Works to commence on regional uni hub in Warwick

A long-awaited satellite regional higher education study facility has received the green light to go ahead in the Southern Downs. See when the learning facility is predicted to be fully operational here.

Construction is soon to commence on the Southern Downs' regional uni hub to be located on Palmerin St in Warwick. Photo: SDRC media

A steadfast banding together of Southern Downs Regional Council with local educational and community organisations has proved fruitful after a federal funding application for a regional university study hub was approved.

In early October 2023, Southern Downs Regional Council announced plans to bring a university learning hub to the region in a bid to keep students local, with a funding proposal submitted a month later.

University study hubs provide support to those entering or enrolled in tertiary education from any institution, with the centres providing study and meeting places and a wide range of student support and pastoral care.

The funding submission saw the partnership between council, SDIEA, TAFE, local high schools, Chambers of Commerce and not-for-profit Country University Centre group.

Southern Downs mayor Melissa Hamilton said the initiative would give a number of people the opportunity for an accessible pathway to higher education.

“We need more key workers in areas including health, education and engineering (and) often the cost in moving away from home is not affordable for everyone, and this initiative will give so many more people an accessible pathway to higher education,” Ms Hamilton said.

“The funding from the Australian government’s Department of Education will ensure that our students have access to the right resources to complete tertiary studies locally.

“What ensured our success in obtaining funding was a collaborative effort of a number of stakeholders, including council, who shared a united vision and understanding of the importance of this centre to our community.”

When completed, the centre will include quality learning spaces, meeting rooms, technology and pastoral care to provide local students with greater access to tertiary studies and improved academic opportunities while continuing to live and study locally.

A member of the centre’s development committee Scots PGC College principal Kyle Thompson said the centre would bridge the gap for students as they transition to university and other advanced education.

“The centre will create a much stronger pathway and improved support for region’s students as they move into the tertiary education sector,” Mr Thompson said.

“This gives our region’s students, both school-leavers and mature-aged, a whole new option for higher education that does not necessarily involve leaving home.”

The regional university study hub located at 163 Palmerin St in Warwick is expected to be fully operational for the start of the 2025 academic year, with recruitment for a centre manager now underway.