The RDA Wheatbelt were excited to announce the opening of the Lumen Wheatbelt Regional University Centre (Lumen WRUC).
Officially opened at the Narrogin study hub by the Federal Assistant Minister for Education; Assistant Minister for Regional Development Senator the Hon. Anthony Chisholm and Senator for WA the Hon. Sue Lines. Also attended by Mr Peter Rundle MLA Deputy Leader of The Nationals WA and the Hon. Shelley Payne MLC Member for the Agricultural Region.
Lumen WRUC is an initiative of Regional Development Australia (RDA) Wheatbelt Inc. and takes a tailored approach to serving the Wheatbelt’s dispersed population with four locations across the region in Merredin, Narrogin, Wongan Hills and York. We have partnered with local government, Community Resource Centres and local business in establishing the program to date and will continue to collaborate with the community as we grow.
There are approximately 1000 students living in the Wheatbelt who are accessing higher education studies through Australian Universities, TAFE and registered training organisations. Lumen WRUC exists to assist in removing barriers to accessing higher education and to keep students in and connected to our communities. A review by RDA Wheatbelt of the 2016 Census found that just 6% of 18-24 year olds in the Wheatbelt were attending university or another tertiary institution compared to 32% of their 18-24 years counterparts in the Greater Perth Area.
Each study hub is equipped with reliable internet, monitors, docking hubs, free printing, and quiet study spaces as well as an opportunity to network with other students. A student support officer will be employed in each study hub to offer help and support to anyone studying, all at no cost to the students.
Lumen WRUC already has a number of registered students from across the Wheatbelt, studying across bridging courses, diplomas and degrees through to post-graduate qualifications.
Enquiries to Elise Woods T: 0488 025 446 E: director@lumenwruc.edu.au W: www.lumenwruc.edu.au
Lumen WRUC – Supported by the Australian Government through the Regional University Centres Program
Photo L-R: Mr Peter Rundle MLA Deputy Leader of The Nationals WA, Elise Woods Lumen WRUC Director, Senator for WA the Hon. Sue Lines, Wendy Newman Chair Lumen WRUC Reference Group, Karen Strange Deputy Chair RDA Wheatbelt and Lumen WRUC Reference Group, the Hon. Shelley Payne MLC Member for the Agricultural Region and Mandy Walker Director Regional Development RDA Wheatbelt.
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Our vision is to actively shape the future of the Wheatbelt region. We commit to our mission of collaborating across communities, advocating with key decision makers and harnessing innovation to create local opportunity, growth and impact, because our purpose is to be the Wheatbelt’s voice to Federal Government to facilitate social and economic development.