University Hub opens for Moree students

This month, the Moree community welcomed the official opening of the Country Universities Centre North West Regional Study Hub in Moree.

The hub, opened by Federal Minister for Education Dan Tehan and Federal Minister for Regional Services, Decentralisation and Local Government and Member for Parkes Mark Coulton, will provide local students with high-speed technology and campus-like facilities, supporting higher education at a local level with education support, mentors and student networks.

Mayor Katrina Humphries welcomed the opening of the hub in Moree and recognised the unique opportunities this provided local students.

“From the moment we heard of the benefits of the Country University model at a Country Mayors’ Association meeting some 2 years ago, I knew it was something that would truly work for our community.

“I am absolutely delighted with the support we have received from both the Federal and State Governments and proud my fellow councilors supported this unique opportunity. Of course, I am also grateful that my counterpart at Narrabri Shire Council, Mayor Cathy Reading shared my vision and enthusiasm for the potential for the Country University Centre model for our region.

“The Country Universities Centre will provide an opportunity residents in the Moree Plains couldn’t access previously,” explained Mayor Humphries.

“The hub will allow mature aged students, people with families and those in full-time work the ability to complete a supported tertiary education without leaving home. This is a great win for our local community; keeping skilled workers in our towns whilst still allowing them to further their education, providing greater choice and access to opportunities.

“The option to study locally will provide significant financial benefit to local families,” continued Mayor Humphries. “The cost of travelling away to study can be out of reach for many, but students will now have the opportunity to study locally with their family and friends to support them.

The new study hub is located in the old Moree Plains Shire Council building in Auburn Street and has been fitted out to replicate an on-campus environment. The hub offers high-speed technology as well as educational support with mentors and a network of fellow students.

“I am extremely proud of the hard work undertaken to see this come to fruition and of the working relationship we have established with Narrabri Shire to develop a model that will benefit not only residents in our Shires but in the whole of the North-West and into South-Western Queensland.”

Mayor Humphries concluded “this is a great achievement for our community and we should take advantage of what this brings to our doorstep.”