A TAFE and university campus will open in Wallan next year – the first time that tertiary education will be offered in the Mitchell Shire.
The new combined GOTAFE and LaTrobe University campus will open its doors for future students in the new Bendigo Bank building in High Street.
GOTAFE chief executive Travis Heeney said the new campus would provide an exciting opportunity for those living in the area to access quality training and career support services.
“The expansion into Wallan was a natural progression for GOTAFE given our regional footprint in the Hume corridor,” he said.
“The new Wallan campus is critical to GOTAFE providing the skills and training necessary to meet the growing industry demand as the population expands over the coming years.”
LaTrobe University vice chancellor John Dewar said LaTrobe was proud of its commitment to provide study options for regional students.
“Our partnership with GOTAFE in Shepparton is a great example of how we provide successful pathway options to tertiary study locally.” Mr Dewar said.
“The strengthening of this partnership through the new Wallan campus will build on this and provide opportunities for local students with access to Latrobe’s courses and facilities.”
GOTAFE has consulted with the industry and the community in the Mitchell Shire to understand the critical workforce and skills needed for the region.
The education providers hope that courses will be offered across a range of areas including community services, early childhood care, allied health, business, hospitality and management.
Wally Mott, chairman of NorCen, the company who operates Bendigo Bank’s Wallan branch, said the new $3.5 million building, designed by David Cook and Associates, would be an asset to the region.
“The Bendigo Bank is very pleased to be a tool in bringing tertiary education to Wallan,” he said.
“It’s one of our most major achievements – to provide a facility so that young and mature people can receive tertiary education in the area.”
Mr Mott said NorCen Financial Services, which operates branches at Wallan, Kilmore and Broadford, had given away $3 million in grants to more than 190 community groups and organisations.
“This building is a landmark building in Wallan, it will house GOTAFE and LaTrobe on the first floor and the new office of Member for McEwen Rob Mitchell will open in the middle of December, which will bring him to the centre of the electorate,” he said.
The Bendigo Bank Wallan branch will open in its new building on Tuesday, December 3.
The campus will also host a dedicated skills and jobs centre, a one-stop-shop for anyone looking for career planning advice.
Career advisors can perform an expert skills assessment, share job hunting tips, and provide advice to anyone looking to up-skill or re-skill through professional training.
During November and December, GOTAFE will have a presence in the community to inform people about courses available for 2020.
People can visit the team at Wellington Square shopping centre, Wallan Olde Time Market and other events.
More information is available at www.gotafe.vic.edu.au or call 1300 468 233.
First time a tertiary institution has a campus in Mitchell Shire?
GoTAFE has a campus in Seymour. It has been there for about 20 years.
Nikki Ashton: I would assume the proposal was taken to a council meeting. Local councils represent their communities. I’m guessing that’s where the “community” was consulted. I’m happy to be corrected if I’m wrong.
I totally agree this is a positive and much needed asset to the area. What I quite often wonder is how all these heads of departments and members of Government always say they have consulted the community. I have NEVER seen anything about this or many other issues until they are in place, so where and how is the community consulted?
How is this a bad thing? The council have been speaking to stakeholders and the community for quite some time, right across the shire.
Where can course curriculum be viewed please?