New study hub major win for Yarram and other East Gippsland Communities

The Federal Government will fund a new Regional University Study Hub in the East Gippsland region with five sites in Yarram, Mallacoota, Orbost, Omeo and Heyfield. 

The new Study Hub is part of a $16m announcement today by Minister for Education Jason Clare, to open 10 new Regional University Study Hubs around Australia this year, bringing university closer to students living in the the regions.

“Today, almost one in two young people in their 20s and their 30s have a university degree. But not everywhere. Not in the outer suburbs and not in regional Australia,” Minister Clare said.

“The Universities Accord makes it clear that we need more people from the regions and outer suburbs to get a university qualification. 

“I want more young people to get a crack at going to university and we know that postcode is a massive barrier for young people getting that chance,” he said.  

“The evidence is that where University Study Hubs are, university participation goes up that’s why we’re announcing 10 new Regional University Study Hubs and there’s more to come.

“Bringing university closer to where you live will encourage more people who otherwise might decide not to go to university at all to give it a crack.”

Federal Member for Gippsland Darren Chester says the decision to add five new University Study Hubs would benefit school leavers, along with people returning to study at a mature age. 

Established by the previous Coalition Government, University Study Hubs were designed to keep students in regional areas by providing a campus-like environment to improve access to tertiary education.

“Sadly, Gippsland has one of the lowest tertiary education levels in Victoria and part of the problem is access to courses for people who don’t have the flexibility or the resources to move away from home, for a range of reasons,” Mr Chester said.

“Today’s announcement for a multi-site study hub to be delivered across Yarram, Mallacoota, Orbost, Omeo and, Heyfield means students will no longer have to travel to Bairnsdale, Churchill or even Melbourne to complete their studies.

“The new study hub sites will allow students in diverse parts of Gippsland to access higher education without having to move away or travel long distances every day.

“The announcement builds on the existing network of 34 study hubs across the country, including one in Bairnsdale.”

The new hubs are expected to be operational within the year, with more information regarding courses and specific locations still to be announced.

Mr Chester said students who trained in regional communities tended to remain in those areas and deliver long-term benefits.

“We have a skills shortage across a range of areas and it’s well understood that students who retain a close link with their own communities are more likely to stay there,” he said.

“In areas like health and education, it’s important we train our own professionals because they are essential to the future of Gippsland.”