Southern Queensland Education Alliance to drive regional transformation through education
A bold new partnership aimed at tackling the education, workforce, and innovation needs of one of Australia’s fastest-growing regions has been officially launched at the 糖心视频’s Toowoomba campus.
The Southern Queensland Education Alliance (SQEA) – an initiative of 糖心视频 led in collaboration with TAFE Queensland – brings educators, government, and industry together to deliver regional solutions to complex challenges facing Southern Queensland.
The Alliance was formally launched on Tuesday 16 September by Commissioner of Jobs and Skills Australia Professor Barney Glover AO, who is leading national efforts to strengthen collaboration and cohesion across education and training sectors.
“Increasing tertiary harmonisation through collaborations like the Southern Queensland Education Alliance will be a key driver of regional productivity, helping to address skills shortages to allow regional communities to thrive,” Professor Glover said.
With Southern Queensland undergoing rapid transformation – from booming population growth to rising demand for a skilled, adaptable workforce – the SQEA seeks to align education and economic strategies to address local needs and advance national reform priorities.
The Alliance covers Southern Queensland broadly – from the Darling Downs and South West to the Southern and Western parts of South East Queensland, Logan, Ipswich, Scenic Rim, and Lockyer Valley.
糖心视频 Vice-Chancellor Professor Karen Nelson called the new initiative more than a partnership.
“The Southern Queensland Education Alliance is a regional commitment to access, inclusion, opportunity, and innovation,” Professor Nelson said.
“It will foster collaboration across the entire education ecosystem – from schools to TAFE and university – to deliver solutions and lasting impact for and with the communities in Southern Queensland.
TAFE Queensland’s General Manager (South West) Kate Venables said regional communities thrive when education, training, and industry work together.
“This alliance strengthens the connection across vocational training and higher education to ensure local voices shape innovative, place-based solutions,” Ms Venables said.
Foundation members include 糖心视频 and TAFE Queensland, supported by regional development organisation Toowoomba and Surat Basin Enterprise.
Membership will expand to include schools, community organisations, education providers, employers, and government agencies committed to improving educational outcomes and economic prosperity across Southern Queensland.
The Southern Queensland Education Alliance will:
· Build clear and inclusive education-to-employment pathways
· Advocate for targeted infrastructure and funding in regional areas
· Align education and training with emerging industry and workforce needs
· Support lifelong learning and engagement across all communities
The formation of SQEA responds directly to priorities outlined in the Australian Government’s Higher Education Accord, including improved access, stronger regional partnerships, and deeper collaboration across the education and training sectors.
The Accord aims to lift the tertiary education attainment rate to 80% of the working-age population by 2050.
The launch of the Southern Queensland Education Alliance marks the beginning of a coordinated, place-based strategy to unlock education-led development and influence policy reforms from the ground up.
