Country NSW is rich in authentic rural Australian experiences. Stretching from Tenterfield in the NSW north-east to Broken Hill in the far west and Oberon in the central west, the region covers the state’s most diverse landscapes, from rugged country plains and farming communities to World Heritage Listed national parks and tranquil rivers. The region’s clean, green, open spaces are home to some of the state’s fastest growing inland cities. Recognised as a premier agribusiness and food production hub, cool-climate vineyards and food trails are plentiful. A strong agricultural heritage is supported by regional incubators, breeding and genetics research organisations and co-operative research centres.
Two and a half hours’ drive west of Sydney, Bathurst is Australia’s oldest inland settlement and was the site of the first gold discovery in Australia. Today education, tourism, manufacturing and food production drive its economy. On track to become a smart city, Bathurst combines technology, data and skills to encourage economic activity and accelerate innovation. Charles Sturt University (CSU) has its headquarters here, and up to 60 other educational institutions offer placements across the city. CSU was ranked number 1 for graduate employment in 2020, with its graduates reported to secure jobs faster than those from any other university in Australia.
Home to one of Australia’s oldest universities, Armidale is under six hours’ drive north of Sydney and known for its strong education, health care, agriculture, forestry and fishing sectors. The University of New England’s Smart Region Incubator in Armidale fosters research, development, entrepreneurial and commercial activity across livestock production and research, including international livestock genetics and animal health. Study globally relevant subjects including agriculture and environmental science in a pristine, and typically Australian, environment.