CUC Bass Coast supports local PhD Graduate through lifelong learning journey

Country Universities Centre (CUC) Bass Coast is proud to celebrate the achievements of local scholar, Dr. Rees Quilford, who recently completed his PhD in Media and Communications, after a decade-long journey of persistence and intellectual curiosity.

Growing up in Wonthaggi and a former student at Wonthaggi Secondary College, Rees is an example of what’s possible when students from regional communities are supported to pursue their passion.

Rees’ educational journey has taken him far beyond the Bass Coast, but it has also brought him back home for his PhD—a creative practice research project rooted in the region.

“Even though I’ve spent much of my career in Melbourne, the focus of my PhD was always the Bass Coast…It explored our connections to place, and how our communities, personal histories, and the land are deeply intertwined,” said Rees. 

Rees currently works as Associate Director in the Future Students Division at the University of Melbourne, overseeing recruitment and admissions for the Faculty of Arts and the Faculty of Fine Arts and Music. Prior to that, he worked across multiple roles in universities, government, not-for-profits and consulting, with a focus on strategic communications and engagement.

His PhD, undertaken through RMIT, took him about ten years. Amidst life, loss, the pandemic, and becoming a father, Rees remained committed to completing the research. And while his professional life is based in the city, his PhD was grounded in the Bass Coast and supported locally through CUC Bass Coast.

 “There were times when I was almost full-time in the centre, especially in the latter part as it provided a separation from home and a dedicated space to focus. There’s also a great community of interesting, engaged, and likeminded people.”

Rees’ story highlights how CUC Bass Coast supports students across the full spectrum of higher education, from undergraduate study right through to a PhD.

“One of the advantages metro students often have is being able to live at home while they study, if they choose to. A place like CUC gives students a choice and the opportunity to grow through higher education, without necessarily needing to leave the community.” said Rees 

CUC Bass Coast Centre Manager Sarah Bourke said Rees embodies what’s possible when regional students are empowered and supported.

“Ree’s story shows that learning doesn’t have to stop after high school or an undergraduate degree. It also speaks to the broader mission of the CUC, which is to make higher education more accessible and viable for regional students, across all stages of life.”

For more information, please give the team a call on 0472 741 451 or click here.