Gordon gets a $10m boost

BOOST: The Gordon TAFE in central Geelong.

A rejuvenated $10 million student hub and library at The Gordon TAFE officially opened in a State Government ceremony today.

Premier Daniel Andrews joined Skills Minister Gayle Tierney and local government MPs to announce the revamp.

“We said we’d save The Gordon TAFE and we’ve delivered,” he said.

“Whether it’s world-class new facilities or Free TAFE, we’re making sure The Gordon is better than ever.”

The upgrade featured a new modern library and courtyard, computer lab, digital screen and auditorium.

“The new digital screen and improved façade is a benefit for all people in Geelong,” Ms Tierney said.

“It visibly demonstrates the state-of-the-art facilities available to train up people in the local community.”

The upgrade is part of the City Campus Rejuvenation Project to build “world-class facilities” in central Geelong for “high-quality training”, according to State Government.

The project includes a $10 million co-contribution from The Gordon and government expects to complete it in 2021.

The Gordon TAFE had experienced a 41 per cent increase in enrolments – from 734 in June 2018 to 1,032 in June 2019 with the introduction of various free courses, according to government.

“It’s only Labor that is investing in the TAFE facilities that Geelong students need to grow and prosper,” Geelong MP Christine Couzens said.