The Narrabri and Moree communities have welcomed the official opening of the Country Universities Centre North West Regional Study Hubs in Narrabri and Moree by Federal Minister for Education Dan Tehan and Federal Minister for Regional Services, Decentralisation and Local Government and Member for Parkes Mark Coulton.
The hubs will give students studying through an Australian university new opportunities by providing high-speed technology and campus-like facilities, supporting higher education at a local level with education support, mentors and student networks. Moree Plains Shire and Narrabri Shire Councils worked together to create a model that will not only benefit residents of the two shires, but also the North-West and South-Western Queensland.
Mr Coulton said the Coalition Government’s $829,000 investment in the hub will give local students greater choice and access to opportunities. “The cost of moving to study can be a significant burden on students and families and a barrier to going to university, so we want our children to have the opportunity to live at home and stay in their communities while still getting a tertiary education,” Mr Coulton said. “There should be equality of opportunity to access higher education for every Australian, no matter where they live. By providing more higher education and training opportunities in the Parkes electorate, we can retain skills and experience that will boost our local economy and keep our communities vibrant.”
Those seeking study opportunities in their area, are encouraged to visit cuc.org.au