Great Southern Universities Centre creates a more accessible and inclusive study environment for students in Albany.
A Lotterywest-funded accessibility project at the Great Southern Universities Centre (GSUC) Albany Study Hub on WA’s south coast has helped create a more inclusive study environment, giving local tertiary students greater independence and choice when accessing the centre’s 24/7 study facility.
The project was sparked by the experiences of students using the Albany study hub, including a Medical Science student who was studying online in 2025. The student used the study hub as a quiet place to undertake her studies. While GSUC staff were always happy to provide assistance when required, her experience, insights and feedback highlighted an opportunity to make the facility more accessible and enable students with different mobility needs to use the space more easily and independently.
That opportunity became the catalyst for the GSUC’s Student Support Officer Holly Pepper to develop an Inclusive Access Project for the Albany study hub.
“Students come to our study hubs from all walks of life, and we want everyone to feel that the space belongs to them.
“Accessibility is about creating environments where people have choice and independence. This project has allowed us to make some practical changes that can make a significant difference to a student’s education experience,” Ms Pepper said
The Albany Study Hub is located in the heart of Albany in the Old Cooperative Building on Frederick Street and provides 24/7 access to approximately 270 students undertaking higher education studies at a range of universities, TAFEs and other study providers.
In 2025, Ms Pepper successfully secured Lotterywest funding to undertake accessibility improvements within the heritage-listed building in consultation with the City of Albany.
One of the key improvements was the installation of an automated door at the main entrance. The modification allows people who use wheelchairs or have other mobility needs to enter and exit the facility independently at any time of day or night.
An automatic height-adjustable kitchenette was also installed on the upper level of the study hub. The adaptable bench allows people using wheelchairs to adjust the workspace to a comfortable and practical height, providing greater access and independence when using the kitchen and preparing meals during study breaks.
Marnie Kalma recently visited the GSUC to test out the new accessibility features at the study hub, “As a person who became physically disabled close to my thirties, lack of accessibility and exclusion has unfortunately become a new normal to me. Seeing Great Southern Universities Centre bring accessible space to life for as many people as possible has been amazing. Their drive and determination to ensure as many people as possible can reach their study goals is honestly inspiring. Their new kitchenette and entry way will hopefully allow many more Great Southerners the opportunity to study to their fullest potential.”
Together, these changes have enhanced the accessibility of the study hub and created a more welcoming and inclusive environment for students with a wide range of abilities.
The project also demonstrates how relatively small changes to existing buildings can have a meaningful impact on people’s everyday experiences.
“Every student brings their own strengths, experiences and aspirations to their studies. Our role is to create an environment that supports people to participate, connect and achieve their goals.
“This project has quite literally opened doors. We hope it will help current and future students of all abilities see the GSUC as a place where they can study independently, confidently and with a strong sense of belonging,” Ms Pepper said.
Students studying a Certificate III or above at any Australian Study Provider can register to use the free 24/7 Albany Study Hub at www.gsunicentre.edu.au.
The Great Southern Universities Centre is supported by the Australian Government’s Regional University Study Hubs Program and operates under Regional Development Australia Great Southern.