Moree Plains Shire Mayor Katrina Humphries, left, Northern Tablelands MP Adam Marshall, Chair of the Country Universities Centre North West Board and Narrabri Shire Mayor Cathy Redding, Centre Manager Cathy Walters, Centre Co-ordinator Sumati Chakravati-Cook, Director Alice Colbran, Councillor Mike Montgomery and Director Trudy Staines at last Friday’s unveiling.
Tuesday, 5 March 2019
SPEAKING at the ribbon cutting marking the beginning of refurbishment to the Moree campus of the Country University Centre (CUC) North West last Friday, Northern Tablelands MP Adam Marshall announced the State Government would provide an additional $8 million to fund further CUCs in country NSW.
“Our country students deserve the same opportunities as their peers in the cities, to live in their local area, close to their family and friends, while undertaking their university education,” Mr Marshall said.
“This new centre in Moree will literally change the lives of many locals, who will be supported throughout their studies in their own home town.
“Ultimately, we’ll start to see more locals undertake study thanks to what this centre will offer.”
Mr Marshall said the Moree CUC would open in May this year and provide a local study space for those who are studying by distance.
“Facilities will include high speed internet, video-conferencing and computer and print facilities as well as workshops delivered by qualified local instructors,” he said.
“As well as the great personal benefits for students, this will also help reduce the ‘brain drain’ from country regions to city areas, and allow local businesses to access local people with the qualifications to meet their needs.
“Education is one of the greatest investments we can make and since the first Country Universities Centre opened in Cooma in 2013, we have gone on to see the expansion of many more across NSW, including in Moree and Narrabri.
“Having been to Broken Hill on a number of occasions and seeing the CUC there operate first-hand, I know this model it really works; giving students in regional NSW the opportunity to complete a degree at home without having to relocate to the city, which is often disruptive and expensive.
“I cannot wait for Moree locals to have these same opportunities and I congratulate Moree Plains Shire Council for having the vision to pursue this opportunity for the benefit of the community.”