Uni appeal

Others are now encouraged to follow suit, with pledges of support required to be submitted with a grant funding application due by October 18.

Also required to be submitted with the application is a report which demonstrates an understanding of the community’s educational needs.

This will be developed using data from a survey which has been distributed by CUC - Southern Riverina.

The fundraising appeal and survey were both launched earlier this month.

Mrs Small said CUCs not only support school leavers to continue their studies locally, but also older community members wishing to upskill or change careers.

She said demonstrated community support, through financial commitment, would encourage more favourable consideration of the application.

“The application will be submitted on October 18, and one of the key things we need is information on the upskilling and reskilling needs of our community,” Mrs Small said.

“The other thing we need is pledges of financial support. Government funds are base funds only for operational needs for the first four years of the CUC.”

Of the survey responses so far, industries requiring more skilled workers include logistics, healthcare, agriculture, community services, retail, construction, education, aged care, local government and professional services more broadly.

“It is always difficult to find new local employees, with the skills we need. We rely on in-house training most of the time, which is time consuming. I would hope that a CUC could help locals to upskill before looking for work, rather than relying on businesses to train them,” one survey participant said.

“We need more local opportunities to train our staff, to make training available to everyone. Some of our staff do not like to travel outside the local area, so are missing out. Online training is isolating, and you don't have others to collaborate with. There is much to gain for workplaces and local communities when businesses invest in their people, and our organisation would definitely support the Country Universities Centre,” said another.

Mrs Small said the committee has also noted that with 10 renewable energy projects now proposed for our region, many will soon be crying out for skilled local staff to help deliver the projects.

And she said there are nationwide skills shortages in many other sectors that might not have yet been captured in the local survey.

“The importance of establishing a CUC in Deniliquin and Finley cannot be under-estimated,” Mrs Small said.

“It will help underpin the economic and social development of our community at a time when there are many opportunities for employment as we transition to new opportunities like the renewables sector and new and positive opportunities in agriculture.

“There is increased delivery of tertiary and TAFE course online, and studying locally with the support of a CUC would be beneficial.

“By establishing CUCs, we can help local people raise skills and upskill.

“The survey is still open, and we encourage people to participate and help us demonstrate we understand the needs of this community.”

While locations have not been formalised, it is anticipated the CUCs will be co-located with the Deniliquin and Finley TAFE campuses.

To complete the survey, click here.

For a copy of the community partnerships prospectus or to pledge financial support, contact Mrs Small on 0429 846 670 or email Leanne.small1@icloud.com.