Regina Rogers, a grandmother and proud Warndarrang woman from Arnhem Land, is about to complete her Bachelor of Arts (Indigenous Studies) through Macquarie University. Her journey began on-Country at the Wuyagiba Study Hub, where she was part of the very first cohort. Now, she’s set to become the second student supported by Wuyagiba Study Hub to graduate with a university degree—an achievement that reflects the power of place-based education and the strength of community-led learning.
Regina is the eldest daughter of the late Dr K Rogers, one of Australia’s first Aboriginal school principals and the founder of the Wuyagiba Study Hub, known as the Bush Uni. Inspired by her father’s legacy and driven by her own passion for education, Regina joined the Hub’s inaugural intake, which lead her to Macquarie University where she has worked toward her degree while supporting her family and community.
In 2018, Regina completed the Hub’s on-Country cultural and academic courses, which blend traditional knowledge with university-level learning, in partnership with Macquarie. The cultural curriculum, designed and led by local Elders, grounds students in identity and community, while the place-based academic component prepares them for tertiary study. Regina’s success is a testament to the strength of this model.
The Hub gave Regina confidence to pursue university studies and stay connected to her community and culture.
“Learning on-Country made me feel strong. I could study without leaving my family behind. I’m proud to show my grandchildren that it’s never too late to learn,” she said.
The Wuyagiba Study Hub was established under the Regional University Study Hubs program, which supports students in regional and remote areas to access tertiary education locally. It offers study spaces, internet access, academic support and wellbeing services, all within a culturally grounded environment. The Hub’s unique Bush Uni model combines university-level cultural and academic content, delivered entirely on-Country.
The Hub is operated by a dedicated team of Elders, educators and support staff who work together to create a community-centred learning environment. University lecturers from Macquarie University travel to Wuyagiba to deliver contextualised first-year subjects, while local Elders lead the cultural curriculum. This collaboration ensures students receive a holistic education that honours both cultural and academic knowledge.
Since its opening, the Wuyagiba Study Hub has supported 178 First Nations students to study on Country. In 2024, 35 students who completed the Hub’s courses had transitioned to study at Macquarie University in Sydney. Regina’s upcoming graduation marks a significant milestone for the Hub and highlights the long-term impact of two-way, on-Country tertiary education and strong mainstream University partnerships.
Regina’s story is a powerful example of how government-funded, community-led initiatives can contribute to Closing the Gap outcomes. Her success reflects the strength of the Wuyagiba Study Hub and the importance of culturally grounded education pathways for First Nations people living remotely. As she prepares to graduate, Regina said:
“I’m proud to walk in my father’s footsteps and show our young ones that education belongs to all of us.”
The Regional University Study Hubs program contributes to Closing the Gap Outcomes 6 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students reach their full potential through further education pathways and 7 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander youth are engaged in employment or education.
Read more here: Regional University Study Hubs - Department of Education, Australian Government
Marina Pyro and Regina Rogers
Dr Helen Rogers (mother) and Regina Rogers (daughter)