The Lumen Northam Study Hub was officially opened on Tuesday, 11 November 2025, by the Federal Minister for Education the Hon Jason Clare MP, marking a major milestone for regional tertiary access across the Wheatbelt.

The Northam Hub is the fifth Lumen Regional University Study Hub to open in the Wheatbelt and provides free access and on-the-ground support for university and TAFE students studying locally. Delivered by Regional Development Australia (RDA) Wheatbelt and supported by the Shire of Northam, the new facility aims to make higher education more accessible to Wheatbelt students who wish to study close to home.

The Minister was joined by the Federal Member of Bullwinkle Trish Cook, RDA Wheatbelt Chair Renata Paliskis, Shire President Cr Chris Antonio, and Lumen staff and students to celebrate the official opening. The event brought together representatives from state and local government, universities, and community organisations, highlighting the strong partnerships behind the initiative.

The new Northam Hub offers a dedicated, fully equipped study space with high-speed internet, quiet study rooms, printing facilities, and student support staff available to assist with study skills, enrolments, and navigating online learning. It also provides opportunities for local engagement through workshops, information sessions, and outreach to nearby towns in the Avon.

Lumen Wheatbelt Study Hub Coordinator Lisa Astle said the hub represents more than just a building, it’s a lifeline for regional students.

“Having completed my own university studies while living in York, I know firsthand how challenging distance study can be,” she said. “The Northam Hub gives students a sense of belonging, connection, and support that can make all the difference in helping students succeed.”

The establishment of the Lumen Northam Hub has been made possible through the Australian Government’s Regional University Study Hubs program, designed to reduce barriers to tertiary education for students in rural, regional, and remote areas.

The opening marks another step forward in Lumen’s commitment to strengthening educational pathways across the Wheatbelt and beyond, ensuring that geography is no longer a barrier to higher education.