CUC Bass Coast marks five years of empowering local students

Country Universities Centre (CUC) Bass Coast (BC) celebrated five years of supporting local students’ access to higher education, marking the milestone with a successful Open Day.

In Wonthaggi, CUC BC provides a free study space for students completing some form of further study. People living in regional and rural areas are 50% less likely to access higher education. CUC’s brings university support closer to home.  

The Centre’s one of four Regional University Study Hubs in Victoria and part of a national network of 56 hubs supporting over 15,000 regional and remote students in Australia.

Over 70 community members and partners attended the Open Day, touring the facilities, meeting with staff and students, and enjoying complimentary coffee and cake, while reflecting on the Centre’s achievements over the past five years.

Centre Manager Sarah Bourke said the milestone acknowledged the Centre’s growth and impact in the local community. 

“It has been great to open the doors and showcase our local learning community. The turnout last week shows there is a genuine interest in learning more about CUC and that it’s a valued resource in the community… We had 5 new students sign up on the day,” she said.

To date, CUC has supported over 550 students on their higher education journeys. With the team at CUC providing academic support, helping them strengthen their academic skills.

“Last year alone there were over 50 local students graduating from a range of different degrees, all wanting to remain local, creating a ready-made workforce,” Sarah said.

Year 12 students from Bass Coast College were among those who attended the Open Day and spoke with current CUC BC student ambassadors about their academic journey.  

CUC student Kasey, who is studying a Bachelor of Marine Science (Oceanography) at Deakin University, shared how she’s the first in her family to attend university.

“The study centre is fantastic, having the study space, kitchen, fast internet, it’s a gamechanger… You can come before or after work, study together, share tools and ideas. It’s been super helpful.”

Kasey spoke about her recent placements on Heron Island and Philip Island, working under a researcher studying the effects of algae blooms on coral spawning, and conservation for land management and sustainability.  

Another student, Aimee, is studying a communications degree at Deakin University, recently completing internships at ABC, WIN TV and TRFM, encouraging students to gain work experience to figure out what suits them best.

Strengthening engagement with local secondary schools through the FutureBound program is a key priority for CUC BCover the next two years. 

 “Research tells us that the earlier we can work with young people and get them thinking about their future aspirations, the better… We’re also keen to connect with more local industry and service providers to strengthen the pathways for our local students to gain meaningful work placement and future employment opportunities.” said Sarah.

CUC Bass Coast is dedicated to collaborating with schools, tertiary partners and other educational organisations to expand opportunities for local students.