CUC RAPAD FWQ Opens Longreach Site to Broaden Access to Higher Education

The Country Universities Centre (CUC) RAPAD FWQ is thrilled to announce the opening of its new Longreach site, the first operational hub in an ambitious plan to provide higher education access to Central West Queensland.

Assistant Minister for Education and Regional Development, Senator Anthony Chisholm and Treasurer Dr Jim Chalmers, CUC RAPADCWQ Chair Mayor Tony Rayner and CUC Founder Duncan Taylor are in Longreach today opening the site.

Assistant Minister for Education and Regional Development, Senator Anthony Chisholm, said, “Each time we open a new hub, just like this one in Longreach, we’re removing the educational barriers that can stop people from getting a tertiary qualification.”

“Regional University Study Hubs open up the doors of opportunity for young people to get an education closer to home.”

This initiative addresses the immense logistical challenges of delivering education across seven Local Government Areas in the RAPAD region, which covers an area significantly larger than the entire state of Victoria. While Victoria is home to nearly 7 million people, the RAPAD region serves just over 10,000 residents.

The sheer scale of the region is striking: driving the shortest route between the eight planned hubs—Longreach, Jundah, Barcaldine, Blackall, Birdsville, Boulia, Bedourie, and Winton—covers a distance equivalent to a drive from Melbourne to Brisbane, assuming all roads are open, which is often not the case.

Despite these challenges, the innovative RUSH (Regional University Study Hubs) program, combined with partnerships in the university sector and advances in technology, helps make supported higher education possible for even the most remote communities.

Despite this vast area, Central West Queensland has no dedicated TAFE campuses. With CUC facilities, students can access their desired course and find the support they need to complete their studies.

This model empowers people across Central West Queensland to pursue university degrees while staying in their local communities, surrounded by their support networks and the expansive country they call home.

Chris Ronan, CUC CEO, highlighted the significance of this investment, saying, “The lack of further education facilities in Central West Queensland has long disadvantaged regional students.” 

“The CUC RAPAD FWQ hubs offer a vital solution, enabling students to pursue both university degrees and digital TAFE courses while remaining in their communities. This model not only supports individual growth but also strengthens entire regions.”

Mayor Tony Rayner of Longreach Shire Council welcomed the new facility, saying, “This is an exciting and much-needed development for our community. The new CUC Longreach site provides a place where students can access the education and resources they need without leaving the region.”

By providing accessible pathways for further learning, the CUC RAPAD FWQ network not only empowers individuals but also drives economic growth, ensuring that skills, knowledge, and opportunities stay within the region.

Treasurer, Dr Jim Chalmers said, “This means more young people will learn and live in Longreach and continue to make a big contribution to this community and economy into the future.”

“Our economic plan is all about helping Australians earn more and keep more of what they earn and improving education outcomes is an important part of that.”

About CUC
The Country Universities Centre (CUC) is a network of learning hubs dedicated to making higher education more accessible to regional students. With community-owned centres across NSW, QLD, and Victoria, CUC provides local students with modern study spaces, technology, and access to academic resources and support services.