Country Universities Centre opens in Kempsey

The Country Universities Centre (CUC) in the Kempsey Central building boasts the fastest internet in the town, printing services, and general academic and pastoral support for students in a tech-smart, comfortable and professional space.

Centre manager Kinne Ring said the 468 square metre space (in what was formerly the Target variety store) was available to students enrolled in any Australian university, and would be open from 7am to midnight seven days a week, with registered users able to access the facility by a security card.

The CUC Macleay Valley actually had a soft opening six weeks back, and 76 people have already registered.

In effect, the centre will enable local people to easily undertake university study without having to leave the Macleay.

One of those already onboard is Annabelle Sneddon, who grew up in the Macleay but had to move away to do a Bachelor of Communications.

Annabelle told the Argus she is back in Kempsey, working full-time, and now using the new CUC as she starts a Masters Degree.

"It's (the CUC) a game changer for the whole community here," Annabelle said.

The centre is funded by the Commonwealth and State governments, and among those on hand for the official ribbon-cutting were local Federal MP Pat Conaghan and Kempsey mayor Liz Campbell - both staunch supporters of the project.

"As a Kempsey boy I understood why we had to have this," Mr Conaghan said.

While the technology at the CUC was a given, he said the true gift was the "opportunity for Macleay Valley people to better themselves".

"It's an opportunity to have a better job and a better lifestyle. Better jobs, better income - and that goes back into the local economy."

Mr Conaghan noted that for nearly half of the people registered at CUCs - they were the first in their family to undertake university study.

Looking around the new centre, he observed "that's exactly what we should be doing with taxpayers' money".

Mayor Campbell said the CUC Macleay Valley - of which she is the board chair - had long been a vision of the community.

"It's been talked about for at least 12 years, maybe 15," Cr Campbell said.

"The CUC model is perfect for Kempsey", adding the facility would support students from all walks of life.

"We knew that 300 students were studying externally in the Macleay Valley, so (today) it's a real 'yes' moment."

The final thoughts were with student Annabelle: "You just wait and see, there will be so many stories come out of here".

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