The DE Hub: Innovation in Distance Education project was established as a central research institute to develop, facilitate and disseminate information on best practices in distance education for the Australian higher education sector. As a consortia of five higher education institutions (University of New England [UNE], Charles Sturt University [CSU], University of Southern Queensland [USQ], CQUniversity [CQU] and Massey University [Massey (2010)]. Partners are engaging in national and global collaborations on evidence-based approaches to new teaching technologies and are building capacity across the sector where appropriate. DEHub is exploring innovative modes of teaching and learning that strengthen the capacity of regional universities to meet the demands of their distance education students, and to assist rural communities enhance their economic and social sustainability.