The Hon. AILEEN MacDONALD (10:06): I move:

(1)That this House affirms its support for the University of New England as the first Regional University in Australia.

(2)That this House notes that:

(a)on 1 February 2024 the University of New England celebrated its seventieth anniversary;

(b)the University of New England was established on 1 February 1954; and

(c)the University of New England became the first regional university in Australia after having been a college of the University of Sydney.

(3)That this House notes that:

(a)the platinum jubilee commemorates the ongoing influence of first vice-chancellor, Robert Madgwick, and first chancellor, Sir Earle Page;

(b)the University of New England is set on 74 hectares featuring the original homestead and combines heritage with modern academic, sporting recreational and accommodation facilities; and

(c)the event gives rise to another 70 years of prosperous academic and community service.

(4)That this House calls on the Government to acknowledge and support the University of New England, a bastion of northern New South Wales.

Motion agreed to.