Today's official opening of the Tablelands University Centre in Atherton is an exciting new opportunity for local students in the region to set their sights on completing university without having to leave their local area.
Assistant Minister for Education and Regional Development, Senator Anthony Chisholm said the opening of the new Regional University Centre gives students in the Tablelands region access to first-class facilities and a quality tertiary education within their community.
"The opening of the Tablelands University Centre will benefit students from Atherton, as well as across the Mareeba and Ethridge Shires," Assistant Minister Chisholm said.
"Current TUC students study a wide range of tertiary courses including education, engineering and agriculture. Many of these students will go on to work in areas of the local economy that are currently experiencing shortages, which will further benefit local communities throughout the Tablelands region."
This facility is one of eight new Regional University Centres expected to open from this year, building on the 32 operating in all states and the Northern Territory.
"The Albanese Government firmly believes all Australians should have the same opportunities to access a quality education" Assistant Minister Chisholm said.
"Regional students are almost half as likely to get a higher education degree, compared with students living in our large cities. These centres help to fill the gap in higher education support across Australia's regional or remote areas."
Regional University Centres provide local study spaces, video conferencing, computer facilities and internet access, as well as academic skills and wellbeing support for students studying via distance with any Australian university or vocational education provider.
TUC is operated by the Vocational Partnerships Group, a not-for-profit organisation which aims to provide quality education and employment opportunities for students looking to access higher education within their local communities.
