Green thumbs take note!

By Samantha Elley

If you have ever had a desire to work in a career where you can be outdoors and help make things grow, then the Certificate II in Horticulture may be right in your garden bed.

This new course will be split between Wollongbar TAFE and the brand new Byron Bay Connected Learning Centre and enrolments are open now, which starts on May 1.

NSW TAFE Relieving head teacher for Horticulture, Robert Davies said the course is for anyone from 16 to 60 who has a desire to learn how to grow produce and plants and eventually find a career in the industry of horticulture.

“The course is for those straight out of school, already working in the industry as trainees or it is even open to those people with a general interest,” he said.

“One year we had some attend from a gardening club just to improve their skills and knowledge in general.”

The course can be attended over six months, two days a week or over a year, one day a week and the days go from 9am to 3.30pm.

“It is 50% practical and 50% theory,” said Mr Davies.

“And you pretty much learn to do everything from propagating, pruning, planting, mulching, potting, identifying, from seeding to the finished product.”

With new facilities at Byron Bay, Mr Davies said there is more opportunities for those in the area to do the course.

“We’ve got a big expanse of land to create a vegetable patch and orchard,” he said.

“The seedlings are grown at the propagating facility in Wollongbar, then the students will plant in the patch at Byron and weed them and monitor them for pest and disease.”

After the course is complete, Mr Davies said students have the opportunity for further study in the Certificate III in Horticulture or the opportunity to work in nurseries, orchards, council to garden maintenance.

“The Northern Rivers is a big area of horticultural produce and is desperate for skilled workers,” he said.

“Running this course at Byron Bay Connected Learning Centre is a great opportunity to make use of this brand new facility with room to grow.”

To learn more on the Certificate II in Horticulture course, visit tafensw.edu.au or visit Student Services at Wollongbar TAFE.

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Boosting Child Education: Kyogle and Federal Communities Gain from Fresh Initiative

Kyogle and Federal are gearing up to enhance support for working families through expanded access to early childhood education and care, thanks to a new $20-million initiative known as the Flexible Initiatives Trial (FIT).

This program aims to tackle the obstacles faced by parents, particularly women, in joining the workforce by empowering early childhood education services to tailor their offerings and hours to suit local community needs.

Among the 16 grant recipients announced in the first round of successful applicants, Kyogle’s Bundgeam Preschool and the Federal Community Children’s Centre in the Byron Shire hinterland stand out as local beneficiaries.

State Member for Lismore, Janelle Saffin, expressed satisfaction with the inclusion of these services, emphasising the dedication of their educators and the positive impact the trial will have on the surrounding communities.

Ms. Saffin also highlighted the broader regional impact, noting that Yamba Early Learning Centre and Clarence Community Preschool in Grafton will also benefit from the program. For instance, the Grafton service will introduce weekend operations, catering to families’ needs beyond the usual weekday schedule.

The family-friendly enhancements offered through the FIT program include extending operating hours, flexible drop-off and pick-up times, options for occasional or ad hoc care, establishment of new family day care services in remote areas, and collaborations between different service types to provide comprehensive care.

This initiative is part of the NSW Labor Government’s ongoing commitment to supporting children and young families, exemplified by the unprecedented $769 million investment to construct 100 new public preschools across the state.

Additionally, $60 million has been allocated to build and upgrade preschools in 50 non-government schools, focusing on areas with the greatest need, along with $17 million for capital works in early childhood services.

Furthermore, the NSW Government is actively bolstering the early childhood workforce through a significant scholarship program, attracting a record number of applicants.

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New $8 million learning centre for Casino students

By Samantha Elley

There were a long list of dignitaries, community members, teachers and of course, the students who attended the opening of St Mary’s Catholic College, Casino’s refurbished building, called the Mercy Centre.

One key person missing was parish priest Father Peter Slack, who was recovering from an operation, but his words were read out by Aaron Beach, Regional Service Leader, Diocese of Lismore, Catholic Schools.

“It is a building that is spacious with natural light,” said Mr Beach on behalf of Fr Slack.

“It is a building which invites the world into its walls.”

Built on the site of the Sisters of Mercy, who were established in the 1880s, it is fitting that it has been named the Mercy Centre.

Mr Beach described it as a learning space with flexible learning areas that will foster creative and critical thinking.

The project included a complete refurbishment of the previous block.

The new facility includes a number of general learning classrooms, four state-of-the-art STEM science labs, open learning spaces, study pods, canteen, gymnasium and an auditorium- style seating, referred to as the Learning Commons.

Bishop of Lismore, Gregory Homeming gave the blessing which included the people, the building and the plaque.

“I am blessing more than a building,” he said.

“But I am blessing you.”

With that, he sprinkled holy water on all in attendance, giving a double dose to the politicians who he felt needed the extra kick.

Finally, the plaque was unveiled by NSW Senator, the Hon Jenny McAllister, Assistant Minister for Climate Change and Energy.

“I understand the building has already been in use for some months,” she said.

“It is an enhancing experience that you all have here.”

The total project cost $8,394,000, with $3,600,000 contributed to by the Australian Government.

Other dignitaries in attendance included Member for Page, Kevin Hogan, Member for Clarence Richie Williamson, Richmond Valley mayor Robert Mustow and Director of Catholic Schools, Adam Spencer.

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