Goodness knows we've been talking about one for long enough.

In 2010/11 there was a flurry of activity when the University of Canberra expressed interest in establishing a campus in Goulburn.

University officials made several visits and were in deep discussion with the council. The UC even took out an option to buy the former St Joseph's House of Prayer for the institution.

The mayor established a committee and set about trying to raise $12.5 million to match a hoped-for Regional Development Australia grant.

The work all came to nought.

Last week the Mayor said "it was all too hard" for the university.

Perhaps the numbers didn't stack up to make it a viable venture.

That will be also the critical point in the council's current talks with the University of Western Sydney (UWS).

No doubt the UWS is looking to expand its range of influence and market, but they need to know it's a goer.

If not a campus, there are other options.

We like the Cooma Universities Centre model that offers bricks and mortar as well as facilities for distance education students.

Last year in parliament Hume MP Angus Taylor cited Australian Council for Educational Research figures revealing 74 per cent of all students who commenced university in 2005 had completed. But for regional students the completion rate was only 69 per cent; and for remote students it was 60 per cent.

Local high schools are telling the council that university dropout rates are high in Goulburn.

A university centre might just be the solution that also keeps jobs in town.

It may not be a full blown campus but it offers plenty of opportunity for expansion.

Baby steps first never hurt anyone.

. . . and a cuppa

CANCER Council Australia says one in two men and one in three women will experience some form of cancer in their lifetime.

Its annual Biggest Morning Tea fundraiser aims to make millions in May for cancer research, prevention and patient support.

As journalists - read, professional cynics - we have at times doubted to whom, what and where the money raised actually goes.

But from family encounters with this dreaded and dreadful disease, we know where it goes: it goes where it's needed.

To the white coats working in laboratories, helping doctors and specialists to better detect, prevent and treat many cancers.

To the white collars working to show us all how to quit smoking, use sunscreen, eat healthily and exercise to reduce cancer risks.

And to the white-winged angels working to improve the quality of life for cancer patients and survivors, their families and carers.

In May, make time to take a cuppa and throw a gold coin the Cancer Council's way.