The Country Universities Centre (CUC) Southern Shoalhaven in Ulladulla was officially opened today, enabling more students in the region to access and participate in tertiary study without needing to relocate.
CUC Southern Shoalhaven has received $785,000 in funding from the Liberal and Nationals Government under the Regional University Centres program. This is in conjunction with the NSW Government's contribution of $1.27 million to the project.
Since opening in December 2021, CUC Shoalhaven is already supporting around 50 local students at 16 institutions across Australia to undertake study via distance.
Minister for Regional Education, Senator the Hon Bridget McKenzie officially opened the Centre today and said that a student's postcode should not determine their ability to access quality tertiary education.
"We know that students from regional areas are half as likely to obtain a higher education degree than their metropolitan peers," Minister McKenzie said.
"Our Government's Regional University Centres program removes barriers for regional and remote students to access quality education opportunities and is an important step towards changing the narrative for our students.
"The official opening of CUC Southern Shoalhaven today delivers more opportunities for school-leavers and those seeking to reskill in south-east New South Wales.
"Some of the most popular areas of study include health and education, and these critical skills will address skills shortages which are vital for the region's COVID-19 recovery and future prosperity," Minister McKenzie said.
Chair of the CUC Southern Shoalhaven Board, Wayne Dedden said, "We are certainly pleased to announce this significant milestone."
"CUC Southern Shoalhaven has been operating for three months and already has over 50 registered students. We want more people in and around Southern Shoalhaven to remain in their local area, study successfully and develop the skills and qualifications that will help them secure local jobs," Mr Dedden said.
Mr Dedden expressed his appreciation to the Government for their significant funding contributions.
"We are extremely grateful for the support we have received. Without funding from the NSW and Federal Government, we wouldn't be standing in the CUC Southern Shoalhaven today," Mr Dedden said.
The Centre provides infrastructure and services that enable regional students to study courses locally from any Australian tertiary education provider.
CUC Southern Shoalhaven is one of 26 Regional University Centres the Australian Government has established under the $74.2 million Regional University Centres program. Regional University Centres are open in all states and the Northern Territory.
In 2021, the Regional University Centre program supported more than 2400 students to access tertiary education opportunities whilst remaining in their local communities.
