Vicki Williams wants to encourage everyone in the greater Katherine area to access further education and training, in her new role as the Campus Administrator for Charles Darwin University’s (CDU) Katherine campus.
Ms Williams comes to CDU from the NT Department of Health and Community Services, where she has been the Manager of Katherine Services through the Aged and Disability Program for the past eight years.
Having achieved her goals of building community networks and a good range of services for Katherine in this role, Vicki said she was looking forward to a new challenge at CDU.
“This new position includes networking and building relationships and marketing CDU to the Katherine community so it’s a great opportunity and very exciting,” Ms Williams said.
The Campus Administrator position is one of four identical new positions across CDU which contribute to a strengthening of the University’s regional and remote presence in the Northern Territory.
Vicki Williams’ responsibilities will include providing support to staff and students at the Katherine campus (formerly the NT Rural College) and the town annexe located at the Katherine Training Centre.
Lifelong education has been very important for Ms Williams, who is a Registered Nurse and Midwife, has completed a Bachelor of Applied Science and a Graduate Diploma in Health Administration and is now studying a Certificate IV in Horse-riding Coaching as an external student.
Ms Williams said she is interested to find out the barriers to people taking up study and encouraging skilled and qualified people in Katherine to become CDU lecturers so Katherine residents have greater access to training and higher education.
“I don’t believe knowledge should be a secret. It should be shared, and if I can share information that will improve someone’s life or motivate them, that’s my goal,” she said.
The Pro Vice-Chancellor, Community and Access, Mr Don Zoellner, welcomed Ms Williams’ appointment as an important addition to the continued development of the University’s presence in the Katherine and Rivers region.
He acknowledged the important role played by Mr Bronte Cooper who has built a strong asset for the town as the Campus Leader in Katherine for the past two years.
“Mr Cooper will now use his extensive experience and skills in the further development of the University’s programs in remote areas a Remote Field Officer for the Top End,” Mr Zoellner said.
He also acknowledged the work of Mr Brian Heim, who will remain at the Katherine Campus, (formerly the NT Rural College), with a stronger focus on academic and research offerings while retaining an interest in rural operations and continuing his excellent relationships with the community.