The Federal Government will establish a new Regional University Centre in Port Lincoln (uni-hub) to offer local students the support and modern facilities they need to undertake tertiary education.
The Government’s Regional University Centres program removes barriers for regional and remote students to access quality education opportunities and is an important step towards changing the narrative for our students.
Member for Grey Rowan Ramsey MP welcomed the announcement.
“Since the Coalition came to government in 2013, a group of my colleagues and I have worked hard to provide a fairer range of opportunities to country students to bridge the education gap between the country and the city,” he said.
“Regional members have had a series of successes in this area and the uni-hubs are certainly one of those. Todays’ announcement that a new hub will be established in Port Lincoln and another in Roxby Downs are just the latest.
“The centre will generate new jobs and opportunities in Port Lincoln, giving local people the support they need to undertake tertiary studies without having to relocate.”
Regional University Centres support tertiary students to study by distance at any Australian education institution. The funding supports local infrastructure by providing a safe, supportive learning environment, with access to technology and high-speed internet, as well as administrative and academic support services and pastoral support for local students.
“We strongly believe that all Australians should have access to a quality tertiary education, regardless of where they live,” Mr Ramsey said.
“The Centre will be operated by Uni Hub Spencer Gulf Incorporated and is one of eight new centres that will be established around Australia as part of an investment of up to $14.8 million. “For the record, UHSG has just had its funding renewed for a further four years indicating our confidence in them.”
The new centres will complement the existing 26 centres currently operating in all Australian states and the Northern Territory under the $102 million Regional University Centres program.
Minister for Regional Education, Senator the Hon Bridget McKenzie said the new centre was an exciting development for Port Lincoln.
“This centre will significantly boost higher education outcomes for the people of the Port Lincoln and surrounding regions,” she said.
“People in regional Australia are less than half as likely to complete a university degree compared with people in cities. Regional University Centres are helping communities across Australia to reverse this trend.”
The new centre is expected to be open by early 2023.
Media contact: Leonie Lloyd-Smith 8633 1744
