Regional University Hub receives tick of approval
RDA AHFKI, in conjunction with the Regional Council of Murray Bridge, is thrilled to announce that our submission for a Regional University Study Hub in Victor Harbor has been successful, following the announcement on Monday, 25 March by the Hon Jason Clare MP, Minister for Education.
The study hubs are part of a $66.9 million initiative by the Albanese Government, intended to remove barriers for regional students across Australia in accessing high-quality tertiary education.
The South Coast Study Hub will be located at TAFE SA Victor Harbor, providing more accessible, affordable, and high-quality education opportunities closer to home for Fleurieu tertiary students. Limited and costly public transport options have historically posed significant obstacles for regional students, making regular commuting to Adelaide universities financially burdensome and logistically challenging.
We anticipate that by providing an accessible, high-quality space for students to study, seek assistance and spend time with their peers, the hub will address the longstanding challenges hindering access to higher education and empower Fleurieu residents to pursue their academic and career goals without the need for extensive travel or costly relocation.
By design Regional University Study Hubs are community-led and after years of planning and advocacy, the community of the South Coast will now have its very own study hub. We would like to thank the Fleurieu councils for their support collaborating with RDA, and the community representatives that contributed to and supported the development of the business case.
Steve Shotton, Director, RDA AHFKI
This announcement is reward for the leadership of Regional Development Australia Adelaide Hills, Fleurieu and Kangaroo Island, City of Victor Harbor, District Council of Yankalilla, and Alexandrina Council, who funded and led the development of a business case for the hub starting some four years ago. It is also reward for the broader community including high schools, students, industry, business groups, community groups, and individuals who believed in the need for improved access to tertiary studies. They participated in a steering group, and provided input and case studies that supported the business case and funding submission.
Through these strategic partnerships, the South Coast Study Hub is expected to deliver many positive outcomes to the region, such as increased participation in tertiary education, enhanced community engagement, improved tertiary retention and completion rates, and strengthened workforce development.
Fleurieu Peninsula councils, Regional Development Australia, local business representative groups and secondary schools across the region have all been involved in the push to establish a Study Hub.
Victoria MacKirdy, CEO, City of Victor Harbor
Additionally, the establishment of the South Coast Study Hub aligns with our region’s economic development priorities. By helping students attain highly sought skills and qualifications, we can begin to address existing skills shortages, meet the evolving needs of our workforce, and drive economic growth and prosperity across our region.
The funding announcement for the South Coast Study Hub represents a significant milestone for the education landscape on the Fleurieu. Through our ongoing collaborative efforts and strategic partnerships, we are paving the way for a brighter future, where all individuals have equal access to quality education and opportunities for personal and professional growth.
This is wonderful news for the South Coast community. TAFE SA host several university study hubs and we are so pleased to start hosting the South Coast Study Hub at our Victor Harbor campus.
Mark Coltman, CEO, TAFE South Australia
For more information about this project, contact Steve Shotton, Director, Regional Development Australia.