Our Story
Who we are
We are driving change in regional education by empowering the Clarence Valley community to fulfil their potential through higher education. We are increasing access by providing a highly connected learning community in Grafton to overcome the barriers to success.
Why we are here
Regional and rural communities deserve quality opportunities to pursue their dreams without the need to relocate. Our mission is to provide regional people with the space and tools they need to create a vibrant and more prosperous future for themselves and their wider community.
What we do
We have created a dedicated learning and study space in Grafton that has been designed for regional people by regional people. Our students have free access to high-speed Internet, modern technology, and general academic support all delivered here at CUC Clarence Valley. Our students have the opportunity to build a network of like-minded fellow students and can take advantage of being part of a state-wide learning community.
Who we are here for
All people in the Clarence Valley region who are studying higher education from any Australian university or non-university higher education provider. If you’re a local business or service provider interested in engaging locally trained university graduates and students, or hosting student placements and work-based learning, we are here for you too.
How it all began
CUC Clarence Valley opened to students on the 5th August 2019 and was officially opened in September 2019 as an affiliate of Country Universities Centre, with support from the NSW Government, and the local community. In late 2018 we were successful in obtaining Federal funding to deepen our operations and engagement under the Regional University Centres program. Since opening, we have supported almost 900 Clarence Valley residents in their learning journeys, and we look forward to being part of the future of higher education for the Clarence Valley region.
Click here for more information about the Country Universities Centre network.
History of our Centre
The CUCCV was originally the home of local resident Angus Battersby and converted into the Grafton Red Cross Hall in 1951. Early newspaper reports declared it as “one of the finest Red Cross Centres in the State” and “one of Grafton’s most attractive public structures” with “an imposing brick frontage”. In renovating the building to make it fit for higher-education purpose during 2019, the architect and designers did a brilliant job of blending the old with the new. Not only did they maintain what was originally described as a “beautifully furnished and decorated and ideal setting” but also restored “the beautifully-designed cupboards and the well-fitted servery”.
