HIGHER EDUCATION… Cutting the ribbon of the brand new Country Universities Centre in Parkes last Friday were (L- R) Minister for Regional Education Andrew Gee, CUC CEO Duncan Taylor, CUC Chair Tracie Robertson, Deputy Prime Minister Michael McCormack and Parkes Mayor Ken Keith.
Going to university has never been so easy for Parkes residents with the Country Universities Centre (CUC) officially opening its doors last Friday.
The Parkes CUC is one of six new centres to join an existing network of six across NSW facilitating tertiary education to 760 students in their home towns.
The CUC is housed in the new state-of-the-art Parkes Library offering a hub for students enrolled at any Australian university to have free access to study spaces, high-speed internet, modern technology and wraparound student support.
“I have always had the firm belief that your postcode should not determine your potential,” said Deputy Prime Minister Michael McCormack at the opening. “Everyone deserves the opportunity to pursue their passion and receive a quality education.”
Minister for Decentralisation and Regional Education Andrew Gee said young Australians who lived in our major cities were twice as likely to be university educated as regional students. “CUC help level the playing field to address this disparity. We want more people in regional communities like Parkes to be able to engage in tertiary education while remaining in their local area, developing skills and qualifications that will help them secure local jobs.”
CUC Manager Jacob Cass said nine students had already registered, and he welcomed prospective students from across the Shire, Forbes and Condobolin to make use of the centre. “The CUC is not a university, but I am here to facilitate, look at different options and help you register.”