The Country Universities Centre (CUC) Southern Shoalhaven officially opened today to support local students to study by distance at any Australian education institution.
CUC Southern Shoalhaven received $785,000 in Australian Government funding for its establishment and operation as part of the Government’s required commitment to provide and expand tertiary education in the regions.
Adding to this was the NSW Government’s contribution of $1.27 million to the project.
Member for Gilmore, Fiona Phillips said of the project when in July, 2021:
"This centre will have a dedicated learning and study space and support locals studying at university. Aimed to drive change by helping our young people and people of all ages have greater access to university studies locally.
"Thanks to Centre Manager, Adam, for showing me around. I can’t wait to see this opened and ready for use".
The new centre joins the 24 other Regional University Centres already open across Australia.
The CUC Shoalhaven website says of the project:
"In early 2019 the opportunity to implement a Country Universities Centre in the local district was floated with several business and community representatives.
"Over the next few months a Steering Committee was established to develop a formal business case for State and Federal funding needed to establish a CUC in our Ulladulla region.
"Extensive community consultation to support our business case was conducted and found that sentiment for the concept was indeed overwhelming. Our submission was successful and after an initial phase Grant negotiations a Board of Directors was installed and the search for a site for the Centre began".
The facilities will offer a greater opportunity for local students to engage in and successfully complete their studies with access to technology and high-speed internet, administrative and academic support.
The centre is community owned and operated, and governed by a locally based board. Students will be supported by Centre Manager Adam Gowen, 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.
More information about CUC Southern Shoalhaven can be found at: www.cucsouthernshoalhaven.edu.au
Photos: CUC Southern Shoalhaven
