The transformation of Armadale is ratcheting up another notch, with news over the weekend that the city was successful in its bid for a Suburban University Study Hub (SUSH).
The city hopes this hub will serve as a focal point for learning, collaboration, and personal growth within the community, where students can pursue their academic goals without the need to continually commute long distances.
The hub will include: dedicated study spaces, breakout areas, video conferencing and fast internet; administrative and academic skills support, which includes help with writing, research and navigating university processes; and student wellbeing services including study advice, support with paid placements and work, integrated learning, plus career guidance.
“The creation of an Armadale Suburban University Study Hub is a significant and vital step forward for local students. Accessible educational resources close to home, will reduce the burden and costs of long commutes to university campuses and will foster a culture of learning and innovation in our community,” City of Armadale Mayor Ruth Butterfield said.
Since the Regional University Study Hubs program was launched in 2018, over 12,000 students have benefitted.
On 18 July last year, Federal Minister for Education Jason Clare announced $66.9 million to establish up to 20 new Regional University Study Hubs and, for the first time, up to 14 Suburban University Study Hubs.
“We know they work. The evidence is they increase the number of people going to uni and finishing a uni degree,” he said.
“Now for the first time, we are putting these University Study Hubs in the outer suburbs.
“I know growing up in Western Sydney, a lot of my friends felt like university was somewhere else for someone else.
“I want this to change, and that means bringing university closer to where people live.”
Western Australia scored three out of the ten inaugural SUSH facilities. Besides Armadale, hubs will also be built in Mandurah and Ellenbrook.
The 10 locations were chosen following a competitive application process with the successful bids from suburban areas with low tertiary education participation, and increased barriers to accessing tertiary study.
With a dearth of universities in the south east, and convoluted public transport routes to existing universities, the need for a SUSH was strong here.
And there was an enthusiastic response from the community when the City of Armadale asked for feedback ahead of submitting its application in July.
“Having a safe space to concentrate and focus on my studies that isn’t at home would be remarkably helpful. It’s too far/expensive to commute to my actual university with my current child-raising/work commitments,” one local said.
“I have worked in Armadale schools for 14 years and distance is a huge disadvantage for high school students considering university education. Increased online learning at university can be disengaging and impacts student success, particularly when they are in a position where they need to also work to support themselves and often, their families,” another respondent said.
“If there were a place to assist young people become professionals, this may create a generational change or a change to the current culture within Armadale,” another added.
The first Suburban University Study Hubs are expected to be operational by mid-2025.
