The Country Universities Centre Far West Regional Study Hub in Broken Hill will be expanded following the announcement today of $870,000 in extra funding.
The Federal Member for Parkes the Hon Mark Coulton said the funding is a major win for local students and the local Broken Hill community.
Mr Coulton said the funding will maintain the community-owned Regional Study Hub in Crystal Street.
The funding is part of an additional $7.5 million for the Coalition Government’s Regional Study Hubs initiative.
“The Regional Study Hub in Broken Hill provides study spaces, internet access, video conferencing, administrative, pastoral and academic support for regional students studying via distance at partner universities,” Mr Coulton said.
“A Regional Study Hub in Broken Hill means local students can take up higher education and training opportunities without having to relocate to the city or travel long distances from home.
“There should be equality of opportunity to access higher education for every Australian, no matter where they live.
“By providing more higher education and training opportunities locally we can retain skills and experience that will boost our local economy and keep our community vibrant.”
Minister for Education Dan Tehan said the Coalition Government was providing $24.2 million over four years to help establish or expand 16 Regional Study Hubs covering 22 locations throughout Australia.
“More funding for Regional Study Hubs was part of the Coalition Government’s additional $134.8 million commitment to regional and rural higher education, bringing the total additional new funding for regional higher education to $400 million over five years,” Mr Tehan said.