21 October 2022
South West TAFE students and library visitors are enjoying superb ocean views to go along with state-of-the-art facilities following the completion of a $22.8 million community Library and Learning Centre in the heart of Warrnambool, thanks to the Andrews Labor Government.
Minister for Training and Skills and Higher Education Gayle Tierney today visited the South West TAFE’s Warrnambool campus to officially open the new Warrnambool Library and Learning Centre, which is part of the Building Better TAFEs Fund.
The project was one of the state’s first partnerships under the $33.2 million Big Build Apprenticeships program and replaces the existing SW TAFE and Warrnambool public libraries with a new modern library space more than four times the size of the former library.
This fantastic new library complex is going to benefit the local community, the wider region TAFE students and apprentices and includes a new three-story building by A.W Nicholsons and the refurbishment of the adjoining heritage building.
The Library and Learning Centre features a modern indoor-outdoor café, public computers, exhibition and display areas, places to study, meeting rooms, and a games and digital media zone. The top floor offers a quiet reading area with views across Lake Pertobe to the ocean.
The $22.8 million centre is a joint partnership with the Warrnambool City Council. The Labor Government contributed $16.3 million, the council $3.1 million and SW TAFE $830,000 with contributions also coming from local philanthropic organisations.
The project supported around 280 jobs during construction, including 47 apprentices. More than 20 per cent of the of the project’s work hours were completed by trainees and apprentices – more than double the requirements of the Major Projects Skills Guarantee.
Since 2014, the Labor Government has made a record $3.5 billion investment to rebuild the Liberals’ broken TAFE sector, and support universities and higher education to give every Victorian access to quality education and rewarding career pathways.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Training and Skills Gayle Tierney
“These works are providing fantastic new facilities for the community and have given vital hands-on training opportunities to TAFE students and apprentices.”
“The Big Build Apprenticeships program is supporting Victorians from all walks of life with a pathway to an exciting, in-demand job.”
Quote attributable to South West TAFE CEO Mark Fidge
“During construction this project provided our local apprentices with fantastic on the job practical experience and now that it is completed provides our students with an inviting learning environment that enhances the educational aspirations of our community.”
221022 – Warrnambool Library And Learning Centre Opens Its Doors.pdf PDF 286.37 KB
