John Cobb with Red Bend student Danica Bartholomaeus and Head Prefect Illie Hewitt in the new hospital facility
Young Central West students, including those in Canowindra, will be able to gain valuable skills in hospitality, metalwork and woodwork at new facilities now available at Red Bend Catholic College in Forbes.
Courses funded by $3 million from the Capital Grants Program include metalwork, woodwork, and agriculture, with the establishment of an RBCC Hospitality Trade Training Centre offering Certificate I, II and III qualifications in hospitality.
Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Education, Senator Scott Ryan, says the skills to be taught are currently in short supply in the community.
“The new trade facilities include a commercial kitchen, teaching dining facility and high-quality equipment,” he says.
“The other new facilities will provide improved learning spaces and administration areas for the students and staff. This will be an environment conducive to enthusiastic, practical learning.”
According to MP for Calare John Cobb (pictured), officially opened the facilities: “The entire college community came together in the spirit of cooperation.
“They thought about our future needs, worked out what was best for the young people of the area, and devised a plan that makes a tangible difference.”
The opening ceremony was attended by local dignitaries and the Catholic Bishop of Wilcannia-Forbes, the Most Reverend Michael Kennedy, who blessed the new buildings.
“The federal government is concentrating on four main areas of reform,” says Senator Ryan.
“Creating a more robust and balanced curriculum, improving teacher quality, increasing principal autonomy and better engaging parents in education.
“The ultimate purpose of these reforms is to foster a smart, skilled Australian workforce so that our country can remain productive, competitive and admired around the world.”
By Derek Maitland