TAFE to get new $2.7m interactive hub

The State Government has announced construction is expected to start later this year on a new interactive hub for students at Central Regional TAFE’s Geraldton campus.

The new $2.7 million facility will bring together a range of different services to brighten up the new home of TAFE in the Mid West.

Central Regional TAFE managing director Bill Swetman welcomed the announcement and said the new interactive area would make the campus more attractive to potential students throughout the region.

“I think this will be a fantastic facility and it’s one of the things we’ve been working on over the past few years to improve the campus for everyone,” he said.

“Right in the middle of the campus we’re going to join together, re-purpose and refurbish existing amenities. It will create a much better interactive space for students and staff.”

Training and Workforce Development Minister Liza Harvey was in Geraldton recently to visit the campus.

She said the hub would be a contemporary, high-quality learning support facility to meet the needs of students throughout the region.

“The hub is part of a wider campus strategy to promote shared learning experiences, socialisation and positive engagement of students and staff in campus life,” she said.

“It will be a one-stop-shop for student advisory and support services, course and careers information, and library and learning resource services.”

More than $2 million was funded through the Royalties for Regions program, with the project expected to cost a total of $2.7 million.

In March this year the Geraldton campus was announced as the home of Central Regional TAFE after doubts over the future of the former Durack Institute of Technology.

The announcement was welcomed by local politicians despite Labor MLA Darren West and the State Schools Teachers Union attacking the Government over cuts to TAFE funding.

Mr Swetman said hub construction was expected to start in term four this year.

“We’re confident building will commence then so we can minimise disruption to our students,” he said.

“The whole thing will hopefully be up and ready by semester two in 2017.”