In 2022, UNE SMART Region Incubator hosted the wonderful Back Stories of Innovation series – a free lunchtime event that invited the community to join us at NOVA to hear from innovative local businesses, within the framework of historical New England innovation. At the end of the year, we celebrated the series (and New England businesses!) with a photographic exhibition and catalogue, Faces of Back Stories. More about Back Stories of Innovation and Faces of Back Stories HEREWe are excited to now bring you Back Stories of Innovation, 2023!

Against the backdrop of an historical backstory and overview of ‘educational innovators/innovative educators’ in our region (provided by John Atchison, Armidale and District Historical Society), we will learn more about some of the innovative research and research-based enterprise underway in our region!

Sharing their stories:

• Dr Jo Bird, Senior Lecturer in Early Childhood Education and Researcher, University of New England

• Martin Levins, School of Education Lecturer and Researcher, University of New England

• Jane Weier & Dr Jim White (UNE Adjunct Professor, Education), Australian Leadership and Communication Training

• Graham East, EdAlive

• Brendan Mooney, People Tech Revolution – and a wonderful UNE SRI founder!

These innovative educators will answer the questions:

• What is the innovation and research angle on your business/organisation?

• Why are you doing this in New England, why now?

• What’s your prediction for the future of your business / New England?

Light lunch is provided at NOVA as part of this free event.

This event is proudly funded by the NSW Government under the Bushfire Local Economic Recovery Fund and delivered in association with Armidale Regional Council.