UniSQ visit highlights growing support for students in the Western Downs

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31 Jul 2026

CUC Western Downs welcomed representatives from the University of Southern Queensland (UniSQ) to Chinchilla on 14 July as part of the University’s Regional Tour, strengthening collaboration and exploring further opportunities to support students across the region.

Centre staff joined UniSQ Vice-Chancellor Professor Paul Mazerolle, members of the University’s Executive team, and local community and school representatives for a working lunch. The discussion provided an opportunity to share local insights and consider how universities and regional study hubs can work together to improve access to higher education.

Following the lunch, UniSQ representatives toured CUC Western Downs to learn more about the facilities, services and support available to local and visiting students.

The day concluded with a community event featuring a panel discussion with Professor Mazerolle, Country Universities Centre CEO Dr Lou Conway, and UniSQ and CUC Western Downs student Kaylene Lembry.

The discussion explored the regional student experience, the value of collaboration between universities and regional study hubs, and the role CUCs play in helping students succeed without having to leave their communities.

CUC Western Downs Centre Manager Alexandra Wilson-Rummenie said the visit reinforced the importance of strong partnerships in expanding opportunities for regional students.

“We appreciate UniSQ’s ongoing commitment to engaging with regional communities and look forward to continuing to work together to support both local and visiting students throughout their study journey,” Alexandra said.

A welcoming base for placement students

Supporting university placement students is one way this collaboration delivers practical benefits for the Western Downs.

CUC Western Downs has welcomed 28 visiting placement students in 2026, already surpassing the 25 students supported throughout all of 2025.

Students have travelled from across Queensland to undertake placements in nursing, medicine, pharmacy, occupational therapy, speech pathology, physiotherapy, midwifery and dietetics. They often spend several weeks or months living and working in the region while contributing to local health services and gaining valuable professional experience.

Health students are an important part of the CUC Western Downs community. Local health students and those visiting the region for placements account for approximately half of the Centre’s registered students.

During their placements, students can access the Centre’s free study facilities, high-speed internet, quiet study areas and meeting spaces. They also have a welcoming place to connect with others and continue their university studies around the demands of placement.

For many visiting students, a placement is their first experience of living and working in a regional community. Being away from their usual support networks can be both exciting and challenging, making a familiar and supportive study environment particularly valuable.

By helping students feel connected during their placements, CUC Western Downs is also showcasing the professional and lifestyle opportunities available in regional Australia.

Whether students are preparing for assessments after a day on placement, attending an online lecture or looking for a quiet place to study, the Centre provides a reliable base from which they can continue progressing towards their goals.

This support forms part of CUC Western Downs’ broader commitment to regional education and workforce development, helping students succeed during their placements while encouraging the next generation of skilled professionals to consider building their careers in the Western Downs.

CUC Western Downs Centre Manager, Alexandra Rummenie with placement students Jemma (Occupational Therapy – UniSQ) and Mutsa (Pharmacy – UQ)