On 10 July 2023, Senator the Hon Anthony Chisholm, Assistant Minister for Education, officially opened the Country Universities Centre Cape York (CUC Cape York) in Cooktown.
The Centre is funded through the Australian Government’s Regional University Study Hubs program (formerly the Regional University Centres program).
Regional University Study Hubs help students in regional and remote areas access higher education without having to leave their community. They provide students with study spaces, IT and internet access, as well as academic skills and wellbeing support.
Almost 50 per cent of the Cape York region population identify as Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander.
Assistant Minister Chisholm says that the opening of the Centre will benefit numerous students in Cooktown and the surrounding region.
“The Centre has engaged a full-time Indigenous Engagement Coordinator to build confidence and engagement with current and potential Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students,” Assistant Minister Chisholm said.
“Importantly, it will ensure the Centre affirms Indigenous knowledge and understanding in a local context.”
Photo: Bindi Woodland and Marley Sharp
CUC Cape York already supports 21 students in areas including health, science, architecture and law.
The Hub is one of 34 Regional University Study Hubs located across the country.
The Regional University Study Hubs program is supporting more than 3400 students, who are studying more than 1000 courses through over 200 tertiary education providers around Australia.
On 18 July 2023, the Hon Jason Clare MP, Minister for Education announced $66.9 million to establish up to 20 new Regional University Study Hubs and up to 14 new Suburban University Study Hubs. This is part of the Government’s response to the Priority Actions listed in the Australian Universities Accord Panel’s Interim Report.
Watch our student testimonial videos to find out about the benefits of studying at a Regional Hub.
For more information and to find out if there is a Study Hub in your area, visit the Regional University Study Hubs page.