The Wuyagiba Study Hub is celebrating Melissa Andrews-Wurramarrba, the first Bachelor degree graduate from the remote community of Ngukurr in the Northern Territory in more than 36 years.
Melissa completed a Bachelor of Arts (majoring in Education) with Macquarie University, which has a strong connection to the Wuyagiba Study Hub, an education pathway in Southeast Arnhem Land. Melissa was a tutor at the Study Hub, and has received various support from the program during her time at Macquarie. The Wuyagiba Study Hub is funded through the Australian Government’s Regional University Study Hubs program.
Melissa says that finishing a bachelor’s degree from university feels like something out of a movie.
“It's huge. My family can't believe it,” Melissa said.
“The study hub is a really, really great way to have that opportunity to come and study at Macquarie, or any university, so it's a good pathway.”
“I feel like I am the key to opening that door for young people to come to university and study and to become whatever they want to be in the future.”
Melissa is already working in childhood education in her community, with plans to complete a master’s degree.
The Wuyagiba Regional University Study Hub, located half-way between the remote communities of Ngukurr and Numbulwar in the Northern Territory, opened in 2018 and has supported 140 students since it was established.
The Wuyagiba Regional University Study Hub has employed more than 60 Indigenous people from South East Arnhem Land, including the remote communities of Ngukurr, Numbulwar, Urapunga and Bulman. They are one of the largest employers of local Indigenous people in the area.
Regional University Study Hubs provide students with study spaces, IT, and internet access, as well as wrap around support, including administrative, academic skills and wellbeing support.
The Wuyagiba Regional University Study Hub is one of 32 Regional University Study Hubs currently operating across the country, with another two Regional Hubs expected to open from late 2023. An additional 20 Regional University Study Hubs will be established in 2024 and 2025.
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.
Watch our student testimonial videos to find out about the benefits of studying at a Regional University Study Hub.
For more information and to find out if there is one in your area, visit the Regional University Study Hubs page.