Education Update

TERTIARY EDUCATION IN THE MONARO  - Updated 25th September 2010

 Current Situation:

  Census returns show that significantly fewer Monaro students achieve tertiary qualifications than the national average.
 
  Prolonged droughts have adversely affected incomes not only of the farming community but also of those who depend on that industry, directly and indirectly.

  Students with potential have been denied opportunities as neither they nor their parents have been prepared to utilize government funds which have to be paid back in subsequent years.

  Cooma Unlimited (CU) has, over the years, made efforts to remedy this situation by meeting with the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Canberra and his staff and with the administrators of Illawarra TAFE, responsible for Cooma TAFE.

  One beneficial result of these efforts was the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between these two bodies which makes it possible for students to do part of their studies at TAFE and thereby reduce the number of years they live away from home, with consequential financial savings.

  Electronic communications have enabled TAFE students to access material and communicate
with lecturers on a scale not thought possible only a few years ago. This may change, to some
extent, the way that tertiary education is experienced by all students in the future. Cooma may
be one of the first towns to have Broadband available and this could be a valued asset.

  Newspaper reports have informed the public that the University of Canberra now intends to establish a Campus at Goulburn and another at Cooma. These will require funding from federal sources not only for the cost of staff, administration and other expenses but also for buildings and accommodation. We have yet to see the money. Other universities have been able to establish quite a number of Campus so the prospects look good.

  The efforts of Cooma Unlimited have included selection of courses intended to encourage graduates to stay in the Monaro. A combined business/tourism degree would be useful as tourism is important to the region. However students have their own agendas and are swayed by peer pressures. Local tourism firms could help by offering work experience.

  If a Cooma Campus is established then the opportunity arises for research programs to be
established. These are important in the eyes of academics whose future depends on achieving
higher degrees for which research is necessary. Efforts will be needed to involve locals in the
selection of suitable projects. The only research being undertaken at present is on the causes
and incidence of skiing accidents.
 
Where To From Here:

Debate this draft paper at a meeting of the Community Economic Development Committee
and have a final draft approved for publication.

Seek support from the Mayor, Shire Council and Chamber of Commerce.

Approach our State and Federal Members of Parliament and apply pressure for the Monaro
to obtain its share of regional benefits now, not later.

 Arrange for a strong supporting Community Committee to be formed.