New partnership to boost Wide Bay sporting pathways

By Tiahna Fiddling

CQUniversity and the Wide Bay Sports Academy (WBSA) have signed a partnership to strengthen pathways for young athletes, enhance student learning opportunities and support the growth of sport across the region.

The new Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) will enhance a previous long-term collaboration between both organisations over the next three years.

The partnership will expand student placements, explore research opportunities, support athlete education pathways and provide access to CQU's facilities, venues and administrative support.

Wide Bay Sports Academy Chief Executive Officer Ben Hughes said the MOU represented an exciting new chapter for the Academy and its athletes.

“Access to CQU’s expertise, student talent and facilities will enhance our capacity to grow sport in the Wide Bay region,” he said.

“We were thrilled to be working alongside a partner that shares our commitment to developing the next generation.”

Through the MOU, CQU students across health, sport and education disciplines will have access to placements within WBSA programs. Researchers will also have access to Academy members for research project data collection.

CQU will offer educational pathway guidance for Academy athletes, including opportunities to enrol in Start Uni Now (SUN) or Start TAFE Now (STN) programs.

Mr Hughes said the collaboration between the two organisations would create stronger opportunities for athletes and students in the region. 

“This partnership with CQU will strengthen the Academy’s ability to deliver high-quality development programs for young athletes, while also paving clear educational pathways for them,” Mr Hughes said.

“By working together, we can ensure athletes not only excel on the field but also have access to further education and future careers.”

CQUniversity is a leading university in SPORT (Sport and exercise, Physical activity, Occupational and Rehabilitation Therapies), and its SPORT Strategy 2025-2028 commits to collaboration with grassroots, government and industry partners for high performance and community engagement outcomes.

Learn more at the CQUniversity SPORT website.