CQU embarks on new regional outreach program in the Tablelands

08 July 2022

CQUniversity is set to embark on a new regional outreach connection program' to provide more communities in the Far North with greater access to education and training.

The pilot program will be run in partnership with Tablelands Regional Council (TRC) and aims to engage more people in regional areas in vocational and higher education programs' with an aim to help secure and retain future workforces in the regions.

The program pilot will focus on healthcare training due to the ongoing need for regional communities to attract more skilled professionals.

The pilot program will then be evaluated by the University' the local Council' and industry and community representatives to assess community satisfaction and identify other priority training and education disciplines.

As part of the program' representatives from CQUniversity's School of Nursing' Midwifery and Social Sciences will make regular visits to the Tablelands to provide in-person guidance and academic support to current and prospective students.

Program Leader and Nursing Lecturer from CQUniversity' Associate Professor Pauline Calleja said that the program aimed to provide a personalised connection between the University and students studying online.

"Through this program we will be connecting students with the University and endeavouring to take the distance out of distance learning.

"As well as supporting current students in the region' prospective students will also be able to reach out to us to discuss their career options in the health sector and seek guidance on the study and career pathways available to them.

"We will meet with any community members interested in study or research and provide high personalised support to existing students studying at all levels.

"We are interested in any input from community about our University and courses that we can bring to improve access to education and research opportunities to the regions'" said Professor Calleja.

"This approach is in line with CQUniversity's continued growth in the Cairns and Far North region which seeks to support the development of highly skilled workforces.

"By delivering this model of service close to home' we can help more students to access vocational and higher education and help to remove the need for people to leave their communities in order to gain a qualification."

Mayor of TRC Rod Marti said they are committed to providing the local community with greater access to education and to ensuring that locals have opportunities to gain skills so that they can contribute to a strong regional workforce.

Associate Professor Pauline Calleja and Associate Lecturer Nicole Jensen will be visiting the Tablelands throughout the remainder of the year (during the University's term time) from the weeks beginning 11 July until the first week of October.

Dates and locations for visits include:

July

  • Monday' 11 July 2022 - Herberton Library
  • Monday' 18 July 2022 - Atherton Library
  • Monday' 25 July 2022 - Atherton Library

August

  • Monday' 1 August 2022 - Atherton Library
  • Monday' 8 August 2022 - Ravenshoe Library
  • Monday' 15 August 2022 - Atherton Library
  • Monday' 22 August 2022 - Herberton Library
  • Monday' 29 August 2022 - Atherton Library

September

  • Monday' 5 September 2022 - Atherton Library
  • Monday' 12 September 2022 - Ravenshoe Library
  • Monday' 19 September 2022 - Atherton Library
  • Monday' 26 September 2022 - Herberton Library

October

  • Date and location TBA

CQUniversity is also in discussions with other regional Councils with a view to offer similar programs.

For more information about connecting with a CQUniversity representative through this program' please email p.calleja@cqu.edu.au