UniSQ strengthens regional connections across Scenic Rim and Logan

University of Southern Queensland (UniSQ) met with school leaders, local government, business and community representatives during a two-day visit to the Scenic Rim and Logan.

Led by UniSQ Vice-Chancellor and President Professor Paul Mazerolle, the delegation’s first day took in Tamborine Mountain, Boonah and Beaudesert.

It met with staff at Tamborine Mountain State High School and Boonah State High School, and Scenic Rim Regional Council Mayor Tom Sharp. A stakeholder roundtable discussion and community networking function were also held in Beaudesert.

On the second day, the delegation travelled to Logan’s south-western growth corridor, visiting Yarrabilba State Secondary College and Flagstone State Community College. It also held a stakeholder roundtable discussion and community networking function in Flagstone.

At Boonah State High School, principal Dan Marrone said a close relationship with universities was important.

“For our students, getting to university is a real challenge. A lot of them aren’t necessarily looking to move out of home, which means they’re looking for a university that offers convenient and flexible access, either online or through on-campus visits. UniSQ certainly fits the bill,” Mr Marrone said.

“We do a lot of work to expose our students to the opportunities available, not only in our town, but within driving distance or a short travel distance.

“We invite universities in to work with our students and look at diversifying the pathways and opportunities available to them.

“Meeting with UniSQ allows us to stay up to date with what the University is offering and liaise firsthand with the University about what our students need to access its courses.”

Speaking at the Beaudesert community function, Professor Mazerolle said the visit provided an opportunity to hear directly from local communities and explore how UniSQ could work with them.

“We want to listen and engage. We want to be part of the conversations that help build a strong Scenic Rim, not just now, but in the future,” he said.

Professor Mazerolle said universities could help shape the future of individuals, families and communities, and that UniSQ’s regional role depended on understanding local priorities.

He framed the University’s role through five Ps: “purpose, place, partnerships, programs and people”.

Thriving Local CEO Gail Ker OAM said collaboration was important to building the regional social and economic future.

“I was really pleased to see the University champion this roundtable, bringing together those key stakeholders, local government, chambers of commerce and industry, and local communities to talk about how we build this together,” Ms Ker said.

“Socially, it’s so important that we’re cohesive and together, and that we work towards building the social and economic fabric of this region.

“Economically, we need to provide jobs and educational pathways so we can be a smarter, stronger society together.”

The UniSQ delegation included senior leaders from education and creative arts, nursing and midwifery, business, law and humanities, and communities and regional development, alongside staff from regional engagement, industry and community partnerships, and alumni.

Professor Mazerolle said the visit reflected UniSQ’s ongoing commitment to the regions it serves, as the University prepares to celebrate its 60th anniversary in 2027.

“We look forward to building, co-creating and seeing how we can lean in as a university to make a difference,” he said.