RAPAD Chair and Longreach Mayor Cr Tony Rayner said CUC RAPAD is an innovative model developed between the Remote Area Planning and Development Board (RAPAD) and the Country Universities Centre (CUC) to provide educational support to a significantly large region of very remote, inland Australia.
“This is a very exciting milestone for the Central West, as we open the door to supported university study right here in our region,” Cr Rayner said.
“RAPAD thanks the Albanese Government and Minister Clare for today’s announcement.”
“RAPAD has been working on this concept since late 2021 and we thank CUC’s Duncan Taylor and the RAPAD team including Kristine Arnold who have been the driving force behind its development.
“This has remained a key advocacy point during this time including at meetings twice last year with the federal Assistant Minister for Education and Assistant Minister for Regional Development Senator Anthony Chisholm in Canberra in March and at the WQAC Assembly in Winton in September.
“It’s fantastic to see our hard work pay off for our communities. The investment in this collaborative model will optimise support and see CUC RAPAD hub sites in Longreach, Barcaldine, Blackall, Winton, Boulia, Bedourie, Birdsville, and Jundah,” he said.
Cr Rayner said CUC RAPAD will play an important part in attracting and retaining people in the region and ultimately boost university level qualifications in CWQ.
“By providing this facility young people finishing school have the option to complete uni while staying close to home, family and friends and affordable living. CUC RAPAD will also make our region an even more attractive option for people to stay in region while progressing their careers and qualifications, and to those looking to make the move to the Central West,” Cr Rayner said.
RAPAD will be working with CUC to develop the new entity that will be responsible for delivering this initiative.
