OPPORTUNITIES for greater choice in higher education for students in the Mallee were celebrated on Wednesday at the official opening of Swan Hill’s Community University Centre.
More than 50 people attended the newly renovated old police station in Curlewis Street, Swan Hill, giving a positive new life to the historic building.
Guest speakers included Swan Hill Mayor Stuart King, centre manager Hayden Hogan and CUC chair Anne Young.
“It is a wonderful resource for our community in many ways,” Mrs Young said.
“It means we can attract people to our region in a variety of study areas, such as the medical and health sectors and finance, for example.
“Just as importantly, it means our young people do not need to leave home to further their education.
Cr King said many young people were forced into additional financial burden when leaving home to attend university in other locations.
“It’s called the brain drain,” he said.
“Students uproot from their family, friends, sporting clubs and supports to attend further study, often in major cities, and the fact is many will not return.
“They’re forced to adapt to a new home and during their studies they make new networks and create new supports.
“By the time they have completed a three- or four-year course, they feel connected to their new location and do not bring their knowledge and skillset back to our region.
“This centre will give our community a better chance to retain those qualified people upon graduation.”
Cr King said that by increasing the study opportunities in the region, rural communities benefited from an enriched and varied population.
“Part of council’s Masterplan includes enhancing our region’s liveability to attract visitors and newcomers.
“Many of our goals are geared towards enriching and expanding our cultural aspects.
“Projects such as the development of the river precinct and art gallery attract people from outside the region to consider living here.
“By increasing the liveability, we have an increased chance to attract highly qualified and skilled people to our community.”
SHRCC councillor Bill Moar said works completed on the town hall last year prove that protecting and increasing our community assets draws better outcomes.
“We have already seen an increase in the quality of performances being held at the hall since the revamp and that is positive for the whole community,” he said.
“Being able to offer a high level of facilities, study options, services, entertainment, and cultural activities means we can draw new professionals to our region.
“Having a learning facility like the CUC ensures nobody is disadvantaged when it comes to education.
“Many people and cultures place a high priority on keeping family close and having to move away to study makes university unattainable.
“We also have adult learners who need to stay in town due to family or work commitments and the CUC allows for that.”
One of 31 centres located across Australia, Swan Hill is the fastest growing CUC to date and offers students the option to study at major universities while living at home.
High quality equipment such as computers, conference facilities, study rooms and student lounge and kitchen areas ensure the CUC is creating its own learning community where students feel a sense of belonging and support.
Mayor King also noted the benefits of keeping learners local had the flow on effect of maintaining a local workforce in diverse areas.
“Students not only study here but complete placements at our local services and businesses and hopefully go on to gain employment here,” he said.
“We know that the medical field is notorious for luring some of our brightest students away and the CUC changes that.
“We already have medical students studying and doing placements here from other locations.”
The centre began operating four months ago and Mr Hogan said the goal was to have 80 students studying there by the end of the year.
“Currently, 95 students use the facility and that has far exceeded expectations.”
Mrs Young said the centre was a dream that was 20-plus years in the making.
“Many people have been working behind the scenes for a long time to make this centre a reality,” she said.
“It means our kids can stay home while they study and that means less financial burden, more support from family and friends and more time to focus on study rather than travelling.
“It will result in a varied field of qualified community members to meet the needs of our region and draw more qualified professionals to the Mallee,” she said.
To find out more about the CUC, drop into 119 Curlewis Street Swan Hill.
