The Cassowary Coast University Centre (CCUC), an initiative of Vocational Partnerships Group (VPG), opens its doors August 19, significantly enhancing higher education accessibility for locals in the region.
Building on the success of the Tablelands University Centre, established by VPG in 2023, the CCUC represents a major advancement for the region.
This achievement is the result of a close collaboration between VPG and foundation supporter, Cassowary Coast Regional Council (CCRC).
Located on the upper level of the Innisfail Regional Library, the CCUC features modern facilities, including computers, dual monitors, options for BYO devices, high-speed internet and comprehensive academic and wellbeing support.
The centre is designed to foster academic success with flexible learning and study spaces, catering to both individual and group needs.
Karina Messina, longtime local and now CCUC Centre Coordinator, expressed her excitement about the opening.
“VPG’s goal at the CCUC is to offer every student, regardless of their background or postcode, similar levels of support and opportunities as those in urban areas.
“We’re really excited to create a space where local students can come together, study, and access the resources they need to reach their educational goals,” she said.
Ms. Messina also pointed out the broader impact of the centre.
“By offering a local alternative to moving away for education, we’re enabling students to stay connected to their community while pursuing higher education.
“This initiative will benefit both the students and the local workforce by enhancing local skills and qualifications to address regional shortages,” she explained.
Tara Larsen, a local resident and the first student to register with the CCUC, is no stranger to remote study and shared her enthusiasm for the opening of the hub.
“I’ve always been passionate about the medical field and dreamt of becoming a doctor, a nurse, or a paramedic.
“And, recently, I developed a strong interest in diagnostics.
“To pursue this pathway, I completed a university bridging course remotely in 2023, and I’m now studying a Bachelor of Medical Sonography with CQUniversity.
“Studying remotely has definitely had its challenges.
“It can be pretty lonely and isolating at times, and I also struggle with poor internet access at home.
“Having the CCUC means I will now have the freedom of being able to come here on my own time and have a space to learn with no distractions.
“I’m also really looking forward to being able to study around other people,” said Ms Larsen.
Ms Larsen was instrumental in the 2023 advocacy campaign alongside VPG & the CCRC’s Youth Advisory Committee, to win a Regional University Study Hub for Innisfail.
Cassowary Coast Mayor Teresa Millwood welcomed Tara to the study hub.
“Supporting youth continues to be a high priority for our community and this university centre will go a long way towards that,” Mayor Millwood said.
“It’s great to see our first student join and I encourage everyone in the Cassowary Coast who’s remotely studying to make good use of it.”
The centre will be free to all registered students studying with any Australian university or tertiary education institution.
Open 7 days a week from 5am to 11pm via swipe access for registered students, the facility will have two staff available most weekdays from 9am to 4.30pm to assist with academic and wellbeing support.
Officially opening August 19, students can register now at www.ccuc.edu.au and begin accessing the centre post induction.