The opening of the Chaffey Learning Exchange (CLX) in Murray Bridge signals the start of a new era of education for the Murraylands, its proponents say.
The venue for Monday night’s launch was symbolic of the project's hopes: a 1960s-era theatre at Murray Bridge’s TAFE campus, repurposed as a centre for learning, idea-swapping and face-to-face support.
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Through links with education providers, businesses and local councils, the exchange will develop new training and job options for school leavers and mature-aged learners, including mothers and Ngarrindjeri students.
The idea, Charles Darwin University vice chancellor Martin Carroll said, was to keep people from having to leave the Murraylands to enter a career.
"People learn better in subjects relevant to them, and in places relevant to them,” he said.
"You rarely find that in a classroom of strangers, but you find it where you live, you find it where you work, you find it where you play.
"Education shouldn't be limited by your location, shouldn't be limited by your age, your background, other commitments, family commitments, the fact you have a job."
CLX would strive to help students overcome three major challenges, he said: inadequate internet access, upheaval in the workforce due to automation, and isolation.
Learning was about getting coffee, chatting with people and carpooling, he said: situations in which students could help each other and make study a lifestyle.
At present, School and Beyond’s Dale Manson said, a third of regional and rural students quit university by the end of their first year.
Regional Development Minister Geoff Brock formally opened the exchange before "pop-up" speakers shared ideas on innovation, entrepreneurship, enterprise and creativity.
In time, CLX plans to link with the foresty, agriculture, aviation, equine, export and motorsport industries.
- Register to learn: www.chaffeylearningexchange.com.
