Geraldton Universities Centre (GUC) is among 16 regional university hubs to share in $24.2million of funding announced by the Federal Government today.
GUC had requested $1.8milion to enable GUC’s Growth and Regional Impact Project, expanding its facilities as well as providing additional staffing and resources for new courses and student support services.
GUC Chair Steve Douglas said the Federal assistance would allow GUC to further scale-up and continue to innovate in the best interests of students.
“GUC is providing the regional workforce needed today and tomorrow,” Mr Douglas said. “This funding will help ensure our long–term sustainability and continue to provide a replicable example for other regional communities to follow.
“Indeed, it was GUC that the Commonwealth Government cited in the Higher Education Reforms Package of May 2017 when provided this funding. GUC has provided assistance to communities including Cooma NSW, Upper Spencer Gulf in SA, and the Pilbara in our own State to help develop their aspirations for a regional study hub. These communities were also successful in receiving funding.
“We particularly wish to acknowledge our local Federal Member for Durack Melissa Price MP for her advocacy for GUC and regional university hubs as well as the Council and other key local organisations for their support.”
GUC Director Natalie Nelmes said the Growth and Regional Impact Project will see GUC bring on additional university partners and increase courses and student numbers from the 11 programs currently on offer to 300 local students in areas such as accounting, business management, teaching, nursing, psychology, social work, environmental science and engineering as well as a bridging program to help students achieve university entrance.
“We have established excellent relationships with our two current partners CQUniversity and the University of Southern Queensland in supporting these courses locally and expect to sign a new agreement with Curtin University in the next month,” Ms Nelmes said. “That agreement will see an Associate Degree in Agribusiness commence at GUC for the first time next year.
“We are also aiming to provide locally supported, dedicated Aboriginal programs, expand the opportunities for nursing students from throughout the state to study at GUC and develop a graduate entry midwifery program.
“To cater for this growth, the funding will allow us to increase our range of student services and extend our facilities. For the first time, we’ll be able to offer our students 24 hour study access.”
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For more information, call Natalie Nelmes on 9920 4403
