Member for Bendigo West Maree Edwards has announced the start of works on Bendigo TAFE’s new Community Health and Learning Hub in Castlemaine, which is supported by a $4 million Labor Government investment.
Locals in Castlemaine and the region studying for a career in healthcare will soon have access to first-class training facilities close to home, thanks to the Allan Labor Government.
The start of the building project, which is on Dja Dja Warrung Country, was marked by a Traditional Owners’ smoking ceremony. Bendigo TAFE has engaged Barpa, a majority First Nations owned commercial construction company, to undertake the construction.
Bendigo TAFE is collaborating with Dhelkaya Health to create the Hub, which will be based in the 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.
“It’s fantastic that TAFE is back in Castlemaine," Ms Edwards said.
“This partnership between Bendigo TAFE and Dhelkaya Health is a great example of industry and training providers working together to bring essential training and job opportunities to our region.
“This new learning Hub will give students access to world-class training facilities in their hometown and attract more people to consider a career as one of regional Victoria’s valuable and much-needed healthcare workers.
“Our Free TAFE courses include Diploma of Nursing, Certificate IV in Allied Health Assistance, Certificate IV in Mental Health and Diploma of Community Services.”
The Hub has been designed by Australian architecture firm, Architectus. It will be a multi-use space that replicates the real-world healthcare settings students will eventually work in, including a 4-bed healthcare space, a 2-bed residential aged care space and a unit that simulates a home care environment.
In addition to giving students opportunities 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.
Dhelkaya Health will also use the space for training development for staff in the graduate nurse program, external students and the Monash University GP program. It will have capacity to host more than 60 students at once.
The Hub is expected to be ready for students to start training on site from late 2025.
Investment in this project comes from 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.
Victoria’s TAFE network is a vital part of our state’s education system, and along with the Victorian Government’s Free TAFE program, we are helping thousands of students enter a career in high-demand industries without the cost of tuition fees.
For a full list of Free TAFE courses, visit: https://www.vic.gov.au/free-tafe
