THE Mallacoota Gippsland East Higher Education (GEHE) Study Hub will be expanded, and four new centres established in Heyfield, Yarram, Orbost and Omeo under government funding.
The expansion is part of a $16 million announcement made on Monday, March 25 regarding 10 new regional university study hubs across Australia.
The funding is part of the Regional University Study Hubs grant program (formerly the Regional University Centres program), which works to improve access to tertiary education for regional and remote students.
A regional university study hub is a facility students can use to study tertiary courses in their local area, delivered by distance from any Australian institution.
Additionally, VCE students can utilise resources like learning skills advisers who are available to improve students’ research skills and essay writing by appointment.
The new study hubs are expected to be available to students within the next year.
Heyfield Community Resource Centre Manager, Caroline Trevorrow welcomed the news of a study hub that can provide new opportunities.
“This is exciting news for the Heyfield community, especially for students whose only option is to study online,” she said.
“The Hubs will ensure that further education becomes more accessible and attractive to people in Heyfield, which has a beneficial flow-on effect for the entire community.
“It’s also a timely announcement as our Timber Transition project has identified the need for greater education options within our immediate area.”
Wellington Shire students who are enrolled at any Australian university or TAFE and students in their final year of VCE are encouraged to access the facilities and services available at the GEHE Study Hub, whether they’re obtaining a Certificate I or PhD and all studies in between.
Federal Minister for Education, Jason Clare, said regional study hubs were bringing universities closer to people that might otherwise decide not to attend.
“I want more young people to get a crack at going to university and we know that postcode is a massive barrier for young people getting that chance,” Mr Clare said.
“The evidence is that where University Study Hubs are, university participation goes up, that’s why we’re announcing 10 new Regional University Study Hubs and there’s more to come.”
There are currently 34 existing regional university study hubs across the country, including four in Victoria.
The government says it intends to double the number of study hubs. As such, a further $66.9 million will be invested to establish 20 additional Regional University Study Hubs. The former Coalition government had established the existing regional study hubs. They support 3400 students, studying more than 1000 different courses, through more than 200 tertiary education providers.
In July 2023, Mr Clare announced $66.9 million will go towards establishing 20 new regional university study hubs, and up to 14 suburban university study hubs. This is part of the government’s response to the Priority Actions listed in the Australian Universities Accord Panel’s Interim Report.
The report listed extending study hubs was an immediate priority that could “improve participation, retention and completion (of university) for students in outer metropolitan and peri-urban areas, especially those from low SES (socio-economic status) backgrounds”.
Opposition frontbencher and Member for Gippsland, Darren Chester welcomed the announcements, saying it would benefit school leavers, along with people returning to study at a mature age.
“Sadly, Gippsland has one of the lowest tertiary education levels in Victoria and part of the problem is access to courses for people who don’t have the flexibility or the resources to move away from home, for a range of reasons,” Mr Chester said.
“(Last week’s) announcement for a multi-site study hub to be delivered across Mallacoota, Orbost, Omeo, Heyfield and Yarram means students will no longer have to travel to Bairnsdale, Churchill or even Melbourne to complete their studies.”
Mr Chester said students who trained in regional communities tended to remain in those areas and deliver long-term benefits.
“We have a skills shortage across a range of areas and it’s well understood that students who retain a close link with their own communities are more likely to stay there,” he said.
“In areas like health and education, it’s important we train our own professionals because they are essential to the future of Gippsland.”
Neeta D’Souza, who is the executive officer of the Gippsland East Local Learning and Employment Network (GELLEN), said the GEHE Study Hub provides students in TAFE, VCE or university with resources and facilities to get the most out of their studies.
“Expanding to seven locations with the support of the Regional University Study Hubs grant will ensure that more students in the Gippsland region can achieve their goals,” she said.
Currently, the GEHE Study Hub has campuses in Sale and Bairnsdale.
“The GEHE Study Hub provides the resources and facilities to help students study locally. Wherever you are in life – VCE, TAFE or university – we welcome you,” Ms D’Souza said.
In 2018, GELLEN – under the leadership of then executive officer Pam Waters – joined Federation University, East Gippsland Shire and TAFE Gippsland to apply for Commonwealth funding under the Regional University Centres program. Their aim was to establish a university hub for the use of students across the region.
The GEHE Study Hub opened its doors to Bairnsdale students in late September 2019, officially opening in November 2020. With the support of Beyond Bank, Wellington Shire Council, Federation University and TAFE Gippsland, the GEHE Study Hub increased its reach in July 2022 when it launched a satellite site in Sale.
In July 2023, GELLEN partnered with the Wilderness Collective to develop a third pilot-satellite site, Study Hub – Mallacoota.
The GEHE Study Hub offers quiet or group study spaces, high-speed internet, video conferencing and podcasting.
Students can sit external exams and access course and career guidance as well as disability, financial and scholarship information.
The GEHE Study Hub is working together with Federation University, TAFE Gippsland, East Gippsland Shire Council, Beyond Bank and Wellington Shire Council along with community partners including the Omeo Community Hub Committee, the Orbost Education Centre, the Yarram Chamber of Commerce, Yarram Timber Industry Group and the Heyfield Community Resource Centre to support students and improve education outcomes in the Gippsland region.
Amy Espeseth, who is the GEHE Study Manager, said: “The GEHE Study Hub will help you get from where you are to where you want to go.”
Federal Senator for Victoria, Raff Ciccone said: “The new Regional University Study Hub is a fantastic outcome for the Gippsland towns of Mallacoota, Orbost, Omeo, Heyfield and Yarram.”
Anyone interested in registering should go to gestudyhub.org for information about the GEHEs free services.
