Study Mackay has started a new project aimed at creating better services and support for Mackay students by offering a discounts and benefits program.

The Student Discount Program will be administered via smart phone technology, a dedicated webpage and a social networking site.

It will provide students with a range of discounts at participating businesses whilst connecting them to each other by highlighting activities and events.

Study Mackay chair Professor Pierre Viljoen said the program was developed after it was found there was a perception of little or no ‘atmosphere' in Mackay as a ‘student town'.

"Community forums and student surveys have indicated that there is not a strong feeling of 'student community' in Mackay despite the 8400 tertiary students studying at the university and TAFE campuses.

"It's Study Mackay's aim to continue to address aspects of student liveability and help mould Mackay into a more ‘student friendly' town," Professor Viljoen said.  

Professor Viljoen said the Student Discount Program was just an initial cornerstone of an overall program, that would provide a platform to build on for the future.  

"While the project will provide benefits to existing and future students, it also has further benefits for the local community and economy. 

"The project will help increase the amount of students attracted to study in Mackay, provide Mackay employers greater access to a skilled labour force and improve the ability to retain students in the region," he said.

The group is aiming to launch the initiative mid-year and target the Mackay student population of 17,000, from Year 8 through to tertiary level.  

Study Mackay meets every six weeks and encourages participation and input from its members. If you are interested in joining Study Mackay or learning more about its activities, please phone 4953 2655 or email:c.christensen@mwredc.org.au .