Published on Monday, 3 February 2025 at 10:11:47 AM
We've got some exciting news for education in the East Kimberley!
The East Kimberley is set to welcome major educational opportunities with the launch of a new Regional University Study Hub (RUSH) in Kununurra. Officially announced by the Hon. Jason Clare MP, Minister for Education, this Study Hub is a game-changer for locals wanting to pursue higher education without needing to leave their community.
The East Kimberley RUSH (EKRUSH) will run under the Pilbara Kimberley University Centres Inc (PKUC) banner, providing much-needed facilities and support for students right here in Kununurra. This means local students can now stay connected to their family, culture, and community while achieving their academic goals.
Bringing the hub to life has been a true community effort, with guidance from an Advisory Board featuring key local organisations includig the Wunan Foundation, Job Pathways, Shire of Wyndham-East Kimberley, Shire of Halls Creek, Kimberley Development Commission, East Kimberley Chamber of Commerce and Industry, East Kimberley College, North Regional TAFE, and the Mirima Dawang Woorlab-gerring Language and Culture Centre.
Our CEO Prue Jenkin said it best: “This is a transformative opportunity for the East Kimberley. By providing access to higher education locally, we are not only breaking down barriers but also creating pathways for young people to thrive while staying connected to their families, culture, and community. The EKRUSH is a key step in fostering local skills development and addressing the critical workforce challenges in our region.”
The need for this initiative is clear. ABS data shows that only 3.4% of the East Kimberley population currently attends higher education, far below the national average of 15.4%. Additionally, only 13% of residents hold a Bachelor’s degree or higher, compared to the national average of 26.3%. The new Study Hub aims to close this gap by partnering with leading universities like Central Queensland University, Curtin University, Charles Darwin University, and Edith Cowan University. From bridging courses to postgraduate programs, students will have access to a wide range of educational pathways.
The EKRUSH will also offer tailored support services, helping local talent develop skills that will benefit the entire community. By increasing access to tertiary education, the hub promises long-term social and economic benefits for the East Kimberley.
Wunan is proud to be part of this transformative initiative and looks forward to working closely with the Pilbara Kimberley University Centre and the community-led Advisory Board to ensure its success.
Want to learn more? Read our official media release using the link below.
Official Media Release
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