Our Story
Who we are
We are driving change in regional education by empowering all people in the Southern Grampians’ community to fulfil their potential through higher education. We are increasing access by providing a highly connected learning community in Hamilton to drive to success cross learning, employment and community.
Why we’re here
Regional and rural communities deserve quality opportunities to pursue their dreams without the need to relocate. Our mission is to provide regional people with the space and tools they need to create a vibrant and more prosperous future for themselves and their wider community.
What we do
We are creating a dedicated learning and study space in Hamilton that has been designed for regional people by regional people. Our students have free access to high-speed Internet, modern technology, and general academic support all delivered here at CUC Southern Grampians. Our students have the opportunity to build a network of like-minded people and can take advantage of being part of a large regional learning community.
When we open (stay tuned!) we will operate between 5am and midnight, 7 days a week. A welcoming, secure and safe environment for all kinds of higher education students where people feel connected, supported and championed.
Who we’re here for
All people in the Southern Grampians region who are studying higher education from any Australian university or non-university higher education provider (including TAFE and private providers).
If you’re currently working and engaging in ongoing professional development, we’d also love to welcome you to our space – a place to study that isn’t home, or work, or the library!
And if you’re a local business or service provider interested in engaging locally trained university graduates and students, or hosting student placements and work-based learning, we are here for you too.
How it all began
In early 2019 the opportunity to implement a Country Universities Centre in the local district was floated with several business and community representatives. Over the next few months a Steering Committee was established to develop a formal business case for the Federal funding needed to establish a CUC in our Southern Grampians region.
Extensive education and business consultation to support our business case was conducted and we found that sentiment for the concept was strong.
Our submission was successful and, in September 2025, recruitment of our Centre Manager was finalised. We welcomed Zoe Brinsden as Centre Manager in October 2025.
We have proudly partnered with SWTAFE Hamilton Campus to secure a wing of their building and are now working towards a masterplan for a re-fit befitting of our vision.
Community excitement has been supported since by the reaction from adult students now aware of our Hub.
Click here for more information about the Country Universities Centre network.