In the heart of Western Australia, where vast landscapes meet pristine beaches, lies the vibrant coastal city of Geraldton. It’s here, amid the stunning vistas and strong community bonds, that Natalie Nelmes has forged an inspiring path, dedicated to reshaping regional education and empowering students in ways that extend far beyond the classroom.
Natalie’s journey began with a thirst for knowledge and a penchant for exploring uncharted territory. Raised in Perth by parents who believed in the power of education, she inherited a passion for learning from an early age. Her father, in particular, instilled in her the belief that she could achieve anything she set her mind to, setting the stage for a remarkable future.
Natalie’s career trajectory has been anything but linear. She first tried her hand at economics, but after one year of study at UWA, she felt the field was not the best fit for her skills. However, her thirst to challenge herself led her to a journalism degree at Curtin University.
With a degree in hand, Natalie secured a job as a journalist in Bunbury, but in an unexpected turn of events, she realised working in journalism was not where she was meant to be. She listened to her inner voice, which whispered that there was more to explore. Following her intuition, she pivoted to a career in public relations, recognizing the allure of strategy and communications. This move opened doors to a world of possibilities she had never imagined.
Life has a curious way of surprising us, and Natalie’s journey was no exception. She found herself on the road to remote Kimberley, a world away from the bustling cities she’d known. The decision to follow her partner’s career led her to places like Halls Creek and the tropical Cocos Islands. Each new location brought unique challenges and opportunities, shaping her perspective and expanding her horizons.
It was in these remote communities that Natalie’s passion for regional education took root. Undertaking postgraduate study, she witnessed firsthand the struggles faced by students in accessing higher education in such remote locations. This experience ignited her determination to bridge the gap and provide opportunities for those who had long been overlooked.
The turning point came when Natalie embraced a leadership role at the Geraldton Universities Centre (GUC) – an institution created by her community to support students academically, administratively, and pastorally with studying university degrees remotely while living in the Mid-West. Under Natalie’s leadership, the GUC has thrived as a regional hub of higher education, and over the years, Regional University Centres have been established in other Australian regional communities. It is both a testament to the transformative power of Regional University Centres to shape the future of students and the communities they serve, and the hard work Natalie and her team, that more Regional University Centres are beginning to flourish.
One of Natalie’s enduring principles is her commitment to creating a sense of belonging. She believes that students thrive when they feel connected to their educational journey and their community. Her efforts have culminated in graduation days that are the highlight of her year, where the accomplishments of students become a testament to the impact of regional education and support.
Natalie is a passionate advocate for regional living and education. She extols the benefits of living in regional areas, including the sense of community, breathtaking landscapes, and job opportunities that can often be overlooked. She believes that regional living exposes individuals to diverse roles and experiences that can accelerate their careers in unexpected ways.
If you’re curious to learn more about the transformative experiences and educational possibilities in regional communities like Geraldton, don’t hesitate to explore further. There are a range of Regional University Centres open across the state, staffed by people like Natalie who are keen to advance educational opportunities in regional communities.
www.curtin.edu.au