Bass Coast Shire Council can tick off another of its Advocacy Priorities, with today’s funding announcement from the Federal Government to establish the Bass Coast University Centre (BCUC) in Wonthaggi.
This is incredibly significant for the Bass Coast community and those students who would prefer to continue living locally, while they study.
Bass Coast Mayor, Cr Brett Tessari, said Council has been advocating strongly for the establishment of a University Centre in Bass Coast for many years.
“Having this Centre in Wonthaggi will open up opportunities for students from across Bass Coast and surrounding areas. It will be a game changer for the whole region,” Cr Tessari said.
“For many regional students, facing the hurdles of limited access to higher education and skills training decreases the likelihood of them completing Year 12, going to university and finishing a degree.
“So, by providing a local education pathway into university, students will be supported to stay in education and reach their full potential.
“This also leads to the retention and attraction of skilled workers in our community and ultimately helps with the region’s economic development and longer-term viability.”
Chair of the BCUC Board, Martin Keogh, said the establishment of the University Centre fundamentally changes the opportunities of school leavers and mature age students, to access and benefit from tertiary education.
“The BCUC Board would like to acknowledge the excellent leadership and work of Council in initiating and developing the project,” Mr Keogh said.
“There is no doubt that this significant achievement will be life changing for many both within our community and beyond.”
Regional University Centres provide study spaces, academic support, video conferencing and other support for students studying via distance at partner universities.
It will work with existing education and university providers and attract new opportunities and pathways to support the delivery of a range of courses and programs.
It will also provide a study hub for local students designed to nurture collaboration and provide a safe and practical study environment.
