Fiona M. Haslam McKenzie

Abstract. Many rural, regional and remote areas of Australia have struggled with environmental degradation for some time. At the same time, it has been a challenge maintaining regional development and environmental management professionals in the field because of a concern for lack of professional support and a dearth of opportunities to formally upgrade professional skills. The Institute for Regional Development at the University of Western Australia has developed an online post-graduate program that offers opportunities for professionals to remain in their communities while also upgrading their professional qualifications. The unexpected benefits of the program has been a nationally based network of students working in the area who are openly discussing issues and working together to find solutions to environmental problems irrespective of location.