Locals in Moranbah now have a direct line into university, TAFE and trades courses with the region’s first Country Universities Centre officially open.
Isaac Mayor Kelly Vea Vea said the new hub is about making education more accessible, no matter what their background or situation.
“We’ve seen for years how many people walk away from a course because they’re too isolated or trying to study at midnight after a long shift. This centre changes that.
“Whether you’re working at the mines, in childcare, hospitality or health, you don’t have to leave town to chase qualifications anymore. We’re creating a place where people stay and grow, and that’s what makes strong communities.”
This project would not have been possible without the $2 million received from the Regional Economic Futures Fund and the Regional University Study Hubs funding from the Federal Government of $1.4 million over four years.
The new centre gives students a free, practical study base with fast internet, printers, remote exam supervision, video conferencing and quiet spaces. It also means anyone trying to juggle family life, shift work and study won’t have to do it alone.
Councillor Melissa Westcott, Chair of CUC Isaac, said the Centre’s strong start showed how much the community valued having study opportunities close to home.
“Having this option in Moranbah is a practical way to build skills locally and strengthen our future workforce. Isaac Regional Council is proud to have helped make this a reality and we look forward to working closely with local business and industry to make sure it continues to grow.”
Kim Edwards, Manager of Isaac’s Country Universities Centre, said that the centre provides all the additional support for students to succeed in their studies.
“We try and give students the full higher education experience while they stay here in the region. We also provide the human support, such as having someone to talk to about their studies, and help them know how to find solutions.”
Moranbah’s facility is the first of two planned for the region, with Clermont’s Country Universities Centre to follow in 2026. Both form part of the national CUC network and are funded through the Regional Economic Futures Fund.
Moranbah High School vice-captain Ethan Azzopardi hopes to be one of CUC Isaac’s first graduates: he’s one of five high school students who have already enrolled for the campus with his sights set on studying a Bachelor of Engineering with honours.
“I thought I was going to have to go to Brisbane for QUT or UQ because those are my top two preferences and leave my family home,” Ethan said.
“Here I’ll be able to focus on work and school while being supported by my parents in town and from CUC. It’s more financially stable for me and I can set up my career pathway better which is very comforting.”
For Dad, Justin Azzopardi, who has lived in Moranbah for 19 years and works at Peaks Down Mine, it means he can provide mentoring but also utilise the money that would have been spent on campus accommodation elsewhere.
“It was great, such a big stress relief. I was trying work out how we were going to get everything rolling to give him the best opportunities and now I know he can get everything he needs right here,” said Justin.
