Students in Far West New South Wales will have access to more hands-on training closer to home, with two new Mobile Training Units (MTUs) and two mobile classrooms set to bring skills and training to the region.
Backed by a $7.5 million Albanese Labor Government investment, this project is designed to improve access to training for Aboriginal communities while benefiting the wider region.
The project will help up to 360 students each year gain recognised qualifications, build job ready skills and prepare for careers in their communities without having to travel long distances to access training.
Bourke and Broken Hill will be the two main hubs for the project, supporting training across surrounding communities including Brewarrina, Cobar, Enngonia, Goodooga, Weilmoringle, Wilcannia, Coomealla-Dareton/Wentworth, Ivanhoe and Menindee.
The Minns Labor Government and TAFE NSW will deliver the project in partnership with the Murdi Paaki Regional Assembly, which represents the interests of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in 16 communities across Western NSW.
Training will reflect community priorities, with opportunities across:
- construction, including White Card training and Certificate I and II qualifications;
- hospitality and accommodation services, including Certificate II in Hospitality and Cookery;
- health and care, including Individual Support, Allied Health Assistance and Health Services Assistance;
- hairdressing and barbering;
- leadership and mentoring; and
- project management.
Funding will also support new and upgraded facilities at TAFE NSW campuses and community-hosted training sites across the region, including infrastructure needed to store, maintain and deploy the mobile training facilities.
Developed with Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations, Traditional Owner groups and regional stakeholders, the initiative will support community-led training.
It forms part of the Albanese Government’s $31 million Mobile TAFE program, helping bring training closer to people in regional and remote communities across Australia.
Training through the new MTUs and mobile classrooms is expected to be operational in 2028.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Skills and Training, Andrew Giles:
“Where you live shouldn’t limit your opportunity to access quality training.
“Great training leads to great jobs. Mobile TAFE will give more people the practical skills and recognised qualifications that can open the door to so many new opportunities for success.
“For students across Far West NSW, those opportunities will be closer to home, community and Country.”
Quotes attributable to Minister for Indigenous Australians, Malarndirri McCarthy:
“This investment by the Albanese Labor Government is bringing training opportunities closer to home for First Nations people in remote communities in Far West NSW.
“Importantly, this project has been developed in partnership with Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations, Traditional Owners and other local partners, and the Murdi Paaki Regional Assembly will continue to provide leadership as a delivery partner.
“Mobile TAFE is backing more First Nations people to get the skills they need for jobs and careers in their communities.”
Quotes attributable to Senator for New South Wales, Tony Sheldon:
“I’ve visited many TAFE campuses across Australia and seen firsthand how the practical, hands-on training they provide can change people’s lives.
“For people living in regional and remote communities, getting an education often means travelling hundreds of kilometres, spending months away from family and loved ones, or simply giving up on studying altogether because it’s just too far from home.
“That’s why this investment is so important. Whether you’re a parent in Cobar wanting to learn a new trade, a young person in Bourke looking for your first job or a First Nations person wanting to take the next step in their career, we’re bringing training to your doorstep so you can build a better future.”
Quotes attributable to New South Wales Minister for Skills, TAFE and Tertiary Education, Steve Whan:
“For too long, people in some of our most remote communities have had to leave town to get the training they need. These Mobile Training Units will turn that around by taking training directly to people, wherever they live.
“They’re not just classrooms on wheels. These purpose-built facilities are equipped to deliver hands-on training in industries like construction, hospitality, health and care and hairdressing, giving people access to real-world learning closer to home.
“This builds on the Minns Labor Government’s Regional and Remote Campus Delivery Commitment, which is expanding training opportunities across some of NSW’s most remote communities.
“By partnering with the Albanese Government, TAFE NSW and the Murdi Paaki Regional Assembly, we’re helping more people gain the qualifications they need for local jobs and strengthening the workforce in communities across Far West NSW.”
