Skills and Workforce Participation Minister Jacinta Allan congratulates Holmesglen TAFE for the launch of the Holmesglen Rural Learning Centre (RLC) at Eildon.
The Holmesglen RLC comprises accommodation for 70 people with conference and dining facilities for up to 150, plus recreation and outdoor sporting facilities, situated on an operational farm with 130 head of cattle and associated infrastructure.
Representing Minister Allan at the centre’s launch, Member for Northern Victoria Region, Candy Broad praised the initiative and commitment behind the centre’s development as, “A welcome addition to community, outdoor recreation and educational facilities in the Murrindindi Shire”.
“Victoria’s world class metropolitan and regional TAFE institutes are the backbone of this State’s training system and are playing a crucial role in the Brumby Government’s $316 million program of reforms, Securing Jobs for Your Future – Skills for Victoria,” Ms Broad said.
“Through our reforms we are developing a system that is more responsive to the needs of learners and industry – one which will provide 172,000 new training places, including a supported training opportunity for every eligible Victorian who wants one,” Ms Broad said.
“Holmesglen’s new RLC expands and enhances the learning experience for students by enabling a variety of recreational and curriculum programs in, for example, Conservation and Land Management, Horticulture, various trade skills, Tourism and Recreation, as well as Hospitality, Cookery or Bakery,” she said.
Designed and built primarily as a learning retreat for Holmesglen staff and students, the centre also offers well-needed venue for TAFE staff professional development.
Ms Broad said the centre also has the capacity to add enormously to the vibrancy and richness of the Murrindindi Shire, bringing people back into the area and generating benefits to the whole community.
“Benefits including local employment and business for local producers and suppliers. As well as new opportunities for local educational programs, and community events,” she said.
Holmesglen RLC is already contributing to the local Shire. At the height of the Murrindindi fires, the RLC was home to hundreds of Victoria Police while Holmesglen students and staff prepared 3,800 meals for Alexandra’s busy Incident Control and Communication Centre.
In addition to the investments being made under Securing Jobs for Your Future, the Brumby Government continues to fund the development of quality TAFE infrastructure.
Under the reforms, TAFE and community providers will be strengthened to ensure that they have the capability to grow and expand in a competitive environment.