A new student welfare and information centre has opened in Queensland to bolster the state’s A$3bn international education industry and help students feel supported.

The student hub,which is initially being trialled in Brisbane, provides international students free, face-to-face advice and information on a range of topics, with students outside the state capital able to access advice through a toll-free number.

“The Palaszczuk government wants to make sure that international students feel both welcome and safe when they come to Queensland and this new initiative is integral to this goal,” Deputy Premier Jackie Trad said in a statement.

Delivered in partnership between Study Queensland, Study Brisbane, and multicultural settlement company MDA and based in The Edge in the State Library of Queensland, the Student Hub was developed after consultations with student leaders indicated a need to provide international students with dedicated access to advice and referrals for living and studying overseas.

Vanessa Fabre, MDA acting executive manager, corporate communication, new business & partnerships, said the initiative complemented the state government’s $25.5m strategy for international education and training, which identified four key areas to bolster its industry, including the student experience.

“The Brisbane Student Hub will ensure international students experience a strong sense of belonging and connection throughout their stay in Queensland,” she said, adding it provided international students with their own dedicated space to meet and connect.

Currently available part-time on Wednesday, Friday and Saturday, Fabre said the vision for the Brisbane trial was to see the programme evolve into a full-time service for international students across Queensland.

Queensland’s draft international education and training strategy, which set an aspiration target of 20% market share by 2026, completed its consultation period earlier this month and the final strategy is expected to be released later this year.