Autumn Newsletter 2026

Note from the Interim Centre Manager

It was a great autumn at the CUC, kicking off with the Youth Summit followed by student bursaries and the Career and Job Expo. All proved successful, particularly the widening participation events that saw high school students and senior primary school students engaged in activities and conversation with universities, TAFE and regional employers. Connecting to those already in employment inspires students to continue with education and to fulfil their career aspirations.

The Student Bursary program continues with six students receiving a travel bursary and eleven students receiving a resources bursary for the first Semester. To apply for a bursary, students must be enrolled in higher education study, currently residing in Balonne, and registered with the CUC.

Partnerships are important to the CUC, and we are proud to once again partner with Mallawa Irrigation.

Elle McEachern
Interim Centre Manager

Annual Youth Summit 2026

This year was the 5th Annual Youth Summit with the theme ‘Exploring Horizons – Grow Your Future’.  The Summit, hosted at St George State High School, included eleven interactive workshops, a keynote speaker, specialist discussion panel, and eight organisations. Four schools from the surrounding Shire attended, bringing 168 students to the event.

Career and Job Expo 2026

The 5th Career and Job Expo was open to the whole community with more than 50 stallholders, supporting the region’s future workforce.

The University of Queensland’s careers wheel was a great conversation starter.

The SQRH stall is always interactive.

Congratulations to our higher education students, the Balonne Shire community, CUC Board, staff and council for reaching a fantastic five-year milestone!