Woorabinda Education, Enterprise and Research Hub

CQUniversity, in partnership with the Woorabinda Aboriginal Shire Council in Central Queensland, has established an innovative model to enable education, enterprise and research opportunities in the Woorabinda community. The partnership led to the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU), and to the establishment of the Woorabinda Hub. A renewed MoU was negotiated in November 2020, in the process joining with Yoonthalla Services Woorabinda. A key outcome of the Hub project will be a model guiding similar community driven and designed programs. Woorabinda Hub facilitates delivery of study programs for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students in multiple courses and degree programs. A milestone event was the first CQUniversity graduation held in Woorabinda, with 18 students awarded their Certificate I in Conservation and Land Management. In 2022, a new Rangers program was established with funding from BHP, with students enrolled in a Certificate III Conservation and Land Management, delivered in the community. In 2021, the Woorabinda Arts and Cultural Centre was established at the refurbished Duaringa Hall, supported by the Central Queensland Regional Arts Services Network, and with funding from BHP Mitsubishi Alliance. The Arts and Cultural Centre provides training and materials, and a gallery offering an outlet for emerging artists to gain experience in the arts industry. Engagement has also presented pathways for community led projects with CQUniversity researchers. Research is currently underway in collaboration with a local Traditional Owner investigating bioactivity of plants and remedies used in medicine and bath products. Other projects are investigating the impact of the Police Citizens Youth Club (PCYC) in Woorabinda, and community-led disaster management responses to COVID-19.