About
Our Story
Vocational Partnerships Group (VPG) is a not-for-profit organisation based in Far North Queensland committed to achieving real and sustainable outcomes for local communities. For 25 years, we have empowered youth, strengthened families, and brokered partnerships between education and industry by consistently delivering high quality outcomes to our stakeholders: youth, families, industry, and communities.
We strive to create places and environments that inspire and connect people with quality education and employment opportunities, ensuring active community and economic participation.
As part of our commitment to this goal, we have established the Tablelands University Centre (TUC) within our VPG Community Hub in Atherton, providing access to higher education through the provision of support and facilities, so locals can pursue the career they want and stay in the community they know and love.
The TUC is one of 34 Regional University Centres across Australia, forming a collaborative network to boost accessibility of tertiary education in regional, rural, and remote areas.
Our Service
At the Tablelands University Centre (TUC), we provide a welcoming face-to-face learning community that empowers local students to achieve their dreams and reach their full potential without having to leave their community. Our campus-like environment features quiet study spaces, computers, internet, and study support to facilitate a productive learning experience.
We provide comprehensive academic and personal support to help students thrive. Our VPG staff can work with TUC students to improve their academic skills, build study skills, and navigate university and learning centre requirements. We also connect students with specialist community partners for health, wellbeing, and housing support to ensure they have the resources they need to succeed.
In addition, VPG is a specialist in brokering partnerships with industry to provide enriched work-integrated learning experiences that match the aspirations and capabilities of students with the needs of local employers. At the TUC, VPG staff are available to guide students in their career aspirations and coordinate work placements to support the achievement of their education goals.
Our Community
Equity in learning opportunities for our students is our top priority, and as such, the centre is open to all rural and regional students who are studying university or VET courses online at any Australian institution at no cost.
We believe that every student should have the opportunity to reach their full potential, and we are committed to making that a reality.
Our Team
Maryanne Tranter
VPG Chief Executive Officer
VPG CEO, Maryanne Tranter, is a visionary leader who spearheads the Tablelands University Centre (TUC) with an unwavering passion for creating positive change in rural and regional communities. Through her exemplary leadership skills, she ensures that the TUC stays true to its mission and values, providing high-quality services to rural and regional communities. Maryanne’s dedication to creating positive change is evident in the way she inspires her team to drive innovation and collaboration, resulting in exceptional service delivery for both students and the wider community. Maryanne holds undergraduate and post-graduate degrees in Arts (Anthropology) and Career Counselling.
Angela Wienert
Senior Business Support Officer
As VPG’s Senior Business Support Officer, Angela oversees the IT services and computing technologies at the TUC to ensure students have the necessary tools and resources to excel in their academic pursuits. Her dedication to achieving high-quality services is evident in her role as a problem solver, providing support and advice to students on any IT-related issues they may encounter. With extensive knowledge in IT and quality assurance, Angela is an indispensable member of the TUC team. She works tirelessly to ensure that TUC services are up-to-date and responsive to student needs. Angela is studying an Accounting Principles Skills Set course through CQU.
Julie Hyde
Student Development Coach
Julie, the Student Development Coach at TUC, provides essential learning support and guidance to students throughout their academic journey. She helps students stay engaged, build self-efficacy, maintain well-being, and achieve academic success. Julie holds a diverse range of tertiary qualifications including a Diploma of Human Resources, a Bachelor of Psychological Science & an MBA. Julie is currently pursuing her Masters in Counselling. Her personal experience of balancing study, work, and life allows her to uniquely empathize with students managing various responsibilities while pursuing tertiary education. With a successful history in non-traditional industries for women and being the first in her family to earn university degrees, Julie is dedicated to increasing access and participation in regional study.
Join us
We invite all rural and regional students to join us at the Tablelands University Centre to experience a campus-like learning environment and connect with peers while studying locally in Atherton.
Let us invest in your aspirations, skills and capabilities to build the foundation for your education participation.