Crossroads of the North
Katherine, often called the Crossroads of the North, is a hub for mining, agriculture, horticulture and tourism in the Northern Territory. On the lands of the Jawoyn, Wardaman and Dagoman peoples, Katherine offers a wealth of natural beauty and ancient culture.
Katherine is a part of the Big Rivers region, which covers approximately 25% of the NT’s total land area. The region extends 170 km south of Darwin to the Western Australia border, the Gulf of Carpentaria along the Queensland border to the east, and over 500 km to the south.
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A leader in Indigenous education
Each year CDU teaches over 4,000 Indigenous students in over 150 locations across the NT.
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#15 in Australia for skills development in agriculture and environmental sciences
According to the Good Universities Guide 2024
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Learn from industry experts
To develop real-world skills
Message from the Associate Vice-Chancellor
Charles Darwin University (CDU) is thrilled to expand its presence in the thriving Katherine township and wider Big Rivers region. Together with Katherine Rural campus and Katherine Town Centre, the region is integral to CDU’s mission of reinvesting in regions and reinvigorating our campuses.
CDU Katherine is recognised for First Nations engagement and continuing to grow the University’s reach and impact across the Northern Territory. We have a strong focus on remote delivery and enhancing our delivery options to communities in the Big Rivers region, creating a student experience where everyone can connect and succeed.
We are proud to be a part of the remarkable development in Katherine and the Big Rivers region. Together, we’re forging opportunities and making powerful contributions to the social and economic growth of the region.
Alison Brook, Associate Vice-Chancellor, Katherine and Big Rivers region
About CDU Katherine
CDU operates out of two sites in Katherine - Katherine Rural campus and Katherine Town Centre. Although these are our central sites, CDU delivers training and courses right across the Northern Territory and northern Western Australia. We support students in TAFE and higher education studies and research through local administrative assistance, on-site exam supervision and dedicated facilities for lecturers engaging with our Katherine-based students.
A wide range of short courses are offered by CDU Katherine, including:
- 4WD operations
- chemical user accreditation
- culinary arts
- machinery operation and maintenance
- driver training and truck licensing assessment
- forklift, elevated work platform and working at heights training.
Contact the friendly CDU Katherine Admin team to see which courses are coming up by emailing katherine@cdu.edu.au or calling 1800 779 577.
Our services and facilities
CDU Katherine offers a variety of services and facilities for students, including:
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accommodation at Katherine Rural campus
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computers
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Wi-Fi access
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study areas and student lounges
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printing available upon request
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venue hire - please contact Property and Facilities.
Empowering First Nations success
CDU Katherine focuses on enhancing the support model for First Nations students, ensuring their success by implementing inclusive and culturally appropriate learning and teaching practices. We’re dedicated to fostering partnerships with First Nations communities to provide education and training opportunities on Country, creating a deeper connection to culture and land.
CDU Katherine also recognises the importance of engaging with First Nations community-based organisations in the Big Rivers region. By collaborating with these organisations, we can identify their workforce priorities, considering factors such as economic growth, major developments, local decision-making programs and employment projects.
International students
Katherine Rural campus is committed to fostering global connections and enriching international students' experiences. With a focus on training, exchanges and immersive learning, the campus regularly hosts international student groups who come to engage in various activities and experiences directly relevant to their studies.
This is an opportunity for students to connect with peers, exchange ideas and learn about what CDU Katherine and Big Rivers region has to offer.
Driving change through research
In the Katherine and Big Rivers region, our researchers are delivering cutting-edge research across healthcare, environmental science, public policy, agriculture and more. CDU is committed to undertaking world-class research that supports sustainable development for the future of the Northern Territory.
Our research topics at CDU Katherine include:
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What technology will support the best quality healthcare for our regional and remote communities in the future?
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What economic opportunities are emerging to support the livelihoods of First Nations peoples?
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How do we best take care of our tropical savannas, or manage groundwater in arid, semi-arid and wet dry tropical regions?
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How can Indigenous Research Methodologies transform Western ways of conducting research?
Katherine accommodation
Katherine Student Accommodation (KSA) includes a recreation room, dining room, training and conference facilities and a pool. These facilities are available to all residents - whether living here on a short or long-term stay or visiting from any school groups or conference groups.
Find out moreWhat's happening at CDU
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CDU TAFE
Visit CDU TAFEWhether you're starting or switching your career, or moving up in your chosen field, there are many ways to challenge yourself, learn new skills, and carve out a richer and more rewarding future.
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Destination Australia Scholarships
Learn moreDestination Australia scholarships provide financial support to Domestic and International students who choose to study in regional and rural Australia.
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Making an impact in the Big Rivers region
CDU Katherine is actively involved in the Big Rivers region, supporting and driving economic growth, resilience and diversity. The university plays a key role in building local skills and business capability, aiding in the attraction and retention of a strong workforce.
We also recognise the importance of embracing opportunities in key industries like agriculture, resources, human services and construction. By doing so, we not only boost the region's prosperity but also empower students to grab hold of exciting new possibilities and make their mark on the region's growth.
Living in the Big Rivers regionKatherine is located on Jawoyn, Dagoman and Wardaman Country, approximately 3 hours south of Darwin in the Big Rivers region.
Katherine Rural campus
CDU’s Katherine Rural campus spans more than 4,400 hectares of land, and includes a purpose-built training, conference and accommodation facility which is also available for hire to external clients.
The campus is home to our award-winning Brahman Stud and working cattle and farming operations, giving students the opportunity to benefit from real world experience and practical learning activities.
Location
16 km North Stuart Hwy
Katherine NT 0850
PMB 155
Katherine NT 0852
Where to find us
Katherine Town Centre
Katherine Town Centre delivers training in CDU TAFE courses in a range of areas, including business, community services and childcare, along with hosting a variety of training delivered by the Darwin teams.
Students studying with CDU can access support at the Town Centre office for queries such as:
- computer access
- queries and fee payments
- course enrolment information
- examination invigilation (free to CDU students).
The office operates at the Katherine Region Training Centre on Second Street.
Location
Katherine Region Training Centre
19 Second Street
Katherine NT 0850
PO Box 2169
Katherine NT 0851
Where to find us
Katherine news
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Snake wrangler offers only accredited TAFE course in the Northern Territory
Read moreFor the first time CDU is offering a Snake ID, capture and relocate course, the short course will benefit people who regularly encounter snakes in their work or living spaces or for people who would like to enhance their knowledge of snakes and reptiles in Australia.
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Free expert tax advice for students and low-income earners
Read moreA Charles Darwin University (CDU) Tax Clinic is helping students and other low-income earners push back against the with rising cost of living with free tax claim assistance.
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Research amplifies the importance of waterholes for Aboriginal people
Read moreResearch into male migration across remote communities in central Australia has shown how waterholes influence First Nations people patterns of migration.
