IN THE last few months there has been some fresh faces at Country University Centre Bass Coast.
Sarah Bourke has been appointed Centre Manager, and as a proud product of the region and lifelong educator she is passionate about building the capacity of the community in which she lives and helping students succeed in whichever way success looks like to them.
Sarah brings an extensive range of experience having worked across a range of sectors including education, community sport, philanthropy and government. As a regional student herself, she has seen firsthand how many doors a high-quality education can open.
“Being part of an organisation like Country University Centre that helps regional students achieve their goals whilst living and working locally was a key aspect of taking on the role for me,” Sarah explained.
“We know that people living in regional and rural parts of Australia are 50% less likely to engage in higher education, so supporting our students in navigating the complex university environment is really rewarding, it also helps to build the capacity of our local community and workforce.”
Sarah shared that CUC are delighted to have their highest ever registration of 160 students, from across 28 Universities who study at the Centre. “As consistent across other regional Centres, our top areas of study are health, education, psychology, social work and community services. We are always happy to help in any way and the door is always open to new students who may benefit from being a part of the learning community,” Sarah said.
With 57% of CUC students being the first in their family to study in higher education, the Centre supports students who are regionally based - some working part-time/studying part time, or a blend of on campus and online or other combinations.
It means that there are two supports available to regional students, with CUC working to provide a holistic approach to academic, wellbeing, motivational and social support along with access to technology and study spaces.
CUC registered student and CUC Ambassador Sophie Hogan is studying a Bachelor of Counselling and Psychological Science at the Australian College of Applied Professions and shared her experience in studying remotely – having CUC as her central place of study.
“When I say I’m going to University, I’m going to CUC,” said Sophie.
“Before registering at CUC in Wonthaggi, I was studying at home, and found self-motivation quite difficult. I was easily distracted and somewhat disengaged, but this Centre keeps me in check!”
Sophie completed Year 12 VCAL and had no intention of going to university, she began working in hospitality and by 23 was the co-owner of local café Chill Bill. “It was an ongoing joke that I should become a counsellor,” said Sophie.
Sophie had her sights set on studying at the Australian College of Applied Professions and said her application process was seamless. “I never thought I would go to university, let alone be in my second year of a double degree; I love studying how the mind works and with the support from the staff at CUC, I have scheduled days that I dedicate to studying – sometimes I’m here late at night and I have full access to the Centre to study on weekends.”
“I much prefer the motivation I get from CUC than studying from home - it allows me to separate my personal life from life as a student,” said Sophie.
Cost of living pressures, family commitments and other factors have meant that more students are opting to stay close to home and work, or study part time or explore the flexible study options that universities now offer. The addition of funding through the through the Federal Governments Regional Partnership’s Program Pool, has meant that CUC Bass Coast has appointed an Education Program team to extend their reach in the community and roll out widening participation programs to nurture aspiration and demystify the university experience for current primary and secondary school students in the region.
Rhett McLennan recently joined the CUC team. Rhett is a South Gippsland local who has a tertiary health background as well as qualifications and extensive experience in program management. He is passionate about the philosophy of CUC being a first-generation university student from the country himself.
Rhett is understanding and sympathetic of all people navigating their way through studying, work and family whilst living in a rural setting. Rhett is passionate about guiding and motivating all people to reach their potential in various facets of life.
“The positive thing about CUC and locations where they are established is that the people that are actually accessing the service are wanting to stay employed within the area, so that’s where we see a real opportunity of something positive happening in professional services within the local region,” said Rhett.
Amanda McMahon is too an education program coordinator at CUC and brings a wealth of knowledge and experience across all levels of education and program development.
Amanda came to the region after having worked in higher education as a lecturer at Deakin University, Geelong and Victoria University, Footscray. Amanda is passionate about country students having access to tertiary education and has firsthand experience having studied remotely while teaching in a remote Aboriginal community so understands that student support and being part of a community of learning can be crucial to success.
“Here at CUC, we provide students with both academic and wellbeing support. We can work directly with their universities to have their exams held here in Wonthaggi – proving them with a quiet space and the required supervision,” said Amanda.
CUC is focused on supporting students that may be adapting to the changing educational landscape, helping with anything from referencing skills to time-management.
Sarah shared that Sibby Wilson also brings an extensive range of experience from across a range of education settings, including secondary schools and higher education and TAFE. “Sibby is passionate about helping others, and her role is to support both the staff and students, along with overseeing Centre operations,” said Sarah.
CUC Bass Coast is a not-for-profit community driven enterprise established in 2020 with the aim of making higher education more accessible for students of all ages across the region.
A dedicated learning space to support all students in the region who are studying in Higher Education, working closely with schools, tertiary partners and other educational organisations to increase access and opportunity for rural and regional students in Higher Education.
CUC are governed by a voluntary Board and part of a nationally affiliated Country University Centre (CUC) Network, working collaboratively with Bass Coast Health (BCH), and South Gippsland Bass Coast LLEN to promote the flexibility of higher education learning close to home.
All registered students have access to the Centre seven days a week, providing high speed technology, academic mentoring and a network of like-minded students to create a community learning environment.
For more information, please give the team a call on 0472 741 451 or visit www.cucbasscoast.edu.au
