In a historic move for Norfolk Island, the Australian Government has announced the establishment of a Regional University Study Hub, marking the first time residents will have access to university-level and vocational education without leaving their island home.
Led by Regional Development Australia Mid North Coast (RDAMNC), the initiative will see the creation of the Country University Centre Norfolk Island (CUCNI), providing local students with unprecedented access to tertiary study.
Assistant Minister for Education and Regional Development Anthony Chisholm welcomed the announcement, describing it as a crucial step in improving education access for remote communities.
“Each time we open a new hub in a regional, rural or remote community, we’re removing an educational barrier that can stop people from getting a tertiary qualification,” he said.
For Norfolk Island residents, those barriers have been particularly stark. Studying on the mainland currently requires an international flight and navigating a communications system that, as some locals joke, often places them “in Antarctica”.
The new hub will allow students to enrol in courses from any Australian university or tertiary institution, rather than being limited to a single university partnership. Additionally, it will support residents pursuing vocational education and training (VET) pathways, enabling them to complete the study components of trade qualifications on the island.
CUCNI will also provide a supported learning space for Higher School Certificate (HSC) students, creating a pipeline from secondary school into further education. The hub is expected to offer opportunities for mature-aged students seeking career changes or further qualifications, strengthening the local workforce and economy.
While government-funded, CUCNI has been established as an independent charity, led by a local community board in partnership with RDAMNC and the Country Universities Centre (CUC) network. The board includes David Buffett (Chair), Sharon Nicol, Mary Christian-Bailey, Margaret Christian, Gaye Evans, Susan Prior, Chris Ronan (CUC), and Madeleine Lawler (RDAMNC).
David, a long-time advocate for education on the island, described the project as a transformational moment.
“Norfolk Island has been passionate about education from its founding in 1856. Children had access to primary education universally. However, the secondary years 11 and 12 took decades to achieve. Now the Country University Centre for Norfolk Island represents the next significant educational advancement for our community,” he said.
“There were no local options for post high school education and once we’ve finished the fit out of the CUCNI, all Norfolk Islanders can be educated in traineeships, trades or university right here on our island home.”
Work is already underway, with RDAMNC CEO Madeleine Lawler and COO Dianne Wall visiting Norfolk Island to assist in setting up the hub. The goal is to open by September 2025, with ongoing community engagement and updates throughout the year.
Madeleine described the project as a game changer for the island’s young people and broader community.
“Accessing education from a tiny island in the Pacific Ocean, 1600km off the coast of Brisbane is shortly going to be a reality,” she said. “We see this as a game changer for the local community, the options for young people and the community’s ability to ‘grow their own’ in terms of workforce and opportunities.
“RDAMNC couldn’t be more proud of its role in supporting this initiative. Saying we’re excited is an understatement. We have been able to work with the long-term champions of education and advancement to bring this to reality. I can’t wait to see what the community does with this new opportunity.”
With a strong local leadership team and government backing, Norfolk Island is set to take a significant leap forward in education access – one that could shape the island’s future for generations to come.
