Country Universities Centre study hubs have officially launched for Outback Queenslanders, thanks to funding collaborations between the Australian Government, Country Universities Centres and RAPAD.
Longreach’s new hub will be situated at the town’s old Pastoral College site and will be a central location for students from Barcaldine, Bedourie, Blackall, Boulia, Jundah and Winton.
The new study hubs are set to deliver tailored services such as study spaces, high-speed internet, academic and career guidance, and well-being support.
CUC organisers aim to break the educational gap for rural Queensland students by launching these new study hubs throughout regional areas.
CUC centre manager Liza Cameron said the plans indicate the hubs to be fully operational by the start of the 2025 academic year.
“CUC hubs in Central West Queensland are set to begin supporting students in early 2025, with the majority of the Centres commencing operations in late February and early March,” Liza said.
“As preparations for the physical hubs progress, plans are being finalised to ensure that services such as academic support, flexible study spaces, and career pathway guidance will be fully available at launch.”
For its first year of operation, Liza and her team anticipate serving around 50 to 80 students from across various hubs in the Central West.
Liza shared her hopes for how the hubs would inspire and support aspiring students in the region.
“I hope that anyone with a desire to study sees distance as an opportunity rather than a barrier and feels encouraged to pursue their dreams within their own community,” she said.
“These hubs will allow school-leavers to stay at home, supported by their families while undertaking courses or qualifications they may not have otherwise had the confidence to pursue.”
Students are encouraged to get involved by reaching out to the hub, with the team happy to provide much-needed guidance and support during what can be a trying time.
CUC learning support advisor (LSA) Joy McClymont believes the study hubs will open numerous doors for community members of any age to pursue career paths that they would not have been able to access otherwise.
“Studying externally can be challenging and is often isolating,” she said.
“Having the CUC study hubs provides a place to be supported and connected so that the motivation and skills to succeed in isolation can be overcome.”
Joy’s role as an LSA involves assisting the students in managing their study load, assignments and exams, and discussing study, course and career pathways.
“We are here to create a supportive learning environment for everyone, as well as providing access to high-speed internet, technology and study resources,” Joy said.
“Opening these facilities enables students to stay within their communities to stay connected to their families and jobs while studying.”
Joy said she understands the importance of Outback Queenslander’s educational defaults and is pleased with the new innovation.
While maintaining her family’s cattle and sheep operation, Joy has had a mixture of roles ranging from teaching, operating an online health and fitness training business, Off The Track Training and now as an LSA.
Although Joy has only been in her new role since the beginning of the year, she recommends all interested parties should join the CUC team.
“Being in this role is a great way to support students within the community to achieve their career goals,” she said.
