Local students now have another study option after new University Study Hub opened in Jull St in Armadale.
The opening follows the Albanese Government’s $66.9 million investment to dramatically increase the number of university study hubs across the country, and the Armadale centre is the result of a partnership between the Federal government and the City of Armadale.
Just under half of young people in the country possess a degree, but concerns have been raised that suburbs like Armadale have a far smaller number, sitting at about 15 per cent.
“Almost one in two young people in their 20s and their 30s have a university degree today,” said Federal Minister for Education Jason Clare.
“But not everywhere. Not in our outer suburbs and not in regional Australia. That’s why we are doubling the number of University Study Hubs, to bring university closer to them.” It is hoped that opening these centres will increase enrolment among locals.
Minister Claire said he is optimistic about the results these learning centres will deliver. “We know they work. The evidence is they increase the number of people going to uni in areas where they are established,” he said. “Now for the first time, we are putting these University Study Hubs in the outer suburbs.”
Minister Claire has emphasised his own upbringing and experience, citing a sense of unavailability of tertiary education among his peers.
“I know growing up in Western Sydney, a lot of my friends felt like university was somewhere else for someone else,” he recalls. “I want this to change, and that means bringing university closer to where people live like Armadale.”
Member for Burt Matt Keogh recalls a similar experience, having grown up locally and made the commute to Fremantle to attend classes.
“When I travelled from Kelmscott to Fremantle for university, it was along two train lines for a 90-minute journey, which for many people has put university out of reach,” he said.
“For our fast-growing community, this Hub will break down the distance and time barrier so that students in our south-eastern suburbs can continue their education.”
The location of the new study hub intersects not only with the Armadale TAFE, but also with local public transport, as it is within walking distance of the new Armadale train and bus station. Furthermore, the area has no shortage of student hangouts, with the nearby shopping centre and several cafes, ensuring a vibrant student cultural scene has the potential to develop.
Construction of the centre was achieved through the repurposing of a well-known civic building. Thus, it now occupies a landmark position in the area.
The new facility will feature a number of different support options and is open to any students in the area who are enrolled at a university, in some form of vocational education or with a registered training provider. Both private and group study spaces are offered, as well as high-speed wi-fi and free printing.
An additional service included is laptop hire, to ensure all local students can access their online materials. Staff at the facility are able to support students with enrolment and provide study and career guidance. Workshops will also be conducted.
City of Armadale Mayor Ruth Butterfield has described the mission of the hub as follows: “We want this hub to be a place where local students feel supported to start, continue and complete their studies. If it helps more people access higher education, stay connected to their community and build careers here in Armadale, then it will be doing exactly what it was designed to do.”
