Taree Universities Campus has secured $831,024 in funding through the NSW Government's Regional Economic Development and Community Investment Program (REDCIP), marking a significant milestone for regional education and workforce development.
The investment forms part of the Government's broader $11.5 million commitment to six Northern Rivers projects focused on driving economic growth and creating jobs across regional NSW.
Expanding Community Support Services
The funding will enable TUC to significantly expand its Community Connector Program, a vital initiative that helps new workers and families integrate into the region. Enhanced support services will now include:
Housing assistance and connections
School enrollment guidance
Childcare placement support
Social networking opportunities
Employment pathway development
These comprehensive services aim to eliminate barriers for people relocating to the area, making the transition smoother and more successful.
New Roles to Strengthen Community Links
The investment will create several strategic positions designed to build stronger community connections:
Cultural Connector: A dedicated role focusing on Aboriginal cultures, ensuring Indigenous perspectives are woven throughout TUC's programs and creating culturally responsive pathways for Aboriginal students and families.
Education Facilitator: Working directly with local schools to establish clear pathways from secondary education to higher learning, helping students envision and plan their academic futures.
Part-time Tutor: Providing targeted support for Year 12 students completing university access courses, offering the extra assistance needed to succeed in their transition to tertiary education.
Leadership Response
TUC CEO Donna Ballard welcomed the investment, emphasizing its alignment with the organization's core mission. "At TUC, we are committed to building a sustainable and skilled local workforce by supporting both current and future students throughout their educational journey," she said. "This funding will enable us to strengthen our programs and represents a major step forward for our community and regional economy."
Member for Myall Lakes Tanya Thompson highlighted the funding's strategic importance, noting: "This grant will help address the massive gaps being felt across numerous industries in our region. It provides the Universities Campus with essential resources to attract new workers, retain existing talent, and give our young students the foundation they need to build their futures."
Building Regional Economic Resilience
The funding directly supports TUC's mission to create learning and employment opportunities that enhance the MidCoast community's vibrancy. Through this collaborative investment with the NSW Government, TUC is positioned to develop a more sustainable workforce that will strengthen the local economy for years to come.
This strategic investment demonstrates the government's recognition of regional education providers as key drivers of economic development and community resilience in NSW.
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