A Country Universities Centre for Hay is now one step closer, with local Jessie Armstrong appointed as the Centre Manager of the eagerly anticipated Rural University Study Hub (RUSH).

Jessie comes from a rural background with a passion for agriculture extension and advisory services, and experience in project management, communications and community education.

She is currently studying at university and is excited by the opportunity to support people in Hay to undertake their own studies. 

“I grew up on a station 130 kilometres away from Hay, so an hour and a half drive,” Ms Armstrong said.

“I've done School of the Air, been to boarding school, and now I’ve been doing my own double degree by distance for the last five years.”

Ms Armstrong will manage her own study load while working at Hay’s RUSH, working towards a Bachelor of Environmental Science and Management and a Bachelor of Agricultural Science, so is uniquely qualified to support other students.

“I’ll be here for students, offering first-year study support, such as accessing student portals, interpreting your subject outline or your course handbook, downloading any of their software they might need, or navigating scholarship pages.

“While we won't provide any tuition or anything like that, we will be able to help students find that within their own institution.

“I am available so people don't have to try and battle online learning by themselves.”

Newly appointed manager of Hay’s Country University Centre Jessie Armstrong is no stranger to online learning. She is encouraging student to register their interest in enrolling in the local study hub.

Ms Armstrong said she is happy to chat with anyone who wants to know more about what Hay RUSH can offer.

“We have plenty of resources to give to students to help them figure out goals, like study goals, how to manage workload, time management, well-being, and mental health as well,” she said.

“It doesn't matter if you are part-time or full-time studying online, or if you're part-time or full-time on campus, you can still access the centre during holidays and mid-session breaks.

“When you're coming home to the region, you can use us as a study centre, which is a good reason to register.

“And if you're a student who's coming to Hay to do work placement or some type of work experience, you can also register with us to get access to the centre while you're in town.

Ms Armstrong said regional students are welcome to register as well.

“The only limitation that people have really when it comes to accessing the centre is how far they're willing to travel.”

She said she is also keen to support those who have come to the area to work – as jackaroos or governesses – but who also want to further their education.

“Coming from an ag background, I have a soft spot for, obviously agriculture and young people, particularly who take up first-year Jackaroo or Jillaroo positions and then they leave the area in their second year because they decided that they want to go to Uni,” she explained

“They end up going to Wagga and leaving the area again. Whereas, if someone registered with Hay RUSH they don’t have to leave that lifestyle of being on farm. They can continue to study on, with our help, and come in of days off.

“You can come in and get support.”

Ms Armstrong said she is happy to chat online with students

“I'm not adverse to spending time doing Zooms or Microsoft Teams calls with people, if they are out on their farm and need support.”

Whether it’s well-being check-in, a digital coffee catch-up or just need a good vent, Ms Armstrong said the centre is geared up to help.

“Many people from Hay face significant challenges when it comes to leaving Hay to attend university, such as the high cost of living, finding affordable housing and managing family and carer responsibilities,” Chair of the CUC Hay Board and Mayor of Hay Shire Council, Carol Oataway said.

“Having a RUSH in Hay will be a game-changer for both younger and older residents who want to realise their career dreams – supporting them to access courses from any university, without having to leave our community.

“This also has the potential to bring significant benefits to the broader Hay community, giving us the means to grow our own skilled workforce for the future.”

The Centre is overseen by a local, skills-based volunteer Board, ensuring it meets the unique needs and circumstances of the Hay community.

Co-location with TAFE NSW is one of those unique attributes, allowing Hay residents to seamlessly access vocational and tertiary education options under the one roof.

“I am happy to chat with anyone if they have questions,” Ms Armstrong said.

Hay RUSH is located at Hay TAFE in Pine Street, and is open 8.30am to 4.30pm, every week day (except Thursday). You can also call on 0498 683 152, or email at [email protected].

There is no fee to access Hay RUSH.

Expressions of interest for enrolments are now open.

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