Wellbeing Oasis Launches at CUC Mount Isa: A Student-Led Haven for Study Breaks and Connection

Students have transformed a group study room into a vibrant wellbeing space at CUC Mount Isa, with support from Powerlink Queensland and a strong focus on rest, connection and student wellbeing.

The Wellbeing Oasis officially opened at CUC Mount Isa on 16 April 2026, creating a new space where students can step away from study, recharge and connect. Developed as a Students as Partners project, the Wellbeing Oasis reflects a shared vision between staff and students to create something practical, welcoming and genuinely needed at the centre.

From Vision to Reality

The idea for the Wellbeing Oasis grew from two needs at the centre: creating a proper space for students to take conscious breaks from intensive study, and finding a new use for the centre’s VR headsets beyond career exploration.

With support from Learning Skills Advisor Ana and funding through a Powerlink community grant, the concept quickly took shape. Planning began in January 2026, with students Nathan Garnsworthy, who is studying a Master of Teaching, and Jeswah Thetadig, who is studying a Bachelor of Engineering, joining the project as equal partners in bringing the space to life.

Student Power at the Core

This was not a project created for students from a distance. Nathan and Jeswah were involved from the beginning, helping plan the room, guide the design, build furniture, decorate the space and shape its overall feel.

Their involvement gave the project a strong sense of ownership and purpose. More than contributing ideas, they helped create a space grounded in what students at CUC Mount Isa actually need: somewhere to take a guilt-free break, reconnect with others and return to study feeling more settled and supported.

Sean, the Centre Manager, and Marissa, the Coordinator, also supported the project and helped keep it moving throughout the process.

Sponsor Spotlight

Powerlink Queensland community grant made the project possible, helping fund the fit-out, furniture and resources that brought the Wellbeing Oasis together.

We are grateful for Powerlink Queensland for trusting our vision and their support in enriching regional communities with better experiences.

Inside the Oasis

Divided for flexibility, the room welcomes everyone at CUC Mount Isa on a drop-in basis—use discretion, share kindly, and step out after a reasonable time if the door’s closed.

Rest Section: Massage chair for napping or meditation; VR corner with two headsets loaded with wellbeing apps and active games.

Community Section: Two couches, table for board games (plus crosswords, Sudoku, colouring books, paint-by-numbers); bookshelves with reading options; full whiteboard wall for doodling or brainstorming.

It is a space set apart from the main study areas, designed to make room for both quiet reset and casual connection.

“The Wellbeing Oasis is fantastic! Another reason to love coming to CUC.” – Clare, Paramedic Science Student.

Why It Matters Here

In a regional study hub like CUC Mount Isa, the Wellbeing Oasis is about more than a room. It recognises that students are often balancing study with work, family and other commitments, and that having space to pause, connect and reset can make a real difference.

Research on student wellbeing points to the value of accessible, low-barrier spaces that support connection, belonging and engagement in learning environments. In that sense, the Wellbeing Oasis is not only a new feature at the centre, but a practical investment in student success, shaped by students themselves.