Mallee, is on the horizon

Higher education students in the Swan Hill region are set to benefit from a new Country Universities Centre, soon to be based in Swan Hill.

Country University Centre’s help students in regional and remote areas access higher education, without having to leave their community. They provide student support and campus-style facilities, for students who study online.

Swan Hill Rural City Council CEO Scott Barber said Council was absolutely delighted that following an extensive funding application process, the Centre had recently been approved.

“This is a magnificent outcome. The Centre will be an asset for our community and a real gamer changer for our local residents.

Mr Barber said the application was in response to Swan Hill’s pressing need to increase the availability and access to higher education opportunities, for all members of our community, but in particular young people.

“Our new Country Universities Centre based in Swan Hill will help address one of biggest challenges faced by regional and remote university students, which is the absence of a campus environment that can provide a safe study space and face to face support.

The establishment of this exciting new facility will address the needs of current and aspiring local students across the region, facing unique higher education study challenges, including the high costs of relocating for study as well as the social dislocation associated with having to move away to attend university,” he said.

Mr Barber said that the application had received strong widespread support from all sectors within the community.

“It is exciting to imagine a future for our region that offers additional educational opportunities for youth and students that enables them to stay, study and grow within their home town.

“Council cannot wait to watch Country Universities Centre – Mallee, come to life,” Mr Barber said.

To find out more about the program, please visit: https://www.education.gov.au/regional-university-centres