Applications seeking funds for the project have not been successful to this point, but that is not deterring the CUC Southern Riverina Steering Committee.
It met recently for a review and planning session, with discussions centred around how to progress the proposal and obtain government support.
The committee has developed a strong business case and has more than $400,000 in pledges and sponsorship.
While applications through the Regional University Study Hubs program and the NSW Sustainable Communities program have not been successful, steering committee chair Leanne Small said they would continue pursuing funding avenues.
“CUCs in Edward River and Berrigan Shire would represent a significant opportunity to enhance educational access and stimulate economic growth in the Southern Riverina region,” Mrs Small said.
“With the support of our councils and government, this project can become a reality and provide lasting benefits to the community.
“While it is disappointing our funding applications to this point have not been successful, that has not deterred the steering committee, and we will continue to work through other options.
“It is important the community and the many businesses, organisations and individuals who have pledged funding are aware the project is still very much alive.
“And because all the planning and preparation has been done, the project can be up and running in a short space of time, thus giving the community a quick win.”
At the recent planning session, the steering committee was provided with feedback on is Sustainable Communities application, which indicated it met all the funding criteria and was deemed a suitable project.
Only $16 million has been allocated under the program, with a further $144 million available and round two expected to be announced in the near future.
The steering committee reviewed and endorsed the CUC Southern Riverina delivery model of establishing CUC hubs at Deniliquin and Finley TAFE campuses.
This model will create educational hubs for the regional community.
The centres will be equipped to provide study spaces, technology and academic support to local students undertaking higher education courses at both university and TAFE.
It also received an update on a meeting with NSW Member for Murray Helen Dalton, who was described as being “very supportive” and would advocate to relevant government personnel, while also acknowledging the project was an opportunity for the NSW Government to demonstrate its support for Southern Riverina communities.
The steering committee will also update its funding application based on feedback, so it is ready when next opportunities to submit an application are announced.
Mrs Small said key benefits of a regional university study hub in both Deniliquin and Finley are:
• Addressing the inequities currently experienced in our region regarding accessing tertiary education
• Stimulating local economies through job creation and encouraging our students to build careers locally; and
• Fostering a skilled, local workforce, which can contribute to the overall development of the community.
There are already 55 study hubs operating throughout Australia, with the last 10 cohort of hubs announced early this year.
Anyone seeking further information, or interested in discussing sponsorship or pledges, can contact Mrs Small via email at leanne.small1@icloud.com or phone 0429 846 670.
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