THE HON. JASON CLARE MP
MINISTER FOR EDUCATION

SENATOR THE HON. ANTHONY CHISHOLM
ASSISTANT MINISTER FOR EDUCATION

ASSISTANT MINISTER FOR REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT

SENATOR JANA STEWART
MUTTHI MUTTHI AND WAMBA WAMBA

SENATOR FOR VICTORIA

A new Regional University Study Hub officially opened today in Victoria’s Mallee region, bringing university closer in the Swan Hill area.

Country Universities Centre Mallee is the fourth Regional University Study Hub to open in regional Victoria and the evidence shows that where they are, university participation and completion goes up.

About 80 students are already registered with the Hub and studying in areas such as health, education, society and culture, and management and commerce through universities including Charles Sturt University, La Trobe, Deakin and Swinburne.

There are currently 34 existing Regional University Study Hubs located across the country. In response to the Universities Accord Interim Report, the Government will double the number of University Study Hubs across Australia.

We will invest $66.9 million to establish 20 more Regional University Study Hubs, and up to 14 new Suburban University Study Hubs in the outer suburbs of our major cities.

The current 34 Hubs support more than 3,400 students, studying more than 1,000 different courses, through more than 200 tertiary education providers.

They provide spaces to support students, including those from low socio-economic backgrounds, First Nations students and people with disability.

For more information on Country Universities Centre Mallee, visit here.

Quotes attributable to Senator for Victoria, Jana Stewart:

“The Albanese Labor Government understands the importance of listening to our local community – and what communities are telling us is they want access education closer to home.

“These opportunities weren’t around when I graduated from Swan Hill College. I know the new Regional University Study Hub will create opportunities for young people in the Mallee.

“This is just another way Labor is delivering on education in our regions and giving us country kids the best start in life.”

Quotes attributable to Minister for Education Jason Clare:

“Today, almost one in two young people in their 20s and their 30s have a university degree. But not everywhere. Not in the outer suburbs and not in regional Australia. 

“The Universities Accord makes it clear that we need more people from the regions and outer suburbs to get a university qualification. 

“I want more young people to get a crack at going to university and we know that postcode is a massive barrier for young people getting that chance.  

“The evidence is that where University Study Hubs are, university participation goes up and that’s why we’re doubling them right across the country.

“Bringing university closer to where you live will encourage more people who otherwise might decide not to go to university at all to give it a crack.”

Quotes attributable to Assistant Minister for Education and Regional Development Senator Anthony Chisholm:

“People from regional, rural and remote Australia are almost half as likely to obtain a university qualification compared to people living in the city.

“This new Hub is an important way in which we are removing barriers to undertaking tertiary education for young people living in Swan Hill and the surrounding region.

“The Hub will help build the skills base in the region, helping local residents get the qualifications they need to fill local jobs.”