Good news story: CQUniversity Chancellor's visit GUC

Geraldton Universities Centre (GUC) welcomed both the Chancellor and Vice Chancellor of their largest partner CQUniversity to Geraldton on Monday 20 February.

Graeme Innes AM was installed as CQUniversity Chancellor in December 2022.  A well-known lawyer, author, disability advocate and company director, Graeme provided an address to GUC stakeholders and students on meeting work force challenges through regional education and inclusion initiatives.

Graeme was introduced by CQUniversity Vice Chancellor Professor Nick Klomp who has visited GUC on a number of occasions including GUC’s annual Graduation Ceremony.

The pair met with the GUC Board prior to the address to discuss both the partnership and the University Accord process currently underway by the Federal Government.

“This is a unique occasion,” GUC Director Natalie Nelmes said.  “GUC has never had both the Vice Chancellor and Chancellor of any university visit us together and speaks to the depth of the relationship we have with CQUniversity.”

GUC began supporting CQUniversity courses in Geraldton with face-to-face academic, administrative and pastoral support in 2011.  More than 170 CQUniversity students have since graduated at GUC with a further 26 expected at GUC’s April ceremony.  Three Faculty medallists feature amongst these graduates.

“Importantly, in the 10 years we have supported CQUniversity’s STEPS bridging program, 278 local students have gained university entrance to start them on their higher education journey,” Ms Nelmes said.

“The partnership with CQUniversity has been transformational, both for GUC and the Geraldton community that they help us to support.”