About
Our Story
Vocational Partnerships Group (VPG) is a not-for-profit organisation based in Far North Queensland committed to achieving real and sustainable outcomes for local communities. For 25 years, we have empowered youth, strengthened families, and brokered partnerships between education and industry by consistently delivering high quality outcomes to our stakeholders: youth, families, industry, and communities.
We strive to create places and environments that inspire and connect people with quality education and employment opportunities, ensuring active community and economic participation.
As part of our commitment to this goal, we have established two Regional University Study Hubs in Far North Queensland. The Tablelands University Centre, our first centre, and the Cassowary Coast University Centre, established in 2023 and opening in 2024 respectively, provide access to higher education through the provision of support and facilities, so locals can pursue the career they want and stay in the communities they love.
Our centres are just two of 46 Regional University Centres across Australia, forming a collaborative network to boost accessibility of tertiary education in regional, rural, and remote areas.
Our Service
At the Cassowary Coast University Centre (CCUC), we provide a welcoming face-to-face learning community that empowers local students to achieve their dreams and reach their full potential without having to leave their community. Our campus-like environment features quiet study spaces, computers, internet, and study support to facilitate a productive learning experience.
We provide comprehensive academic and personal support to help students thrive. Our VPG staff can work with CCUC students to improve their academic skills, build study skills, and navigate university and learning centre requirements. We also connect students with specialist community partners for health, wellbeing, and housing support to ensure they have the resources they need to succeed.
In addition, VPG is a specialist in brokering partnerships with industry to provide enriched work-integrated learning experiences that match the aspirations and capabilities of students with the needs of local employers. At the CCUC, VPG staff are available to guide students in their career aspirations and coordinate work placements to support the achievement of their education goals.
Our Community
Equity in learning opportunities for our students is our top priority, and as such, the centre is open to all rural and regional students who are studying university or VET courses online at any Australian institution at no cost.
We believe that every student should have the opportunity to reach their full potential, and we are committed to making that a reality.
Our Team
Maryanne Tranter
VPG Chief Executive Officer
VPG CEO, Maryanne Tranter, is a visionary leader who spearheads the Tablelands & Cassowary Coast University Centres with an unwavering passion for creating positive change in rural and regional communities. Through her exemplary leadership skills, she ensures that our University Centres stay true to their mission and values, providing high-quality services to rural and regional communities. Maryanne’s dedication to creating positive change is evident in the way she inspires her team to drive innovation and collaboration, resulting in exceptional service delivery for both students and the wider community. Maryanne holds undergraduate and post-graduate degrees in Arts (Anthropology) and Career Counselling.
Karina Messina
CCUC Centre Coordinator
Karina supports students every step of their educational journey, from access and participation to attainment and graduate employment. She holds postgraduate degrees in Psychology and Criminology and is near completion of an Information Science degree, all of which align with her commitment to human rights. Karina’s personal experience with alternative and VET pathways, combined with balancing study, work, and family life, allows her to empathise with students and help them enhance their educational experiences. She actively collaborates with students, industry, and community organisations to promote place-based higher education and VET options on the Cassowary Coast. She is dedicated to celebrating and showcasing the resilience and innovation of local communities, enhancing visibility and opportunities for future generations in the region.
Angela Wienert
Senior Business Support Officer
As VPG’s Senior Business Support Officer, Angela oversees the IT services and computing technologies at the CCUC to ensure students have the necessary tools and resources to excel in their academic pursuits. Her dedication to achieving high-quality services is evident in her role as a problem solver, providing support and advice to students on any IT-related issues they may encounter. With extensive knowledge in IT and quality assurance, Angela is an indispensable member of the VPG team. She works tirelessly to ensure that CCUC services are up-to-date and responsive to student needs. Angela is studying an Accounting Principles Skills Set course through CQU.
Join us
We invite all rural and regional students to join us at the Cassowary Coast University Centre to experience a campus-like learning environment and connect with peers while studying locally on the Cassowary Coast.
Let us invest in your aspirations, skills and capabilities to build the foundation for your education participation.