Higher education closer to home as Clermont study hub opens
Published on 07 May 2026
Students in Clermont and surrounding communities can now access university, TAFE, and online courses locally, thanks to the Country Universities Centre Isaac officially opening its doors in Clermont today.
Isaac Regional Council Mayor Kelly Vea Vea said the opening marks an important milestone for the region, giving Isaac’s students unprecedented local support.
“This is about making sure people in our smaller communities have the same opportunities as those living closer to major universities,” Mayor Vea Vea said.
“Education should not depend on whether you can afford to move away or travel hours to a campus. With centres now open in Moranbah and Clermont, people across the Isaac region can study, retrain or upskill while staying connected to their families, jobs and community.”
“Our communities need skilled workforces in industries like health, education, agriculture and mining. When locals can build skills here and build careers here, it strengthens the future of our whole region.”
Councillor Melissa Westcott, Chair of CUC Isaac, said strong partnerships will be key to the centre’s long-term success.
“We are looking forward to working with industry, education providers, and the community to back local students, build the skilled workforce, and strengthen our region for generations.”
The Clermont centre builds on the success of the Moranbah Country Universities Centre, which has enrolled 70 students since opening in September 2025. Both centres are part of the national Country Universities Centre network, which includes 28 centres supporting regional students across Australia.
Member for Burdekin Dale Last MP said the opening of the second centre in the Isaac region would provide benefits to students and the wider community.
“The state government’s investment in Country Universities Centres in the Isaac region is confirmation of our commitment to supporting Queenslanders living in regional areas,” Mr Last said.
“By providing the infrastructure, services and support that students need we are ensuring they are able to achieve their goals.
“Unfortunately, a lot of students are forced to leave our communities each year to further their studies and this initiative helps to provide an alternative option. By reducing the need to leave, these centres allow students to acquire qualifications whilst significantly boosting the chances that those qualifications get put to use in communities like Clermont and Moranbah.”
CUC Isaac Centre Manager Juliet Garnett said the Clermont centre will give students the practical support they need to succeed.
“Studying remotely can be challenging, especially when people are juggling jobs, family responsibilities and other commitments,” Ms Garnett said.
“The new centre provides free study spaces, fast internet, printing, video conferencing facilities, exam supervision, academic guidance and wellbeing support. Students will have everything they need to stay focused and connected while completing their qualifications.”
The Clermont centre will also be home to Education Coordinator Dr Sharon Stephen, an esteemed mathematics academic who recently relocated to the region after a long career in the United Kingdom and Australia.
Dr Stephen brings extensive experience in teaching, program coordination and student support, with a strong focus on helping regional and remote students.
The centre is open from 9am to 4pm Monday to Friday, with face-to-face student support available during business hours.
The establishment of Country Universities Centre Isaac in Moranbah and Clermont was funded with $2 million in support from the Queensland Government, alongside $1.4 million over four years from the Australian Government’s Regional University Study Hubs program and support from Isaac Regional Council.
Students across the Isaac region are already enrolling in courses including nursing, education, business and engineering.
For regional students, it means the pathway to higher education now starts closer to home.
Students interested in studying through the Country Universities Centre are encouraged to visit the Clermont centre, speak with the team about their study options, or find out more at www.cucisaac.edu.au.
ENDS