The PKUC is a not-for-profit tertiary education access initiative dedicated to supporting students and the broader community in Onslow and the wider Pilbara and Kimberley regions by providing pathways to higher education and vocational training.
The organisation connects local students with universities across Australia to achieve their education and career goals close to home by providing students with academic assistance, course guidance and modern study spaces.
Under the new partnership, MinRes will support the Onslow Study Hub to offer students additional academic development opportunities, including access to speakers, careers expos, industry and peer networking, leadership coaching and scholarships for two Onslow-based students.
The Onslow Study Hub, which opened in 2024 and is operated by PKUC, provides local students with campus-style facilities and support to pursue tertiary qualifications without leaving the community.
PKUC Hub and Student Support Manager Kylie Spencer said MinRes’ support would have a significant impact for students studying in Onslow.
“When young people and families are forced to leave to pursue higher education, we lose those people,” Spencer said.
“Small towns thrive on a really embedded community and lots of volunteering, so when we lose people, we lose skills and we lose families and that affects the entire community.”
“Historically, studying remotely - particularly in a town like Onslow - hasn’t been possible. Through through investment in local study hubs, particularly now with the support of MinRes, we're providing tailored solutions for our citizens and residents.”
MinRes Manager Communities and Stakeholder Engagement Daniel Barker said the partnership highlighted the importance of education in Western Australia’s regional areas.
“MinRes recognises thriving communities are built on the dedicated support from not-for-profit organisations and we’re proud to partner with these groups in the communities where we operate,” Barker said.
“The PKUC is a fantastic example of a local organisation doing great things for the Onslow community and we’re proud to support them to ensure residents can continue accessing higher education.”
MinRes operates the Onslow Iron project in the West Pilbara region, exporting iron ore through the Port of Ashburton located 15km south of Onslow.
The project reached nameplate capacity of 35 million tonnes per annum in August 2025, just 14 months after first ore on ship.
