Two Communities, One Big Day for Higher Education in Regional NSW 

The Country Universities Centre (CUC) network is celebrating a significant milestone today with two new Centres launching within the same hour. Both CUC Snowy Valleys and CUC Hay simultaneously opened their doors to local learners, creating new opportunities for students to pursue university and higher education study without leaving their communities.  

For regions where many young people have historically had to leave to access higher education, the Centres represent a turning point and reflect the strength of community driven education models and the growing role of regional towns in shaping Australia’s future workforce. 

CUC Snowy Valleys is based in Tumut and was opened by the Hon Kristy McBain MP, Minister for Regional Development, Local Government and Territories, alongside Hon Michael McCormack MP, Federal Member for Riverina, Hugh Packard, Chair of CUC Snowy Valleys and Janette Wilson, Centre Manager of CUC Snowy Valleys.

Located in a region long connected to large-scale infrastructure projects, the Snowy Valleys continues to play a critical role in Australia’s energy future with Snowy 2.0 project representing one of the largest renewable energy infrastructure developments in the country. CEO of CUC, Dr Lou Conway, said the new Centre will help build the region’s workforce of tomorrow.  

“CUC Snowy Valleys means local people can build qualifications, careers and futures in their backyard that can contribute not just to the growing needs of their community and local industries but also to nation building projects like Snowy 2.0,” said Dr Lou Conway. 

Further west, CUC Hay was formally opened by NSW Government Minister for Skills, TAFE and Tertiary Education, the Hon Steve Whan MP and Hay Shire Council Mayor and Chair of CUC Hay, Carol Oataway.  

CUC Hay is unique within the CUC network, co‑located with TAFE NSW’s Connected Learning Centre and positioned next door to Hay War Memorial High School, creating a distinctive education precinct that supports learners at every stage – from school, to skills training and university study.  

“CUC Hay shows what’s possible when education partners work together with community,” Dr Conway said. 

“By co‑locating with TAFE NSW and sitting alongside the high school, this Centre creates a visible, connected pathway for learning in Hay, and one that says higher education belongs here.” 

CUC Hay will support young people and adult learners alike as the region experiences growth and change. The Hay Shire has a strong agricultural history and industry but now sits at the forefront of Australia’s energy transition with the region expected to host significant wind, solar and energy storage projects over the coming decades.  

Dr Conway said opening two Centres on the same day was symbolic of the momentum building behind community‑led higher education. 

“These openings are about much more than buildings. They represent confidence in regional communities, belief in local leadership, and a commitment to ensuring talent can thrive no matter where someone lives.” 

 

“We know that when students don’t have to choose between education and community, they are far more likely to succeed, and far more likely to stay and contribute locally.”

Both Centres are funded under the Commonwealth Government’s Regional University Study Hub program, which allows any student, studying any higher education course access to quiet study spaces, digital connectivity, academic support and an on‑site learning community for students.