Sheed calls for GOTAFE support

Independent Member for Shepparton District Suzanna Sheed has called on the Minister for Training and Skills Gayle Tierney to visit Shepparton’s GOTAFE campus to see why it is worthy of an $86 million investment.

Ms Sheed said Shepparton’s GOTAFE needed the funds to modernise the campus and continue offering students education in a fit-for-purpose building.

During a speech in parliament earlier this month, Ms Sheed said that GOTAFE provided a place of entry for young people to set themselves on their future career path.

Ms Sheed said Shepparton had one of the Australia’s highest youth unemployment rates and GOTAFE supplied young people with many of the skills required to gain local employment.

“GOTAFE is offering the Shepparton community many of the skills needed to fill the vital roles in our district – qualifications in nursing, allied health, cybersecurity, business and IT, sport and recreation, hospitality, baking, hairdressing, and beauty,” Ms Sheed said.

“The tertiary education centre is well supported, with 3800 students studying there.

“GOTAFE has completed a master plan for redevelopment, which outlines how it will deliver 21st-century learning spaces that attract and inspire regional students.

“The master plan includes a welcoming front for the whole of the building, other memorable buildings, inspiring public art and innovative research and learning spaces, including spaces to engage with the community.

Ms Sheed said GOTAFE was a pivotal part of the Shepparton Education Plan.

“That connection between school and TAFE is very strong in Shepparton,” Ms Sheed said. “Students share many courses, going backwards and forwards, so the opportunity to now give GOTAFE that injection of funding is very important.”

ENDS

Media contact
Elaine Cooney 0447 820 466│elaine.cooney@parliament.vic.gov.au