“They can stay, they can study, and they can succeed – right here in their own community.”

These were the words spoken by Mayor Carol Oataway during her address at last Wednesday’s official opening of Hay Community Universities Centre (CUC).

Cr Oataway is also the chair of the Hay CUC Board, which includes directors Bec Bunyan, Dave Robson, Kylie Brettschneider, Emma Harrison and Sandra Ireson.

The CUC is an affiliated network of 28 community owned centres operating in 40 communities across regional Australia and each centre is locally governed.

The Hay campus is unique, in that it is the first to be co-located with TAFE NSW.

“It makes perfect sense,” Cr Oataway said. “It brings together pathways, ambition, and opportunity in one place.

“It sends a very clear message: in Hay, education is connected, supported, valued and achievable.”

Cr Oataway spoke to the assembled guests of her own experience of tertiary education.

“When I pursued my own tertiary education, I had to leave home,” Cr Oataway said.

“That was the only option available at the time. It came at a significant cost to my family. I was fortunate – I received a teaching scholarship.

“Without it, my parents simply would not have been able to afford to send me away.

“Not everyone had that opportunity.

“And that is why what we are celebrating today matters so much.

“Because now, the next generation in Hay will have a choice that many of us did not.”

In welcoming guests to the official opening Hay Shire’s Ali Mclean paid homage to the late Bruce Simpson and Duncan Taylor. Mr Taylor was present at Wednesday’s ceremony.

“This is not simply the opening of a centre. It is the opening of opportunity.

“This project began from an idea from two people, whose passion for rural education helped turn that idea into reality.

“Bruce and Duncan believed deeply that where you live should never determine the education you can access.”

CUC Hay’s official opening

Ms McLean also spoke of the level of community support received during the planning stages of the centre.

“When we surveyed the community we received the strongest response of any survey we have ever conducted. 100 per cent of those surveyed said ‘yes please.'”

Minister for Skills, TAFE and Tertiary Education Steve Whan MP congratulated the CUC directors, centre manager and Hay Shire for their vision.

“It’s a wonderful facility to have and it’s really important that we’re able to co-locate here (with TAFE) and create a real hub for education in Hay,” the Minister said.

“I want to congratulate the community of Hay for your work in getting this up and running.

“You are starting with a reservoir of goodwill in the community, that’s going to encourage people to come in and use the facility.”

The official opening was attended by executive members of the Country Universities Centre, executive members of TAFE NSW, CUC Hay board members, councillors and staff of Hay Shire Council; representatives of the Riverina and Murray Joint Organisation, Mr Brett Stonestreet and Mayor Ruth McRae, representatives from Hay War Memorial High School, Hay Public School and St Mary’s School and Hay Children’s Services, students and members of Hay Youth Taskforce.

Centre manager Jess Armstrong is available to discuss how Hay CUC can support any student, studying at any university or college – whether it be navigating enrolments, providing study spaces and technology, or general advice and support.

Since studying in the daytime isn’t always possible, the CUC will be open to registered students after hours, seven days a week.

This article appeared in The Riverine Grazier, 22 April 2026.