The successes of the North West Country Universities Centre

It has been a rapid rise to success for the North West Country Universities Centre.

The North West CUC, which operates at two locations – Narrabri and Moree, officially opened on Monday, July 8, 2019, and since then 92 students have registered to study at either location.

That means 92 people have chosen to stay and study in the two rural towns therefore helping to support the community while boosting the towns’ economies.

And the CUC continues to grow, with 15 new students registering in the last month.

“It’s been going really well, it’s had a positive impact,” said Country Universities Centre North West manager Cathy Walters.

“We’ve had really positive feedback from students, positive feedback from the community which is the most important part.

“We want to make sure that the community and students are really happy.

“We are just run off our feet which is a sign of something good.”

At the end of last year the CUC North West campus had 72 students enrolled.

Of those 72 students 40 were enrolled locally in Narrabri while 32 used the Moree facility. An annual review of the North West campus
revealed the top categories in which the most students are involved in.

Health degrees were the top area of study with 15 students completing medical related subjects at the CUC.
The second most popular area of study was in the field of education which boasted 12 students.

Mrs Walters said the higher enrolment rate in those two areas of study is due to the demand for those professions.

“Definitely because it’s a need,” she said.

“It’s a big need in our area.

“We’re always on the lookout for nurses and healthcare professionals.

“We are always looking for teachers.

“People who want to stay local recognised that health and education are areas most in need, so the students are moving into those areas.”

As well as common subjects the CUC North West supports those who choose to embark on unique careers.

“We have a lady studying sign language,” said Mrs Walters.

“One student is studying chemical engineering, we’ve got a student completing engineering honours with a major in mechatronics.

“There’s so many options, you can study to be whatever you want, which is fantastic.”

The ages of students who use the CUC facilities range from 19 to 75 years with the most populous age group being between 25 to 34.

“We get a lot of feedback from mums,” said Mrs Walters.

“The CUC gives them a quiet place just for studying, so they don’t need to worry about what the kids are up to.

“It’s also our hours, they are a big thing because we’re open from 7am until 12.30 in the morning.

“And the facilities, we’ve got the computers, we have the staff that students can bounce ideas off.”