Education and Training Minister Sue Ellery today officially opened the new state-of-the-art creative industries hub at the Central Regional TAFE Geraldton campus.
The project is the latest to be completed as part of the McGowan Government’s record investment in TAFE infrastructure upgrades, which continues to be rolled out across Western Australia.
Budding artists, fashion designers and media specialists from across the Mid-West region are now learning at the dynamic creative industries hub, where Central Regional TAFE will deliver its successful creative industries, visual arts and multimedia training programs.
The TAFE’s ageing visual arts building has been extended, refurbished and had its roof replaced. It now includes modern art studios, workshops, classrooms and a technology centre.
The new facility will be used to deliver training for fashion and textiles, multimedia, photography, graphic design, jewellery making, pottery and glass-making, ensuring students are learning in industry-standard facilities so they graduate job-ready.
It was designed by Geraldton architecture firm Eastman Poletti Sherwood Architects and construction was carried out locally by Crothers Construction.
The upgrade is part of the McGowan Government’s record $215.8 million investment in key infrastructure upgrades at TAFE colleges across the State.
In 2021, there were more than 150,000 publicly funded course enrolments in WA – the highest ever recorded. The number of student enrolments was up 21 per cent from 2020 following the McGowan Government’s significant investment in the training sector and initiatives resulting from the Regional and Perth Skills Summits.
As stated by Education and Training Minister Sue Ellery:
“The McGowan Government is investing in the largest ever TAFE capital works program to upgrade training facilities across Western Australia, including in regional areas.
“This impressive new facility will make it possible for locals from right across the Mid-West region to stay close to home and train in contemporary new arts facilities in Geraldton.
“We want all Western Australians to be able to access quality, practical training that will lead to jobs and help to secure our future workforce.”
As stated by Geraldton MLA Lara Dalton:
“As a former TAFE lecturer and small business owner here in Geraldton, I know the value of having industry-standard equipment to learn on, and how beneficial that can be for students transitioning from study to work.
“This fantastic new facility at Geraldton TAFE brings a range of new opportunities for students in the region to access quality training and practical, hands-on skills in modern facilities.
“I welcome the opening of this first-class facility, which was made possible by the McGowan Government’s investment in training in regional WA.”
