CUC Bass Coast celebrates five years

In March Country Universities Centre (CUC) Bass Coast celebrated five years of supporting local students to access higher education, marking the milestone with a successful Open Day.

Located in Wonthaggi, CUC Bass Coast provides a free study space for students completing degrees, diplomas or Certificate IV qualifications with any Australian university. With people in regional and rural Australia 50 per cent less likely to access higher education, Country Universities Centres were created to bring university support closer to home.

The Centre is one of four affiliated Regional University Study Hubs in Victoria, alongside Wangaratta, Swan Hill and Hamilton, and is part of a national network of 56 hubs supporting more than 15,000 regional and remote students across the country.

Over 70 community members and partners attended the Open Day, touring the facilities, meeting with staff and students, and enjoying complimentary coffee and cake, while reflecting on the Centre’s achievements over the past five years.
Centre Manager Sarah Bourke said the milestone acknowledged the Centre’s growth and impact in the local community.

“It has been great to open the doors and showcase our local learning community. The turnout shows there is a genuine interest in learning more about CUC and that it’s a valued resource in the community,” she said.

“We had five new students sign up on the day, and we continue to spread the word about how the community-led study centre can support those engaged in higher education.

“While we are still busy registering students for Semester 1, we’ve seen a marked increase in the number of students coming from Phillip Island to access local support and a focused study space for them to connect with other students.

“As a student-only space, it’s an opportunity for more people to learn about what we offer, meet current students and staff, and it may also encourage them to consider future higher education pathways,” Sarah said.

Growth

In 2025, the Centre experienced significant growth, with 50 more registered students than the previous year and overall usage increased by 66 per cent.

“These figures demonstrate how CUC has made it possible to study locally while continuing to work and live in our region, which is incredibly important for both students and the local community,” she said.

The team at CUC provides local academic support in building essential study skills to help guide students through assignments, time management, referencing, exam preparation, and research strategies.

To date, the Centre has supported more than 550 students on their higher education journeys.

“Last year alone there were over 50 local students graduating from a range of different degrees, all wanting to remain local, creating a ready-made workforce to address local employment gaps,” Sarah said.

A group of year 12 students from Bass Coast College were among those who attended the Open Day and spoke with current CUC student ambassadors about how they have chosen to remain local while they continue their higher education studies.

Current CUC student Kasey, who is studying a Bachelor of Marine Science (Oceanography) at Deakin University, said she is the first in her family to attend university.

“The team are so friendly and approachable, optimistic and if you have a problem with referencing, wellbeing, always happy to have a chat. The study centre is fantastic, having the study space, kitchen, fast internet, it’s a gamechanger,” said Kasey.

Balancing study, work, and travel between South Gippsland and Deakin’s Geelong campus, Kasey appreciates the flexibility and support the Centre offers. “You can come before or after work, study together, share tools and ideas. It’s been super helpful.”

Another student, Aimee, who is studying a communications degree at Deakin University, majoring in journalism, and having recently completed internships at ABC and WIN TV encouraged the year 12 students to put themselves out there and gain some work experience.

FutureBound

Both Kasey and Aimee are student ambassadors in the FutureBound program, where they share their own personal experience to support and encourage young people in the community who may be considering studying.

Centre Manager Sarah acknowledged strengthening engagement with local secondary schools through the FutureBound program is also a key priority for CUC Bass Coast over the next two years.

“Research tells us that the earlier we can work with young people and get them thinking about their future aspirations, the better.

“We’re also keen to connect with more local industry and service providers to strengthen the pathways for our local students to gain meaningful work placement and future employment opportunities.”

CUC Bass Coast is a dedicated local learning and students have access to the Centre seven days a week, with high-speed technology, academic mentoring, and a network of like-minded students, creating a strong community learning environment.

Anyone who is considering higher education — now or in the future — is encouraged to visit the CUC Bass Coast’s website to learn more.

For more information, please call 0472 741 451 or visit www.cucbasscoast.edu.au