The Coalition Government will provide Country Universities Centre (CUC) Western Riverina with a further four years funding to ensure it will continue to offer students in Griffith and Leeton the opportunity to participate and succeed in furthering their education.

Country Universities Centre Western Riverina is one of 16 Regional University Centres, covering 24 sites around Australia, to receive a share of up to $27.9 million over four years.

People in regional Australia are less than half as likely to complete a university degree compared with people in cities. Regional University Centres are helping communities across Australia to reverse this trend.

The centre supported 129 students to pursue a tertiary education at institutions across Australia in 2021.

Minister for Regional Education, Bridget McKenzie said extending funding for a further four years would enable the Country Universities Centre in Griffith and Leeton to continue supporting its students and the broader community until June 2026.

“I am delighted that over 300 students have studied at the centre since 2019,” Minister McKenzie said.
“We are extremely proud of the Regional University Centres program, which enables aspiring students from regional Australia to be supported while undertaking study by distance with any Australian tertiary provider.

“These centres make a real difference to our students, as they no longer need to leave their friends and families to pursue higher education and can remain at home while studying, where their skills can boost local communities and economies, which is part of our plan for a strong economy and a stronger future.

“Our government is investing almost $20 billion in higher education in 2022 – this is 32 per cent higher than under Labor.”

Liberal Member for Farrer, Sussan Ley, welcomed the announcement, adding that the two CUC sites in Griffith and Leeton were designed for students to have free access to high-speed internet, a dedicated study space, access to modern technology, with administrative and general academic support on hand at all times.

“Everyone, no matter where they live, deserve access to high-quality education and these centres offer the facilities and support local students need to gain better access to tertiary education,” Minister Ley said.

Only a Coalition Government can be trusted to keep the economy strong and secure a stronger future for regional Australia.