A joint application submitted by the Councils of Edward River and Berrigan Shire earlier in 2024 to establish County Universities Centres (CUCs) in both Deniliquin and Finley has been unsuccessful for a second time.
The Albanese Labor Government this week announced the ten new university hub locations with both Hay and Tumut being successful NSW applicants.
Both Councils were eagerly anticipating a positive outcome as the establishment of CUC Study Hubs would not only provide higher education opportunities for youth in the respective councils, encouraging them to stay in the region, but would offer professional development for local workers, enhancing the skills base of the region.
Additionally, the presence of CUC hubs makes regional towns more attractive to skilled professionals, encouraging them to relocate and contribute to the economic growth of the region.
Edward River Council Mayor, Ashley Hall, expressed his disappointment with the announcement, "We had a very strong application and enormous industry and community support, but this, unfortunately, was not our moment."
"We still believe our Councils are well positioned to host tertiary education hubs. With the pledges we have so far, only a further $1.5 million is required to fund a study hub in both centres for the next four years," said Mayor Hall.
Mayor Julia Cornwell McKean at Berrigan Shire agreed tertiary education opportunities are of primary importance for regional towns. "CUC Study Hubs represent tremendous potential for our region, so we will not stop now. We, along with the steering committee, will continue to lobby for Study Hubs in Finley and Deniliquin to ensure our residents, especially our young people, have access to tertiary education opportunities so they can stay and build their futures here," said Mayor Julia.
The Chair of the Southern Riverina CUC Steering Committee, Leanne Small stated, "We will receive feedback from the funding body shortly and will engage with both communities and Councils directly about what our next steps should be."
