Cassowary Coast University Centre (CCUC), a strong community initiative voiced by the youth within our community, has officially opened on Friday 18 October 2024.

Utilising existing CCRC infrastructure at the Innisfail Library, this regional university study hub will provide flexible learning spaces equipped with technology, resources, and tailored support services for enrolled students. With over 30 students already registered, the hub boasts computers, high-speed internet, breakout areas, dedicated student mentoring, and academic skills support.

This facility will empower students to pursue studies and undertake courses from tertiary institutions across Australia, all while remaining close to their families and friends in the community. Additionally, the hub aims to offer tailored support for local First Nations students, who make up 20.5% of the Innisfail population.

A special thank you to Assistant Minister for Education Anthony Chisholm for attending the official opening and for his support of regional communities. Congratulations to Vocational Partnerships Group (VPG) on this significant achievement and your strong advocacy.

This project us supported by the Australian Government through the Regional University Study Hubs Program.

The Australian Government’s Regional University Study Hubs program (formerly the Regional University Centres program) takes an innovative approach to improve access to tertiary education for regional and remote students.

A Regional University Study Hub is a facility that regional students enrolled at any Australian tertiary institution can use to seek support to study tertiary courses delivered by distance.

The Regional University Study Hubs program aims to -

• Enable students in rural, regional and remote Australia to access and complete higher education without having to leave their community
• Meet a demonstrated gap in support for study in a regional, rural or remote community
• Support students who wish to stay in their community while they complete their course of study
• Enhance the experience of students studying within their own community
• Encourage strong links between the hubs and other organisations in the area, including other support services that students may access and industry
• Complement, rather than replace, existing and planned university investments and activities in regional areas, such as satellite campuses and study centres

In late 2023 Scyne Advisory was engaged by Council to complete a preliminary options assessment of a range of potential facilities to identify a preferred option that may be suitable to host a RUSH in Innisfail. Scyne’s report considered the available infrastructure in Innisfail (detailed in the Background section of this report). The facility size needed to cater for between 50 to 100 students with floor space of 200 to 250 m2 and be ready to commence operations in July 2024. Scyne’s assessment concluded that the Community Hub Space at the Innisfail Library Building Top Floor was the preferred facility for the RUSH. Read the report here!