The NSW Government is meeting the growing demand for healthcare workers in the Northern Rivers region with an investment of $500,000 for the upgrade and expansion of nursing facilities at TAFE NSW Ballina.
These improvements, which include a state-of-the-art simulated nursing ward and dedicated home care training room, are designed to provide TAFE NSW nursing students with a more immersive and practical learning environment.
The upgrades come as the demand for nurses increases, with a projected shortfall of 123,000 nurses in Australia by 2030.
Minister for Skills, TAFE and Tertiary Education, Steve Whan, visited TAFE NSW Ballina yesterday and said the upgraded facilities would increase student capacity at the campus.
It is anticipated construction will commence at TAFE NSW Ballina in May and the project is expected to reach completion in August 2024.
Minister for Skills, TAFE and Tertiary Education Steve Whan said:
“This investment into the nursing space at TAFE NSW Ballina will greatly enhance training opportunities for students and bring simulation learning experiences in line with best practice.
“We’re increasing our capacity by 32 students per week across Certificates III and IV in Health Services Assistance [Assistants in Nursing] and offering Diploma of Nursing students access to improved facilities to better support their learning outcomes.
“The healthcare and social assistance sector is the Ballina Shire’s largest employer, and the NSW Government is committed to investing in TAFE NSW to provide the facilities, training, and industry standard equipment to meet this workforce demand.
“The investment in equipment and facilities at the TAFE NSW Ballina campus will set up local healthcare students for further success, while supporting the region’s critical skills needs.
“Through our investment into our infrastructure, TAFE NSW is better able to continue to deliver the best standard of education and skills to the next generation of the healthcare workforce in this wonderful region,”