As CSU celebrates its annual Foundation Day this week, the institution released an Economic Impact Report to demonstrate its “positive impact” on regional economies.

CSU commissioned the Western Research Institute to undertake an analysis of its economic impact for 2016.

Overall, CSU contributed more than $1 billion and 5300 full-time equivalent jobs across its regional campuses. More than $365m was in the central region, which includes Bathurst, Orange and Dubbo; with nearly $26m in the north and more than $660m in the southern region.

Acting CSU vice chancellor Jenny Roberts said the report confirmed the university’s place in regional Australia and its commitment to the building of strong and vibrant cities, towns and communities in NSW and Victoria.

“From the local businesses who benefit from the non-local students and their visitors to the opportunities CSU research investment dollars bring, it’s heartening to see we have such a positive impact,” she said.

The report stated that the main industry sectors to benefit from CSU in terms of full-time employment were: health care, social assistance, retail, food services and accommodation.

In producing the report, the economic impact of the university’s operations and non-local students on the regions of its main campuses in NSW were measured.

Across all the regions, the report pointed to stronger Gross Regional Product (GRP), household incomes and full-time employment.

“The publication of the report on Foundation Day is symbolic in our role as a foundation of the community contributing growth and local employment, as well as boosting household income in the regions,” Ms Roberts said.

Foundation Day is held every year to mark the establishment of the university with the signing of the Charles Sturt University Act on July 19, 1989.