CUC North West chair Cathy Redding has officially handed over the keys to the newly-appointed centre manager Cathy Walters.

Mrs Walters will be based in Narrabri and will make regular trips between the Narrabri and Moree campuses to ensure students are supported in their tertiary education endeavors.

She will be supported by a centre co-ordinator who will be based at the Moree campus and will take up their position early in 2019.

Last week Minister for Education Dan Tehan announced the CUC North West will receive $85,000 of federal government funding to go towards the redesign and fit-out of the two premises that will house the Country University Centre campuses; the former Neighbourhood Centre in Doyle Street, Narrabri and the former Moree Shire Council building in Auburn Street, Moree.

The two campuses will be fitted out with new rooms, workstations spaces and amenities to simulate an on-campus environment.

“We are hoping the renovations should be finished early in the new year,” Mrs Redding said.

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While refurbishments of the two campuses take place, Mrs Walters will be operating from the Narrabri and Moree Shire Council buildings. She can be contacted on 0429 594 198 or through the CUC North West Facebook page.

Mrs Walters will begin holding information sessions at schools and businesses ahead of the first intake of students at the beginning of next year. 

Registration to use the Country University Centre facilities will be free of charge. Students will have swipe card access to the centre from early in the morning until late at night.

The non-profit Country Universities Centre provides students in regional, rural and remote communities with better access to the tools they require to excel in tertiary education.

According to CUC CEO Duncan Taylor, the organisation is revolutionising the model for tertiary education in country areas:

“We’re really seeing some significant results in the communities where we have already established study hubs, so naturally we’re thrilled that the federal government is enabling us to expand this successful model,” he said.

Australian Bureau of Statistics data from 2017 shows that regional students participate half as much in tertiary education as their metropolitan counterparts. A recent student survey revealed that 99 per cent of CUC students felt that their Centre helped to improve their academic results.

Those seeking study opportunities in their local regional, rural or remote areas, are encouraged to visit cuc.org.au.