?
Behind the immense challenge of decarbonising global economies lies another: how do we eat without further destabilising the stable climate that supports agriculture?

Popular Digital Media Workshop empowers local creatives and business owners
The Digital Media & Visual Storytelling workshop, hosted by UNE SRI, was a hit among local creatives and business owners, filling up a month in advance due to high demand. Additional spaces were made available to accommodate more participants, eager to enhance their skills in the digital space.

Food safety standards unpacked: A masterclass for producers and retailers
Last week, the UNE SMART Region Incubator hosted an informative session titled Navigating Food Safety Standards for Food Producers and Retailers. The event was designed to equip both new and established food producers and retailers with the knowledge and tools necessary to navigate the complex landscape of food safety regulations.

The business case for community solar projects
The UNE SMART Region Incubator hosted The Business Case for Community Solar Projects on 27 September 2024 at NOVA in Armidale. The event brought together industry leaders, including David Heine, Emma Stilts, and Gerald Arends, to discuss community-led renewable energy solutions, with a focus on local economic development.