A new centre in Castlemaine will deliver vital training for Victorians pursuing a career in healthcare, boosting local job opportunities and strengthening the region's healthcare infrastructure, thanks to the Allan Labor Government.
Member for Bendigo West Maree Edwards represented the Minister for Skills and TAFE Gayle Tierney today to announce the launch of a project to build Bendigo TAFE's new Health and Learning Hub in Castlemaine, which is supported by a $4 million investment from the Labor Government.
Bendigo TAFE is collaborating with Dhelkaya Health to create the Hub, which will be based in a renovated hospital wing at 142 Cornish Street, Castlemaine. The new centre will have training facilities for Bendigo TAFE's health services qualifications in subjects like allied health, nursing and aged care.
As well as supporting students to gain healthcare skills that are in high demand, the partnership with Dhelkaya Health also means students will have direct access to placements and jobs in the local health industry.
A project builder will be selected later this year and construction will begin soon after, with students expected to start training on site in 2025.
The project is funded through the $170 million Building Better TAFE Fund, which is helping to ensure students have the best facilities to train in, close to home - which is important for regional Victorians.
The Building Better TAFE Fund is also supporting new TAFE campuses in Melton and Sunbury and a Centre of Excellence for Inclusion in Disability, Health and Community Support at the Gordon TAFE in Geelong.
Since 2014, the Labor Government has invested more than $4 billion into training, skills and higher education, ensuring Victorians have access to high quality education and rewarding career pathways.
As stated by Minister for Skills and TAFE Gayle Tierney
"This new centre will create a hub of health excellence in Castlemaine, giving students access to world-class TAFE facilities right at their doorstep and creatinga pipeline of essential skilled workers for the industries and communities that need them most, particularly in regional Victoria."
As stated by Member for Bendigo West Maree Edwards
"I'm thrilled by the partnership between Bendigo TAFE and Dhelkaya Health, bringing job opportunities and essential training right in the heart of our community.
"I've been proud to commit to an expanded TAFE for the Castlemaine community - and it's fantastic that works to deliver this are underway."
As stated by Bendigo TAFE Chief Executive Officer Sally Curtain
"We are pleased to be working with local industry experts in Dhelkaya Health and our Victorian Government partners to deliver this much-needed training facility for the Castlemaine and surrounding communities.
"The new Health and Learning Hub will provide the region with improved access to quality training and facilities with clear pathways for rewarding employment in the industry."
As stated by Dhelkaya Health Chief Executive Officer Sue Race
"In partnership with Bendigo TAFE we will be able to facilitate career development pathways for students and staff, growing our own workforce to deliver the health, aged and community services needed by our local community.
"We are excited to be working with Bendigo TAFE to deliver the new Health and Learning Hub which will enable Dhelkaya Health to provide high quality, flexible and cost-effective learning opportunities relevant to our current and future workforce."
