The state government is being petitioned to build more TAFE campuses and invest in more university campuses in the outer west.
Petitioner Rifai A Raheem said that population growth is making the need for more tertiary and vocational education increasingly urgent.
“With rapid population growth in Tarneit, Truganina, Wyndham Vale, and Melton, demand for higher education is exploding,” he said.
“Local industries are growing but lack a skilled workforce–TAFE and universities can train locals to meet regional demand and grow the economy.
“Young people trained locally are more likely to stay and contribute.”
Mr Raheem said that long commutes and lack of public transport in pockets of the outer west are serving as a roadblock to more young people upskilling.
“Young people in the west are being neglected due to poor planning, transport issues, rising costs, and policy inaction.
“Local campuses cut travel time, reduce dropout rates, and increase access—especially for low-income and migrant families.”
Expanded university and TAFE could be key in social mobility for CALD (culturally and linguistically diverse) groups, Mr Raheem believes.
“Education builds leadership, confidence, and lifelong skills– it’s especially powerful in multicultural communities, where many are first-in-family students.
“Access to local universities and TAFE can lift families out of disadvantage and poverty–education doesn’t just change individuals, it transforms communities.”
He said that TAFE provides bang for its buck because it delivers ‘job-ready’ skills for fields such as trades, healthcare, tech and childcare.
“In the west, education means security and choice.”
A Victorian government spokesperson said it has invested billions in TAFE in the last 10 years.
“We have invested more than $16 billion new and base funding into our TAFE and training system over the past decade to help build the skilled workforce Victoria needs,” the spokesperson said.
“This includes delivering two new, state-of-the-art TAFE campuses in Melton and Sunbury to train locals in the skills they need for rewarding careers.”
Star Weekly understands the Melton and Sunbury campuses are slated to open in 2028, and Melton will deliver training in plumbing, electrical and construction.
It is also understood that Victoria University and The Gordon’s campuses in Wyndham are catering to some of the demand in the outer west.
Petition:https://www.megaphone.org.au/petitions/expanding-higher-education-opportunities-in-wyndham-city
