Preface

The New England University College, now the University of New England, and its older and erstwhile 'more professional' opposing hill institution, the Armidale Teachers' College (for now the various areas are grouped under the rubric, Education and various Professions) - alike hold a special place in the hearts of those who have studied, taught, worked and lived within these so early founded and decentralised/non-capital city tertiary education institutions. Indeed, we recall with a smile Matthew Jordan's phrase, 'Country Colleges for Country Kids', as cited in his 'A Spirit of True Learning' (2004). Perhaps it is the unique combination of the unusually cool climate, beautiful 'high country' rural setting, rarified atmosphere - literally and metaphorically - and caring, small city ambience that has, for those students and staff on their remote Armidale campus (for both are now amalgamated on the northern hill), enhanced and intensified their New England University College/Teachers' College experiences and so many personal relationships. These were formative and first away-from-home experiences, at times unsettling and disturbing, that shaped their interests, careers, life-partners and families. In the most genuine sense, these were, above all, remarkable learning opportunities for which many of the contributors to this volume remain profoundly grateful