At CS Energy, we know first-hand how important access to education is for people living and working in regional communities.
CUC Western Downs Centre Manager Alexandra Rummenie and Board of Directors Chair Robert Bourke cut the cake at the first anniversary ceremony.
Many of our employees have balanced study with shift work, family commitments, and long commutes - often without access to quiet, reliable places to learn. That’s why we’re proud to support initiatives like the Country Universities Centre (CUC) Western Downs in Chinchilla.
Now celebrating its first anniversary, the CUC Western Downs has quickly become a vital part of the region’s education landscape. Designed to support people pursuing higher education, the Centre provides high-quality study spaces, fast internet and tailored academic support, allowing students to complete tertiary study close to home rather than relocating.
Gavin Dann, General Manager of Kogan Creek Power Station, gave a speech on behalf of CS Energy at the first anniversary event.
As a foundation partner, CS Energy has supported the Centre from its earliest planning stages through to its first graduates - and now, its first year of operation.
“Without CS Energy’s sponsorship, we wouldn’t have a building for the Country Universities Centre,” said Centre Manager Alexandra Rummenie. “Their support gives students a place to focus on achieving their goals.”
“Beyond funding, the CS Energy team has shown genuine interest in our success. Their partnership extends past sponsorship through their involvement in community engagement activities and their regular use of our facilities for training and events.”
That interest comes from within CS Energy itself; across our regional operations, many employees have pursued further training or higher education while living locally. We know that studying from a kitchen table or a busy household isn’t always practical, and having a dedicated, professional space can make all the difference.
When the Centre opened in February 2025, the goal was to support 90 students in its first year. Today, 144 students are registered, reflecting strong demand for accessible higher education in the Western Downs.
The Centre has also attracted placement and international students, helping build connections between new arrivals and the local community - and reinforcing the Western Downs as a place where people can live, study and work.
CS Energy’s Community Engagement Advisor – Western Downs Britt Herbert said that CS Energy supported the original application for a CUC in Chinchilla and committed to becoming a foundation partner because we believe education is key to regional sustainability and workforce development.
CS Energy's Community Engagement Advisor - Western Downs Britt Herbert (centre) joined a panel with Director of Regional Engagement - Education Partnerships UniSQ Helen Nolan and Tom Hubbard, a current student using the facilities.
“To have played a part in bringing this initiative to life is really meaningful,” Britt said.
“It reflects our belief that regional people deserve the same opportunities to learn and grow as anyone else.”
Looking ahead, the CUC plans to strengthen partnerships with local schools and businesses, helping young people explore education pathways early and see what’s possible without leaving the region.
By supporting spaces like the CUC Western Downs, CS Energy is helping ensure regional communities - and regional workforces - continue to thrive.
Check out the video below to learn more.