The Country Universities Centre (CUC) Southern Shoalhaven opened today to support local students to study by distance at any Australian education institution.
CUC Southern Shoalhaven is receiving $785,000 in Australian Government funding for its establishment and operation as part of the Government’s ongoing commitment to tertiary education in the regions. This is in conjunction with the NSW Government’s contribution of $1.27 million to the project.
Minister for Regionalisation, Regional Communications and Regional Education Senator the Hon Bridget McKenzie said the new centre bolsters the 24 Regional University Centres already open across Australia.
“Students in the Southern Shoalhaven will benefit from the safe, supportive learning environment offered at this centre in Ulladulla,” Minister McKenzie said.
“We know students from regional and rural Australia often choose a different path to formal education after school. It is facilities like this that provide a greater opportunity for these students to engage in and successfully complete their studies.
“A student’s postcode should not define their opportunities for a good education.
“CUC Southern Shoalhaven provides access to technology and high-speed internet, administrative and academic support, and pastoral support for local students.
Senator for New South Wales, Senator Perin Davey said that the Australian Government continues to offer more opportunities for people in the region, without having to leave home.
“Chair of the CUC Southern Shoalhaven Board Wayne Dedden said the centre is community owned and operated, and governed by a locally based board,” Senator Davey said.
Local Member for South Coast Shelley Hancock said the community is looking forward to officially welcoming students when the CUC formally opens in February next year.
“This is a world class investment to further educational opportunities for people of the South Coast,” Minister Hancock said.
“It means that students will have more opportunities in the region to study, without leaving home and will encourage greater uptake of local jobs.”
The centre is community owned and operated, governed by a locally based highly skilled board.
“We are certainly pleased to announce this significant milestone,” Mr Dedden said.
“This centre will bring degrees closer for our local communities to succeed in their ongoing education and realise their dreams.”
Students will be supported by Centre Manager Adam Gowen. Mr Gowen is a Wiradjuri man with cultural connections to Yuin Country, who is passionate about the Shoalhaven and Higher Education. Having lived in Ulladulla for more than 25 years he is keenly aware of the obstacles local university students face.
CUC Southern Shoalhaven was one of nine new centres funded under the Australian Government’s $74.2 million Regional University Centres program announced in June 2020.
