Release type: Joint Media Release

Date:

New Regional University Study Hub opens on Norfolk Island

Ministers:

The Hon Jason Clare MP
Minister for Education
David Smith MP
Member for Bean

A new Regional University Study Hub (RUSH) officially opened today on Norfolk Island, bringing university closer for local residents.

Nearly half of young people in Australia have a degree but not in regional and remote Australia. On Norfolk Island, only around 25 per cent of young people have a degree.

The evidence shows that where Regional University Study Hubs are, university participation goes up.

The new Country Universities Centre (CUC) Norfolk Island is located at 72 Taylors Road, Norfolk Island and will offer support services and study facilities for local students enrolled at any Australian university or vocational education and training provider, without them having to leave the community.

The new location is part of the Australian Government’s $66.9 million investment to more than double the number of University Study Hubs across the country.

For more information: Regional University Study Hubs - Department of Education, Australian Government

Quotes attributable to Minister for Education Jason Clare:

“Today, almost one in two young people have a university degree. But not everywhere. Not in the outer suburbs and not in regional Australia, or communities like Norfolk Island.

“In the years ahead more jobs will require more skills.

“The Government has set a target that by 2050, 80 per cent of workers will have a TAFE or university qualification.

“To hit that target we have to break down that invisible barrier that stops a lot of people from the bush getting a crack at going to university.

“The evidence is that where Study Hubs are, university participation goes up. That’s why we are doubling the number.”

Quotes attributable to Member for Bean David Smith:

“The opening of the Country Universities Centre Norfolk Island is a great opportunity for students in our region to pursue a tertiary education while remaining connected to family, friends and local businesses and employers.

“Study hubs provide student support and campus-style facilities for students who are studying a university or TAFE course without them having to leave their community.”