Country Universities Centre reaches record 200 students

Today the Country Universities Centre (CUC) Bass Coast celebrated its largest ever milestone of 200 student registrations.

Located in Wonthaggi, CUC Bass Coast offers a free study and learning space for individuals pursuing degrees, diplomas or Certificate IV qualifications through any Australian university or higher education institution.

Centre Manager, Sarah Bourke, said the team was thrilled to have reached this milestone number of registrations, demonstrating the work they are doing is being well received and recognised in the community.

“There’s a real vibrancy in the Centre and it’s a positive place to be. Everyone who is coming here is choosing to advance themselves and their career, and there’s very much a sense of care and community,” said Sarah.

“Research shows people living in regional and rural parts of Australia are 50 per cent less likely to engage in higher education, which is really staggering. This is why these Country Universities Centres have been developed to address that gap.

“A large majority of our students are working full time, have family and other commitments, so our Centre provides options for local people to engage in higher education, without having to leave our beautiful community,” she said.

“Over 60 per cent of our students are working while studying, so the Centre also provides that additional space, other than work and home, to feel supported and connected to other learners.”

CUC Bass Coast Founding Board Director and Current Treasurer, Danny Luna, said the Board has received a lot of positive feedback from students, including those who have graduated, about what a wonderful facility it is.

“We’re finding that students are getting so much more done here than at home, not only because it’s a quiet, well equipped and friendly environment, but also because it takes you out of that home environment and gives you a different space that’s easier to study and focus,” said Danny.

“We also want to thank the Bass Coast Shire Council, who have been hugely supportive in providing this space for us, basically rent free. The initial funding to convert the building into this facility was provided by the Federal Government, but the ongoing support from the local council has been greatly appreciated,” he said.

Board Chair, Martin Keogh, said: “reaching 200 students is more than just a number—it affirms the heart of our mission.”

“At CUC, we’ve always believed in creating a space where regional students feel supported, connected, and empowered to succeed without leaving their communities. It means a great deal to us all to know that our care and commitment is making a meaningful difference in their lives,” he said.

CUC Bass Coast is one of three affiliated Regional University Study Hubs in Victoria—Wonthaggi, Wangaratta and Swan Hill—and part of a network of 56 hubs that support over 15,000 regional and remote students across the country.

“We’re really honoured to have the largest number of registrations in the State, and we’ve also seen the difference it makes having a connected and supportive environment, where students feel comfortable to approach us for localised support in their studies,” Sarah said.

“We have an incredible team that provide academic support in building essential study skills to help guide students through assignments, time management, referencing, exam preparation, and research strategies. These sessions help students remain engaged and develop the core skills needed for successful independent learning at university.”

When asked what’s next for CUC Bass Coast, Sarah said: “We’re not going to stop here. We’re keen to continue to work with key universities, training organisations and service providers to support their outcomes in retaining local people, building their capacity and addressing workforce gaps and shortages.

“We have a cohort of students graduating from a range of different degrees each year, so we’re always looking to connect with local organisations that may want to engage students for work placements or future employment opportunities.

“Strengthening our engagement with schools through the FutureBound widening participation program is also a key priority for us. The earlier we can work with young people and get them thinking about their future aspirations, the better. We’ve already had double the number of students under the age of 25 register so far this year, which demonstrates the response from these programs,” said Sarah.

CUC is a dedicated local learning hub that collaborates with schools, tertiary partners, and other educational organisations to expand opportunities for students throughout the region. Students have access to the Centre seven days a week, providing high speed technology, academic mentoring and a network of like-minded students to create a community learning environment.

For more information, please give the team a call on 0472 741 451 or visit www.cucbasscoast.edu.au