THE Bass Coast Country Universities Centre is becoming a cornerstone for regional higher education, following its rapid growth, which was on display during a visit from Federal Member for Monash, Mary Aldred, on Wednesday, September 10.
Since opening its doors in 2021, the centre in Wonthaggi has supported more than 520 students across a wide range of study areas. The Centre provides academic mentoring, technology, and a supportive environment for regional students who may otherwise find higher education out of reach.
Centre Manager Sarah Bourke told Ms Aldred that the organisation has experienced significant growth, well beyond original expectations. The Centre currently supports 208 students, a number that is 35 ahead of enrolments at the same time last year. This also includes 68 nursing students.
“Originally the forecast was for around 90 students,” Ms Bourke said. “Now we are more than double that, and it keeps increasing. The community has embraced the Centre and the partnerships we’ve built.” This is especially the case with organisations like Bass Coast Health, as since 2021, more than 37 of their staff have graduated through CUC.
Board member Carolyn Simonds said while the growth is a source of pride, it is also creating pressure under the current funding model.
“The forecasts were for 90 people. Now there are over 200. The issue is that the funding model does not adjust when student numbers grow,” she said.
“That is where there is an opportunity to rethink how these centres are funded, so that students can continue to benefit as the demand grows.”
Students themselves shared with Ms Aldred how the Centre has supported them. Paramedicine student Vic recalled first finding the Centre when they and a friend needed a place to study after the library had closed. Journalism student Aimee and marine science student Kasey also spoke about the resources and sense of connection the Centre has provided.
Local PhD student Mary-Clare described the Centre as a “circuit breaker,” offering not just quiet study spaces but also a community of like-minded people who motivate one another.
That sense of connection was echoed by Ms Aldred during her visit. “Country Universities Centre Bass Coast is a wonderful example of a community-led hub supporting people to undertake higher education right here in the region,” she said.
“In Gippsland, 40 per cent of our communities are towns with fewer than 1000 people. That makes access to higher education a real challenge, which is exactly why having the Centre here is so important. I passionately believe that your postcode should never determine your access to education. CUC Bass Coast is breaking down those barriers.”
While Ms Aldred commended the achievements of the Centre, she also acknowledged the challenges ahead. When asked what support would make the biggest difference, Ms Bourke said the growing student numbers had highlighted the need for additional breakout spaces.
“It would be really nice for students to be able to book a room and not be on top of one another,” she said.
“The more things I am asked, the more I see we just do not have the resources.”
Ms Aldred said she would take those concerns forward.
“What we might do is put something together to put to the Federal Government early,” she said.
“It is good to see an uptick in numbers, and I think we can continue to see them go up. I want to do everything I can in my position to support the students, the campus, and the region.”
For Ms Simonds and the board, the focus remains on ensuring the Centre is sustainable long-term.
“The growth has been extraordinary,” she said.
“Now the challenge is to make sure the funding reflects that reality, so the Centre can keep meeting the needs of local students for years to come.”