Peter Skippington

For many years, Peter Skippington has lived and worked in some of Australia’s most remote communities. During those years he grew to love the stunning landscapes of the Australian outback and the warmth, openness and friendliness of the people who inhabit those communities. His work in remote and rural communities always concentrated on ensuring equitable access to products and services, especially equity in education and training opportunities. His work as a teacher in remote schools sought to help young students explore new opportunities and experiences and to expand their ambitions for themselves and their communities. During this time, he worked with students living and working in the most remote areas of the country through the renowned School of the Air. 

Later in his career, he continued to work to improve access to educational services for people in rural and remote areas of Australia through the development of national policies and strategies, which used new technologies to deliver programs and courses to adult learners. Most recently, he has explored the role of the arts in helping communities face the contemporary economic and social challenges that threaten their very existence.

Peter Skippington is currently a Visiting Scholar with The Australian National University’s Centre for European Studies (ANUCES). He holds a Bachelor of Arts (University of Queensland), a Research Masters of Education (Queensland University of Technology) and a PhD (The Australian National University) – his thesis examined the links between the arts and community development.