CUC Southern Downs Officially Opens

The Country Universities Centre Southern Downs (CUC Southern Downs) has officially opened its doors, providing local students with a purpose-built learning space in Warwick to pursue their university studies closer to home. 

The new Centre, co-located with TAFE Queensland, was formally opened by the Hon. Anthony Chisholm, Assistant Minister for Regional Development, alongside CUC Southern Downs Chair Vic Pennisi and Country Universities Centre CEO Chris Ronan. 

CUC Southern Downs is part of the broader Country Universities Centre network, which exists to increase access to higher education for regional and rural Australians. The Centre supports students from any university or tertiary provider, enabling a wide range of local study options. It offers face-to-face academic and wellbeing support from local staff, along with high-quality study facilities, high-speed internet, and a strong local learning community. 

By being co-located with TAFE Queensland, CUC Southern Downs further strengthens local pathways across both vocational and higher education. Member for Southern Downs, James Lister, spoke at the event on behalf of Queensland Minister for Finance, Trade, Employment and Training, the Hon. Rosslyn Bates, endorsing the collaboration between CUC and TAFE Queensland. 

Chris Ronan, CEO of Country Universities Centre, said the opening of CUC Southern Downs is an exciting milestone for the community and part of a growing national effort to support community-led approaches to tertiary education and local workforce development. 

“It is fantastic to have all three levels of government supporting the Centre. Across the CUC, almost 60% of graduates go on to work for state or local government, so this Centre is a gamechanger for workforce development. 

“This Centre reflects the determination of the Southern Downs community to collaborate locally to create long-term educational opportunities in the community.” 

Centre Manager Alyce Lotz said the Centre will enable more people to access higher education and be supported to succeed without leaving the region. 

“We have a beautiful space, welcoming staff, and are ready to support anyone who walks through the door of the Centre to study and achieve their goals.” 

CUC Southern Downs is supported by funding from the Australian Government’s Regional University Study Hubs program and is governed by a local board of directors. 

The Centre joins a network of 28 CUC Centres across Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria, Tasmania, and Norfolk Island. 

CUC Southern Downs is now open and welcoming students. To find out more or to register, visit www.cucsoutherndowns.edu.au  

Media Enquiries 

Alyce Lotz 

Centre Manager 

alyce.lotz@cucsoutherndowns.edu.au