Regional university centre to open at Atherton

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Tablelands residents who want a university education will soon be able to do their studies without leaving home, with a Regional University Centre due to open at Atherton next year.

Vocational Partnership Groups (VPG) Atherton has secured Federal Government funding to become one of eight new centres in the expanded Regional University Centres program.

The program was introduced in 2018 to help students in rural and remote areas to access and complete higher education without having to leave their community.

So far, 26 centres are operating across Australia, with the extra eight due to open next year.

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VPG chief executive, Maryanne Tranter, said the Tablelands University Centre would provide support and facilities to facilitate local access to tertiary education.

“The Tablelands University Centre will aim to drive positive change in regional education to ensure our youth and wider community have access to quality post-school opportunities and networks.

“Our service centre already offers dynamic and flexible learning and study spaces, ideal for individual and group learning.

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Ms Tranter says Central Queensland University and James Cook University will support the Tablelands University Centre, with both institutions keen to increase education pathways in the region.

“Our university partners will deliver learning online for undergraduate courses, such as education, nursing, social work, psychology, and engineering, and have committed to in-person education support as enrolments grow.

“Students will also have access to an on-site education coach at VPG to enhance learning experiences and maximise study success.

“Atherton has strong school completion rates, and in the past, young adults have needed to leave the community to pursue education.

“Often, they are not returning, contributing to skill shortages across key industries.

“To understand and respond to local needs of Atherton and surrounding communities, a regional university reference group will be established, made up of key industry, business, and community representatives.

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Tablelands Regional Council Mayor, Rod Marti, said the announcement is “very big news” and will help address workforce skills shortages.

“The opportunity for local people to participate in education opportunities, vocational and tertiary, has significant flow-on effects for our community, especially allowing people to improve their skills and qualifications while staying right here.

It’s expected the Tablelands University Centre will attract students from the Tablelands region, as well as Mareeba and Etheridge shires.

VPG expects about 100 students in the first year of operation, with increases in subsequent years.

VPG is a not-for-profit community organisation delivering services aimed at youth, families, industry, and communities in FNQ for 24 years.