Regional Universities Centres Gaining Traction
Media Release: The success of Taree Universities Campus and other University Hubs is gaining attention both locally and nationally
Campus Coordinator Evan Weller at Taree University Campus’ Celebration of Success for registered students set to graduate, held in December 2022.
On July 19, the Australian Universities Accord Interim Report was released by Federal Minister for Education, the Hon Jason Clare MP, who announced that the Government will act on the five immediate actions the Accord Panel has identified.
Through its operations on the MidCoast, Taree Universities Campus contributed data to this Accord relating to the opportunities and obstacles for those studying in our region.
CEO Donna Ballard welcomes the findings and the five initiatives soon to be actioned, not least of which being the establishment of “up to 20 additional Regional University Study Hubs (formerly Regional University Centres), building on the 34 existing Regional University Study Hubs.”
“This announcement truly is a positive review of our performance here at TUC thus far,” says Mrs Ballard. “With the Federal Government committing to establish more Campuses as a matter of urgency, it indicates that our work here is seen as an effective solution to the skills shortages and education access needs that we are here to meet. This emphasises the promise of things to come for those wishing to undertake study on the Mid Coast.”
The voice of one of the Campus’s own recent graduates, Mia, reached a national audience on Triple J’s HACK program on Wednesday evening. “Taree Universities Campus helped me get local placement so that I could train up in my local area and not have to travel around NSW, which was definitely a massive help financially, because I didn’t have to pay for accommodation and I could stay home,” she said.
Jason Clare MP spoke on the practical benefits of increasing access to University when interviewed by HACK: “If you go to University and get a degree, your average income in your working life is $100,000. Whereas if you finish high school and don’t go on to TAFE or Uni, it’s $70,000. So, there is a big benefit to going to university… It’s critical in making sure you’ve got the skills you need for success in the years ahead.”
The remainder of the report from the Australian Universities Accord is scheduled to be released in December 2023.
Media inquiries:
Donna Ballard, CEO, Taree Universities Campus - M 0417 570 359
About the Australian Universities Accord: The Government has invested $2.7 million over two years from 2022–23 to deliver the Australian Universities Accord through a 12-month review of Australia’s higher education system, led by a Panel of eminent Australians. The objective of the Accord is to devise recommendations and performance targets that will improve the quality, accessibility, affordability and sustainability of higher education, in order to achieve long term security and prosperity for the sector and the nation.
Source: https://www.education.gov.au/australian-universities-accord