Australian Government to support more Tasmanian students

Students in the North West of Tasmania will be better supported while pursuing tertiary education opportunities, with the Australian Government funding a pilot satellite Regional University Centre in Circular Head.

The new satellite centre, which is to be pilotted by the Study Hub West Coast Regional University Centre in Zeehan, will provide a valuable outreach program to increase student capacity, education and employment outcomes in the region.              

Minister for Education and Youth Alan Tudge said the Australian Government is committed to investing in regional and remote education.

“Our Government has established 25 Regional University Centres across Australia to ensure regional students have more opportunities to further their education while staying in their local communities,” Minister Tudge said.

“Thanks to our investment, regional and remote students will be able to continue to contribute to their local communities while also accessing the same high-quality education offered to students in larger metro areas.

“We’re removing barriers to entry and ensuring that all regional students have more opportunities to study.”

Minister for Regional Education, Senator the Hon Bridget McKenzie said the Government’s investment came about after listening to the needs of the local community.

“The Circular Head Council asked for the Study Hub West Coast to extend its operations as an outreach program, and we’ve listened to the needs of the community,” Minister McKenzie said.

“All Australians, regardless of where they live, should have access to quality education opportunities.”

Federal Member for Braddon Gavin Pearce said the new Centre will empower students and local communities in Tasmania.

“The Study Centre Circular Head will provide both study and employment opportunities in Circular Head, and deliver real benefits to both students and the wider community,” Mr Pearce said.

“Importantly, this centre will help to upskill and reskill students, producing job-ready graduates who can contribute to the region’s pandemic recovery.”

More than $300,000 will be invested to set up and support the centre through to June 2022.