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Media Release
$9.1 MILLION BOOST FOR MEADOWBANK TAFE
Monday 8 August, 2005
A new, $9.1 million Community Services and Health Teaching facility at Meadowbank TAFE will give a massive boost to training delivery in Sydney’s north.
Opening the facility, the Hon Pat Farmer said 12,000 students would gain skills for which there was strong demand such as in nursing, aged care, and disability and youth work.
“It is essential that crucial skills needs are met,” said Mr Farmer, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Education, Science and Training.
“That is why the Australian Government has provided $4.55 million to enable the construction of this facility through the National Training Infrastructure Program. Students will have access to the very best equipment and a practical learning environment.
“The Massage Therapy Clinic, for example, will be open to the public and provide practical experience as part of course work in massage therapy studies.
“Meadowbank College is now better equipped than ever to provide its students with the opportunities and means to expand their skills base and become valued members of the community services and health sector.”
Student numbers in New South Wales are increasing, with around 517,500 students at TAFE last year – a rise of nearly 65,000 since 1995.
“The Australian Government is committed to maintaining a high-quality national training system, making available a record $10.1 billion to national training over the next four years,” Mr Farmer said.
“This includes funding to states and territories, as well as specific additional commitments such as extending the eligibility for Youth Allowance to New Apprentices and providing scholarships to assist New Apprentices in their first years of trade training.
“The Government also recently conveyed a funding offer of almost $5 billion to the States and Territories under the 2005-08 Commonwealth-State Agreement to support the national training system. This will provide 42,645 additional training places in New South Wales alone.
“I’d like to congratulate all those involved in the establishment of these facilities at Meadowbank College, and I wish you continued success as we work together to improve training delivery in New South Wales.”
Media Contact: Nigel Dique 0421 588 086
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