Shire of Ashburton residents will now have more opportunities to study where they live through a new partnership between Mineral Resources and Pilbara Kimberley University Centres.
Under the three-year partnership, MinRes will support the Onslow study hub to deliver additional academic development opportunities, such as access to speakers, career expos and networking.
Its support will also include funding for scholarships for two local students to help ease financial pressures so they can focus on their learning.
PKUC helps university students pursue higher education without leaving their community by providing access to dedicated local study spaces, academic assistance, course guidance and technology.
Scholarship recipient Serena Maloney, who is studying a Bachelor of Information Studies at Charles Sturt University, said the scholarship would help her become a qualified librarian.
“By reducing financial barriers, it allows me to focus completely on my academic goals and gain the expertise required to serve the community as a qualified librarian,” she said.
“I am incredibly grateful to my sponsors for this generous support.”
PKUC hub and student support manager Kylie Spencer said MinRes’ support would have a significant impact for students studying in the Shire of Ashburton.
“When young people and families are forced to leave to pursue higher education, we lose those people,” Ms Spencer said.
“Small towns thrive on a really embedded community and lots of volunteering, so when we lose people, we lose skills and we lose families and that affects the entire community.
“Historically, studying remotely — particularly in a town like Onslow — hasn’t been possible, but through investment in local study hubs, particularly now with the support of MinRes, that enables tailored solutions for our citizens and residents.”
MinRes communities and stakeholder engagement manager Daniel Barker said the partnership highlighted the importance of education in regional areas.
“MinRes recognises thriving communities are built on the dedicated support from not-for-profit organisations and we’re proud to partner with these groups in the communities where we operate,” Daniel said.
“The PKUC is a fantastic example of a local organisation doing great things for the Onslow community and we’re very proud to support them to ensure residents can continue accessing higher education.”
MinRes operates the Onslow Iron project in the region, exporting iron ore through the Port of Ashburton, located 15km south of Onslow.
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