Northern Tablelands MP Adam Marshall, left, New England Community College Chairman Campbell Wolfenden and Executive Officer Dorothy Lockyer have welcomed the COVID-19 funding boost.
Wednesday, 6 May 2020
ONE of the region’s leading adult education facilities will receive a much-needed financial boost to support its operations during the COVID-19 pandemic, with Northern Tablelands MP Adam Marshall today announcing a $35,737 State Government grant for the Guyra-based New England Community College (NECC).
Mr Marshall said like many training organisations, the popular NECC had not been spared the downturn caused by COVID-19.
“Face-to-face has long been the main mode of delivery for NECC’s successful hospitality, building and business courses, however due to social distancing they have been replaced by online learning,” Mr Marshall said.
“Led by Dot Lockyer, NECC is an important part of our region both as an employer but also as a contracted provider of government programs which help vulnerable students connect with jobs by re-engaging their learning and preparing them for work.
“This funding will support NECC to continue operating by covering the wages of its educators and office staff, as well as cover the cost of overheads like their rent and power.
“When it comes time for our economy to come out of pandemic ‘hibernation’ organisations like NECC will play an important role in reskilling those who may have lost employment because of the crisis or who are looking for a new direction in their careers.”
Mr Marshall said the $71,875 refurbishment of NECC’s facilities at the GALA Centre would be finished just in time for face-to-face classes to resume.
“Last November I announced a grant to modernise the GALA Centre’s premises on Bradley Street, allowing it to expand its level of course delivery,” he said.
“That refurbishment is just about finished with the original training room receiving a much needed fresh coat of paint and new carpet. The room has also been reconfigured to allow for an increased number of students to participate in courses.
“The building’s front office space has also been expanded to provide more room for front of house staff, with a new counter installed creating a welcoming atmosphere.
“Finally, the new men’s and women’s toilets are just about finished, with the GALA centre just waiting to plumb in the new vanities. These works are expected to be complete by the time face-to-face learning resumes later this month.”