The Andrews Labor Government is returning agricultural education to Glenormiston with the announcement that a preferred operator has been identified for the historic Glenormiston College and that negotiations will finalise the terms of the sale of the site.
Acknowledge Education (AE), an established registered training organisation, has been selected following an Expression of Interest campaign.
Its partners in the bid are Total Livestock Genetics, a Camperdown company working in animal genetics and reproductive technologies, and Volume Group, a global business with a commitment to acquiring and restoring heritage-value sites.
AE’s proposal includes an educational hub at Glenormiston focusing on delivering courses in areas including agriculture, manufacturing, horticulture, conservation and land management, business, tourism, transport and logistics.
It plans to offer a balance of Victorian government funded and fee for service training at Glenormiston from early 2017 to both domestic and international students.
Also planned is a cattle, dairy and crop farm to support practical training and accommodation for students.
The proposal includes a role for South West Institute of TAFE to be involved in the future operation of the site.
The Department of Education and Training will now enter into further negotiations with AE to finalise plans for the sale.
Under the terms of the agreement, the Department will work with Melbourne University and other relevant parties to ensure the ongoing maintenance and security of the historic Prenzel carvings.
Formerly operated by South West TAFE, Glenormiston was closed in 2014 under the former Liberal Government following funding cuts to TAFE institutes.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Training and Skills Steve Herbert
"It is a pleasure to announce that the EOI process has been successful and we have a preferred proponent that offers a chance to re-establish Glenormiston as a centre for education and training."
"The Andrews Labor Government will now work with Acknowledge Education so that high quality training can return to Glenormiston as quickly as possible."
Quotes attributable to Member for Western Victoria, Gayle Tierney
"We made a promise to do everything we could to restore training to Glenormiston – and that’s exactly what we’ve done."
"We want to see this site back up and running and ensure that the local and wider community has access to high quality training and education that leads to jobs."
Reviewed 19 August 2020