The Latrobe Valley University Training Clinic and Dental Prosthetic Laboratory is now complete, providing 38 new jobs and generating a new high-value manufacturing industry in the Valley.
Minister for Regional Development Jaala Pulford officially opened the $5.3 million facility in Churchill today.
Local company, BFN Developments, built the new facility and engaged 20 Gippsland-based sub-contractors to provide goods and services to the project.
The Latrobe Valley University Training Clinic and Dental Prosthetic Laboratory includes:
- A specialist laboratory to make dental prosthetics
- Three dental surgeries and consultation rooms for physiotherapy, podiatry and counselling
- Community spaces to accommodate planned activity group services
- Workspaces and offices to accommodate up to 35 staff, students and academics
- High quality environmental building performance through solar roof panels and water recycling.
The project was delivered by Victoria’s largest regional community health service provider, Latrobe Community Health Services, which is now in a position to expand its workforce and diversify its business as a result of the Labor Government’s investment.
The facility is next to project partner Federation University and provides an exciting opportunity for teaching and research collaboration between LCHS and Federation University.
A MoU between the University and LCHS has been developed to secure LCHS as the preferred provider of health services to staff and students at the University.
The new facility will be the only dental prosthetics laboratory in Victoria with enough capacity to supply all Victorian dentists, and presents future opportunities for export to the region.
The Commonwealth has also contributed $2.6 million to the project through its National Stronger Regions Fund.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Regional Development Jaala Pulford
“This project has created a real jobs boost in the Valley and will help establish Gippsland as an industry leader in dental prosthetics and workforce training.”
“We promised to build a new dental prosthetics lab and training facility in Churchill and we have delivered on that promise for the people of the Latrobe Valley.”
Quote attributable to Member for Eastern Victoria Harriet Shing
“A world-class Dental Lab in the heart of the Latrobe Valley is good news for the health and well-being of all in the Latrobe Valley, and even better news for high-skilled local jobs across Gippsland.”
Reviewed 19 August 2020