A new Regional University Study Hub has officially opened in Kununurra, giving students in Western Australia's Kimberley region access to higher education facilities without having to leave their community.
Minister for Resources and Northern Australia Madeleine King officially opened the hub, which is available to students enrolled in any university or vocational education and training course.
The need is clear. While nearly half of all young Australians hold a degree, that figure drops to around 24 per cent in Kununurra. Evidence shows that university participation rates increase where Regional University Study Hubs are located.
The Kununurra hub offers study spaces, video conferencing, computing facilities and internet access, along with academic and wellbeing support. It is part of the Australian Government's $66.9 million investment to more than double the number of Study Hubs across the country.
Minister for Education Jason Clare said the opening reflects a broader push to remove barriers to higher education for people outside major cities.
"Today, almost one in two young people have a university degree. But not everywhere. Not in the outer suburbs and not in regional Australia, or communities like Kununurra," he said.
"In the years ahead more jobs will require more skills. The Government has set a target that by 2050, 80 per cent of workers will have a TAFE or university qualification. To hit that target we have to break down that invisible barrier that stops a lot of people from the bush getting a crack at going to university. The evidence is that where Study Hubs are, university participation goes up. That's why we are doubling the number."
Minister King said the hub would benefit both students and the broader region.
"The study hub in Kununurra will give more opportunities for young people in the East Kimberley to improve their skills and qualifications by studying for a degree or TAFE qualification," she said.
"This is a great opportunity for students in the region to achieve their goals while remaining connected to family and friends, as well as local businesses and employers. Study hubs provide student support and study facilities for a university or TAFE course without them having to leave their community."
Click here to read the joint media release
