Friday, March 29, 2024

Port Lincoln welcomes uni hub funding

South Australia’s City of Port Lincoln Council has welcomed a Federal Government commitment for the creation of a Regional University Centre in Port Lincoln under the umbrella of Uni Hub Spencer Gulf.

Mayor Brad Flaherty said it had been a key strategic objective in Council’s long-term plan to investigate and secure university options in Port Lincoln.

“Now with this funding announcement, via the Regional University Centre Program, Uni Hub Spencer Gulf will be able to operate right here in Port Lincoln,” said Mayor Flaherty.

The Federal Government’s Regional University Centre Program has been around for several years and has seen the creation of Regional University Centres across the country.

The latest round opened for applications in early 2022. After being approached by Uni Hub Spencer Gulf, Council saw the opportunity to support their initiative which will deliver a Regional University Centre for tertiary students on the Eyre Peninsula.

Council’s commitment comes in the form of access to the facilities on the corner or Hallett Place and Adelaide Place, initially being the former ‘manse’ building and a co-contribution matched by federal funding of $200,000 to upgrade the building to be a fit for purpose study hub.

“Although we haven’t seen the final details of the funding agreement, this is a big win for our community – and we understand that regardless of the election result on May 21, this is locked in for our community,” said Mayor Flaherty.

“We’ll have more to say once further details are confirmed, but this is a great outcome not just for our youth but for anyone wanting to take the leap and undertake tertiary studies and also for businesses who may want to support their employees to complete formal studies.

“We thank both Uni Hub Spencer Gulf and the Federal Government for their commitment to the future tertiary education requirements of our regional community,” he said.

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