21 December 2023
Southern Downs Regional Council has co-ordinated a submission to the Commonwealth Department of Education to establish a regional university study hub in the Southern Downs region.
There are currently 34 regional hubs operating across Australia that provide computer facilities, internet and study spaces, as well as in-person administrative and academic skills support for students undertaking study at any Australian university.
Chair of the submission’s Development Committee Mayor Vic Pennisi said that the input and support from key educational and community stakeholders had been instrumental in building a strong case.
“The enthusiasm of our community to support and recognise the benefits of a local university study hub played a key role in presenting a united vision for our submission,” Mayor Pennisi said.
Some of the principle organisations involved to date have been the Southern Downs Industry Education Association (SDIEA), the Chambers of Commerce, TAFE, local high schools and key businesses and sectors. These industry stakeholders collaborated with Council on a persuasive proposal to establish a dedicated and suitably set-up satellite university study hub to support the region’s tertiary students in completing studies locally.
“Distance should not be an obstacle to higher learning, and creating the right pathways for accessible education greatly enhances a community’s liveability and sustainability,” Mayor Pennisi said.
“University study hubs provide infrastructure and academic support that make it possible for students to live and study locally without relocating.
“We are confident that a successful bid will bridge the gap for our promising students as they transition to university and other advanced education.
“We expect that competition for the latest round of Commonwealth Government funding will be intense, however the level of detail that Southern Downs committed to this submission, and the financial support from a number of organisations greatly bolstered our case.
“Our submission has put forward the SDIEA building in Palmerin Street, Warwick as the preferred location, though the application stresses that this initiative will outreach to all parts of our region.”
The call by the Commonwealth Department of Education to establish 10 additional regional university study hubs closed on Friday 15 December 2023 and results are expected to be announced in March 2024.
Last edited date 23 Feb 2024