- Published:
- Thursday 11 February 2021
People of all abilities now have improved access to the Castlemaine Community House, with the installation of a wheelchair lift and upgraded ramp thanks to the Andrews Labor Government.
The works cost $154,000 and included modernising the rear ramp to meet current access standards, the installation of a new folding wheelchair platform lift, handrails, and upgrades to the rear doors and disabled toilet facilities.
Minister for Higher Education and Training and Skills Gayle Tierney and Member for Bendigo West Maree Edwards today visited the Castlemaine Community House to formally open the facilities.
Castlemaine Community House is a Learn Local organisation that provides unique, community-based learning options that focus on the individual needs of learners to enhance their skills for study, work and life.
The facility offers a range of Adult, Community and Further Education (ACFE) pre-accredited education courses such as Art Pathways, Basic Computer Skills and Basic Carpentry.
It is also a vital part of the local community because it houses a Centrelink agency, a financial counselling service, and other amenities like free public internet.
It is one of 270 not-for-profit community organisations registered as Learn Locals across Victoria, which deliver services to 30,000 people each year.
Since 2015, the Labor Government has invested to rebuild TAFE, refurbish campuses, launch Free TAFE for Priority Courses and support disadvantaged students into training and jobs.
In the Victorian Budget 2020/21, we invested a record $1 billion to make sure the state has the training and skills system it needs to emerge stronger from the coronavirus pandemic.
Quote attributable to Minister for Higher Education and Training and Skills Gayle Tierney
“Victorian Community Houses and Learn Locals are vital for adult learners who want to upskill or gain employment – and form an integral part of our unprecedented investment in training, skills and jobs.”
Quote attributable to Member for Bendigo West Maree Edwards
“This project is about making sure the Castlemaine Community House is a contemporary facility and to ensure everyone in the local community has equal access to the valuable services it offers.”