University students across Gippsland will have more opportunities to study without leaving their hometowns, in a major win for the community.
Federal Member for Gippsland Darren Chester says the decision to add five new University Study Hubs would benefit school leavers, along with people returning to study at a mature age.
Established by the previous Coalition Government, University Study Hubs were designed to keep students in regional areas by providing a campus-like environment to improve access to tertiary education.
“Sadly, Gippsland has one of the lowest tertiary education levels in Victoria and part of the problem is access to courses for people who don’t have the flexibility or the resources to move away from home, for a range of reasons,” Mr Chester said.
“Today’s announcement for a multi-site study hub to be delivered across Mallacoota, Orbost, Omeo, Heyfield and Yarram means students will no longer have to travel to Bairnsdale, Churchill or even Melbourne to complete their studies.
“The new study hub sites will allow students in diverse parts of Gippsland to access higher education without having to move away or travel long distances every day.
“The announcement builds on the existing network of 34 study hubs across the country, including one in Bairnsdale.”
The new hubs are expected to be operational within the year, with more information regarding courses and specific locations still to be announced.
Mr Chester said students who trained in regional communities tended to remain in those areas and deliver long-term benefits.
“We have a skills shortage across a range of areas and it’s well understood that students who retain a close link with their own communities are more likely to stay there,” he said.
“In areas like health and education, it’s important we train our own professionals because they are essential to the future of Gippsland.”