Across regional Australia, University Study Hubs are helping people pursue higher education without having to leave the communities they call home. By providing dedicated study spaces, reliable technology and tailored support, these Study Hubs are making university more accessible for students balancing work, family and other commitments.
On Queensland’s Cassowary Coast, students like Nikki and Cameron are using the Cassowary Coast University Centre to build new skills and create local career pathways in education and healthcare. Their stories demonstrate how regional study support is empowering people to achieve their goals while strengthening the future workforce of their communities.
Teacher in training
Nikki is completing her Bachelor of Education (Secondary) through Curtin University while working as a teacher aide at Innisfail State College and raising two daughters, aged 2 and 4 years old. She is part of a growing cohort of parents retraining and upskilling without leaving their community.
For Nikki, staying on the Cassowary Coast was never in question. She grew up in Innisfail, her partner works locally, and it’s where she wants her children to grow up. The challenge was finding a way to balance university study with family life, work commitments and a busy household while also finding the time and space needed to focus on her studies.
“Before the university centre, I’d go for a drive in my car and jump in the back seat, get my laptop out and study,” said Nikki.
Now she has a dedicated space where she can focus on her studies away from the distractions of home. Through the Study Hub, Nikki has accessed study skills workshops and benefited from the guidance of staff with education backgrounds, giving her valuable support, insight and encouragement beyond what is available through online learning alone.
From wardsman to paramedic
Cameron is studying a Bachelor of Paramedic Science through CQUniversity while working at Innisfail Hospital, building the skills and experience to contribute to the region’s health workforce.
Before starting university, Cameron was advocating for better local education access, serving as a youth representative on the Cassowary Coast Regional Council Youth Advisory Committee and supporting calls for a Regional University Study Hub. The Study Hub he helped champion is now supporting his own study journey, demonstrating the impact of locally driven solutions.
Now studying, Cameron works 4 days a week at Innisfail Hospital, with Fridays and weekends dedicated to study. Cassowary Coast University Centre’s extended access hours allow him to fit study around his schedule, providing a space to focus and stay on track.
Alongside his studies, Cameron works as a wardsman, gaining hands-on clinical experience with doctors and nurses and building toward his goal of becoming a paramedic.
To find out if there is a Study Hub near you, visit University Study Hubs.