Victorians in the Northeast will soon have a new TAFE campus in central Benalla that will address skills shortages and increase access to education and training, thanks to investment from the Andrews Labor Government.
Minister for Regional Development Harriet Shing today visited the site of the new campus at the former ANZ building on Bridge Street to view progress on the $1.6 million refurbishment backed by $950,000 from Regional Development Victoria. The remaining $650,000 is being funded by GoTAFE.
The Labor Government also contributed $340,000 for half of the purchase price of the new site with GOTAFE funding the remaining investment.
A GoTAFE campus in Benalla’s CBD will result in better engagement with locals and the business community to deliver courses that meet industry requirements and job demands in Northeast Victoria. It will offer courses to address the skills shortages faced by regional communities, including in the nursing and mental health sectors.
The new campus will provide modern learning spaces with upgraded technology, collaborative workspaces, individual study areas and improved accessibility.
The project will also deliver outdoor seating, paving, landscaping and a ramp with handrails for the front entrance.
It will provide students and staff easier access to public transport, parking, food, and essential services, and a more visible presences on Benalla’s main street to encourage people to engage in training and education pathways.
We’re making sure every Victorian has access to the training they need for the job they want, with more than $545 million invested in TAFE through the Victorian Budget 2023/24.
We’ve delivered nation-leading reforms to fix the broken TAFE and vocational education system left by the former Liberal-National Government including offering free TAFE for more than 80 courses and short courses.
Since 2014, the Government has invested more than $4 billion to rebuild TAFE and support universities and higher education to ensure Victorians have access to high quality education and rewarding career pathways.
GoTAFE is the largest vocational education provider in regional Victoria, offering more than 130 courses across eight campuses. It provides access to a wide range of skills, learning and education opportunities for more than 9,000 students from all walks of life and across 11 local government areas.
The project is part of the Government’s record investment of more than $41 billion across rural and regional Victoria since 2015. For more information go to rdv.vic.gov.au.
Quote attributable Minister for Regional Development Harriet Shing
“GoTAFE’s new campus is delivering jobs for local workers now and will also ensure that students and job-seekers can get the skills they need for the career they deserve for years to come.”
As stated by Minister for Training and Skills Gayle Tierney
“We’re investing in TAFE here in Benalla and right across our state to break down barriers to education and training, offer real-life skills and job advice and plug gaps in industries that are facing workforce shortages.”
As stated by Member for Northern Victoria Jaclyn Symes
“We’re making sure everyone in Benalla has access to the training they need for the job they want with our major investment in TAFE across the North East.”
