TAFE Gippsland’s Koorie Unit will be boosted with generous funding from one of the Latrobe Valley’s power generation companies.
Through the work of Koorie Liaison Officer, Paula Morrison, and Manager of Student Services, Shae McGregor, funding has been secured from EnergyAustralia, owner and operator of the 1480 MW coal-fired Yallourn Power Station and the 450 MW Jeeralang gas-fired power station.
“I am super excited to be able to announce that EnergyAustralia have confirmed and committed to providing TAFE Gippsland Koorie Unit with funding for two really important initiatives,” Shae said.
“EnergyAustralia have agreed to provide $16,000 which will go towards assisting Koorie learners to get their drivers licence, including one to one driving lessons.”
“The funding of a driver education program for young Koorie students studying at TAFE Gippsland will provide learner driver hours so that a probationary licence can be obtained, and it enables students to attend schooling and for employment purposes while delivering additional transport options for families without a licence holder.”
A further grant of $6000 will commission two pieces of indigenous artwork based on the examples on display at Latrobe Regional Hospital and Gippsland Water.
Shae said the artwork grant will comprise one art piece to be painted by our Morwell students and one from our Art program at Warragul campus.
“Our art studio work is overseen by GLaWAC and local Gunaikurnai elders and it features traditional Gunaikurnai art techniques and subject matter,” Shae said.
“We are delighted that EnergyAustralia have commissioned the artwork to hang in prominent positions at their Yallourn and Jeeralang plant sites.”
The grant announcement coincides with National Reconciliation Week where TAFE Gippsland is recognising the opportunity for all Australians to acknowledge our shared histories and cultures.
For all media-related enquiries, call;
Neil Lawson - Communications Coordinator, TAFE Gippsland
Phone - 0419 425 804
Email - nlawson@tafegippsland.edu.au or news@tafegippsland.edu.au