New Regional University Study Hub opens in Kununurra

A new Study Hub in Kununurra will help more young people in Western Australia’s Kimberly region to access higher education without the need to leave the community. Minister for Resources and Northern Australia Madeleine King has officially opened the new Regional University Study Hub in Kununurra, where students enrolled in any university or vocational education and training course can access study facilities.

Nearly half of young people in Australia have a degree but not in regional and remote Australia. In Kununurra, only around 24 per cent of young people have a degree. Evidence shows that university participation rates go up when people can access a Regional University Study Hub.

Study Hubs provide study spaces, video conferencing, computing facilities and internet access, as well as academic and wellbeing support. The new location is part of the Australian Government’s $66.9 million investment to more than double the number of University Study Hubs across the country. For more information: University Study Hubs - Department of Education, Australian Government Quotes attributable to Minister for Education Jason Clare: “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. “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.” Quotes attributable to Minister for Resources and Minister for Northern Australia Madeleine King: “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. “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.”