Specialist training is now underway at North Regional TAFE’s Minurmarghali Mia (Roebourne) campus, with new multi-purpose training facilities playing a key role in connecting the local Aboriginal community to vocational education and training. Training Minister Simone McGurk visited the campus today, officially opening the $7.9 million new facilities.
The major upgrade consists of four new classrooms which will be used across a range of training areas, including an IT laboratory and art classroom, a new industry workshop for construction trades training and an upgrade of the existing light automotive workshop. Lead architect Iredale Pedersen Hook Architects was briefed to design culturally-appropriate, contemporary facilities and consulted extensively with the Roebourne community during planning stages to create diverse learning opportunities. Through the consultation with local Aboriginal people, the campus now has vibrant, community-focused areas, with outdoor learning spaces, and male and female student hubs.
Western Australian construction company Devlyn Australia carried out the build, employing more than 200 workers throughout construction, including apprentices and trainees. Aboriginal student enrolment numbers are currently up eight per cent compared to the same time in 2022, across publicly funded training in WA. The McGowan Government is spending a record $243.3 million to upgrade TAFE infrastructure across the State, including regional areas.
Training Minister Simone McGurk said “These incredible new facilities at North Regional TAFE’s Minurmarghali Mia campus are a major boost for training in Roebourne and across the Pilbara region. More local people will now be able to come and learn new skills closer to home, in industry-standard learning environments. It is a priority of the McGowan Government to provide practical training support for Aboriginal people, so it was very important that we consulted with the local community about this project, ensuring it was designed to be culturally-appropriate.”