CUC Mount Isa officially opens supporting students to study and broaden career opportunities

The Country Universities Centre (CUC) is excited to announce the official opening of CUC Mount Isa, celebrated on Wednesday 2^nd October 2024 by Mount Isa Mayor and CUC Mount Isa Chair, Peta MacRae.

Pictured: CUC Mount Isa Chair and CUC Mayor Peta McRae cutting the ribbon. 

With the strong backing of the local community and industry, CUC Mount Isa will play a key role in empowering local students to access higher education without having to leave their community.

The centre offers a well-equipped facility with quiet study spaces, breakout rooms, high-speed internet, and face-to-face academic and wellbeing support from local staff, creating a dedicated learning environment for online students in Mount Isa.

Mayor Peta MacRae expressed her pride in the centre’s potential, saying, “I am delighted to officially open CUC Mount Isa today, knowing the significant impact this centre will have on our local students. By offering free access to learning resources and support, we are removing the barriers regional students often face when pursuing further education.”

Mount Isa Mines has come on board as a Foundation Partner, reflecting the strength of local industry and community backing. This partnership will help secure the centre’s future and expand the opportunities it offers students.

Also speaking at the event, Chris Ronan, CEO of the Country Universities Centre, highlighted the critical role CUC Mount Isa will play in the local community. Mr Ronan said, “CUC Mount Isa is part of a broader movement to lift the barriers to higher education for regional students. With over 50 students already registered, this centre is a vital addition to our network, offering much-needed support for students who otherwise may not have access to the tools and services they need to succeed.”

Sean Bower, Centre Manager of CUC Mount Isa, added, “It was fantastic to be joined by representatives from across our wonderfully diverse and engaged Mount Isa community. There is a palpable sense of support and excitement for what this centre will offer. Now that we are officially open, it’s time to get on with the important work of supporting our students and the broader community.”

The opening was attended by local leaders and key stakeholders, including Deputy Mayor Kim Coghlan, Cr Travis Crowther, and representatives from Mount Isa Mines, Spinifex Senior College, James Cook University, and Central Queensland University.

CUC Mount Isa is the latest addition to the CUC network, which now boasts 22 centres across regional Australia. With its strong focus on community engagement, CUC Mount Isa will not only support students but also contribute to the development of a skilled local workforce, meeting the needs of Mount Isa and surrounding regions.

About the CUC: The CUC is a network of 22 centres across Queensland, NSW, and Victoria. Each CUC provides regional students with well-equipped facility with quiet study spaces, breakout rooms, and high-speed internet. physical infrastructure and face-to-face academic and wellbeing student services from local staff. CUCs are community-owned and run by a local, skills-based volunteer board.