Support is now available in Roxby Downs for those wanting to access university without leaving the region, thanks to a partnership between the BHP Local Buying Foundation and Uni Hub Spencer Gulf.

And helping to deliver this support will be local educator and researcher, Angela Thompson.

Angela has been appointed as the Uni Hub’s Roxby Downs Coordinator, and will help deliver the ‘Growing our Own’ Skilled Workforce Program, which has been funded by the Local Buying Foundation.

The program will support the work of the Uni Hub, helping locals access university education locally. The Uni Hub will also work with local employers and employees on opportunities for staff up-skilling, school leaver cadetships, higher apprenticeships, scholarships and placements.

Angela is the ideal fit for the role of the Uni Hub’s Roxby Downs Coordinator, having recently worked as a project leader and lead researcher for the BHP Mining Minds Education Partnership in Olympic Dam.

She lived in mining towns across Australia for much of her early life and has lived and worked in Olympic Dam for sixteen years, ten of those as the Principal of the Andamooka Primary School.

She has also worked across the Far North region of South Australia as chair of the Department of Education Partnership and Australian Curriculum Advisor. Before relocating to Olympic Dam Angela also held several leadership positions with the Department of Education.

Most recently, she completed her master’s degree in working with families and children at the University of Hertfordshire and is passionate about empowering the community through shared learning and community partnerships.

“The Uni Hub is a fabulous opportunity for people to pursue study locally,” Angela said.

“I was the first in my family to study at university in the late 1970’s when it was free and easily accessible. Although I had to leave my family and friends behind to move to the city and I missed their daily support.

“We need local nurses and health workers, teachers, social workers, engineers and leaders who understand our remote context and are active and continuing members of our community.

“As a local educator and researcher, I know that parents have the most influence over their children’s decision to study and I look forward to working in our community with parents and students alike.”

Angela will be located part-time at the Community Hub in the main street of Roxby Downs. She can be contacted on roxbydowns@unihub.org or 0400 877 531.