General News
21 February, 2026
Mum’s proud win
MOTHER of two Katherine (Kate) Mitterer has been named university student of the year by the Financial Advice Association of Australia and UniSuper.
Studying a Bachelor of Business with the University of South Australia (now Adelaide University) at the Cassowary Coast University Centre in Innisfail, Ms Mitterer’s path to this award started somewhere unexpected.
She didn’t finish high school, and at 22 she dreamed of buying her family home when her parents decided to sell. She wasn’t in a financial position to do so and it pushed her on an unforgettable journey.
By 27, Ms Mitterer was working through credit card debt which led to teaching herself to budget and save.
When her partner, a third-generation Cassowary Coast local, helped her land a job in the mines, her income changed overnight. They soon bought their home, renovated it themselves and paid it off before their first baby arrived, building the life they wanted in the region.
During pregnancy, Ms Mitterer realised all those years of self-taught financial literacy could help others and decided to go to university.
“I was studying from home before the centre opened, yet it was very lonely”, she said.
“Then I found the CCUC and things changed in a big way. I’ve got people around me now who are all doing amazing things – other students, local support from staff like Justin and Jade.
“We help each other out. I’ve made friends there. That connection – it’s had a huge impact on my mental health. Some days are tough with two little kids, but I walk into that space and I remember why I’m doing this.”
VPG regional uni centre coordinator Justin Brennan said the award reflected the calibre of students at the centre and the strength of community-based regional education.
“This award is huge – not just for Kate, but for what it says about regional students and what we’re building here,” Mr Brennan said. “She’s done the work, built relationships, shown up for herself and for others.”
Read More: Innisfail