In the heart of Central Queensland's mining country, the Regional University Study Hub in Clermont has officially swung open its doors, marking a significant step forward for higher education access in regional Australia. Located at 26 Herschel Street, this new facility promises to transform the educational landscape for local residents by providing dedicated study spaces, high-speed internet, computers, and personalized support services—all without the need to relocate to a major city.

Clermont, a vibrant community of around 3,000 people nestled in the Isaac Region, has long grappled with limited opportunities for tertiary education. With only 17 percent of young people holding a university degree compared to nearly 50 percent nationally, the opening of this hub addresses a critical gap. It allows students pursuing degrees or vocational training from any Australian university or TAFE provider to study close to home, supporting family ties and local employment in the coal-rich area.

Understanding Regional University Study Hubs

Regional University Study Hubs (RUSH) are community-embedded facilities designed to bridge the divide between rural, regional, and remote Australians and higher education. Launched as part of the Australian Government's commitment to equity, these hubs offer campus-like environments where students can access quiet study areas, group collaboration spaces, printing facilities, and kitchenettes. They are staffed by trained advisors who provide academic guidance, wellbeing support, and career advice, fostering a sense of belonging that is often missing in online-only study.

The program emphasizes flexibility, with hubs open for extended hours—typically from early morning to late evening, seven days a week. This model has proven effective nationwide, with over 5,200 students supported across the network and a 32 percent increase in usage in the past year. By embedding education within communities, RUSH reduces barriers like isolation and travel costs, which disproportionately affect First Nations students, those from low socioeconomic backgrounds, and mature-age learners balancing work and family.

Government Investment and National Expansion

The Clermont hub is one outcome of a $66.9 million federal investment announced in early 2025, aimed at more than doubling the number of University Study Hubs to over 56 locations by mid-2025. This initiative, led by the Department of Education, partners with local councils and organizations like the Country Universities Centre (CUC) to deliver place-based solutions. Infrastructure contributions from the Queensland Government and Isaac Regional Council have enabled rapid rollout, with Clermont's site opening on April 27, 2026—just months after funding confirmation.

Minister for Education Jason Clare highlighted the strategic importance during the opening: "The evidence is that where Study Hubs are, university participation goes up." This aligns with national targets to ensure 80 percent of workers hold TAFE or university qualifications by 2050, addressing skills shortages in key sectors like health, education, and resources.

Facilities and Daily Operations at the Clermont Hub

The Clermont facility spans modern, welcoming spaces tailored for productive study. Key features include ergonomic workstations, high-speed NBN-connected computers, video conferencing setups for virtual classes, and quiet zones for focused work. A staffed helpdesk operates from 9am to 4pm weekdays, offering one-on-one tutoring referrals, assignment assistance, and mental health resources. After-hours access ensures flexibility for shift workers in Clermont's mining industry.

Wellbeing is prioritized with peer mentoring programs, social events, and connections to local services. Students can enroll in courses from partner universities such as Central Queensland University (CQUniversity), University of Southern Queensland (UniSQ), and James Cook University, all of which actively support the hub. Early feedback indicates high demand, with projections for dozens of local enrolments in the first year.

Clermont's Unique Context: Mining Town Meets Higher Ambitions

Clermont's economy revolves around coal mining, with major operations by Glencore and others employing thousands in fly-in-fly-out (FIFO) roles. The 2021 Census reveals a median age of 36, a population heavily skewed toward trades and labour (over 30 percent), and low higher education attainment—only 10.7 percent hold bachelor degrees or above, versus 26.3 percent nationally. Women in particular face barriers, with just 4.7 percent at postgraduate level.

This hub arrives at a pivotal time. As the resources sector evolves toward automation and sustainability, demand grows for skilled professionals in engineering, environmental science, and business. By enabling locals to upskill without leaving, it supports workforce retention amid housing shortages and family pressures. Isaac Regional Mayor Kelly Vea Vea noted the hub's role in "keeping our young talent home."

Photo by Andrea De Santis on Unsplash

Voices from the Opening Ceremony

The ribbon-cutting on April 27 drew community leaders, students, and federal representatives. Senator Anthony Chisholm emphasized: "This is a great opportunity for students in our region to pursue tertiary education while remaining connected to family, friends, and local businesses." Minister Clare added that hubs dismantle "invisible barriers" for bush communities.

Local educators and prospective students shared enthusiasm. One mining worker pursuing a nursing degree online remarked on the hub's potential to make study feasible amid shift work. These sentiments echo national trends, where hubs have boosted confidence and retention by creating supportive networks.

Proven Impact: National Statistics and Success Stories

Across Australia, RUSH has driven tangible gains. A recent report by the Australian Council for Student Equity in Higher Education (ACSES) shows dedicated spaces enhance retention and confidence, particularly for equity groups. Regional completion rates lag metro areas (67.7 percent vs. 72.9 percent for 2012 starters), but hubs correlate with higher participation—up to 74 percent of users in university degrees.

Stories abound: In similar QLD hubs like Mount Isa, graduates in nursing and social work credit the facilities for success. Nationally, 11 percent of hub users are First Nations, addressing disparities where Indigenous higher ed participation is just 1.8 percent.

For deeper insights, explore the ACSES report on hub impacts.

Partnerships Powering Regional Success

CUC Isaac, operator of the Clermont hub, collaborates with CQUniversity, UniSQ, and others to deliver seamless support. These partnerships include course advising, embedded tutors, and employer connections for mining-related qualifications. The model mirrors successful hubs in Moranbah (opening soon) and Roma, where usage has surged 32 percent annually.

Universities benefit too, expanding reach into underserved areas. CQUniversity, with its strong regional footprint, partners nationwide, offering flexible online degrees tailored for hubs.

Addressing Challenges in Regional Higher Education

Regional students face hurdles: isolation (leading to 20 percent higher dropout), financial strain from relocation, and limited support. Hubs counter this with place-based solutions—step-by-step orientation, progress tracking, and crisis intervention. For FIFO workers, 24/7 access aligns with rosters.

• Boosted retention through peer groups
• Improved mental health via wellbeing check-ins
• Targeted support for mature-age and First Nations students
• Bridging digital divides with premium tech

Future Outlook: Moranbah and Beyond

With Moranbah's hub slated for September 2025, Isaac Region will have dual facilities serving 10,000+ residents. Nationally, expansion targets 80 percent skilled workforce by 2050, vital for net-zero transitions in mining. Local projections: 50-100 active users yearly, focusing on health (34 percent demand) and education courses.

Challenges remain—sustaining funding amid budgets—but evidence supports scalability. For more on the network, visit the RUSH Network site.

Photo by Michael D Beckwith on Unsplash

Workforce Implications for Central Queensland

In a resources hub like Clermont, the study hub aligns with industry needs. Glencore and others seek graduates in sustainable engineering and safety management. By upskilling locals, it reduces FIFO reliance, stabilizes families, and diversifies the economy. Early adopters include aspiring nurses and educators, filling shortages where health roles comprise 34 percent of enrolments.

Long-term, expect higher local completion rates, mirroring national hub gains. Isaac Council's vision: a skilled community thriving in place. Details on funding via council announcement.

Conclusion: A Blueprint for Equity

The Clermont Regional University Study Hub exemplifies how targeted investments can democratize higher education. By empowering regional Australians to pursue qualifications locally, it not only boosts individual prospects but strengthens communities. As Australia eyes a skilled future, such initiatives are indispensable.

Prospective students: Contact CUC Isaac to start your journey today.