The NSW Government will deliver $2 million funding to the state’s adult and community education (ACE) providers to assist during the COVID-19 pandemic. The funding will support continued operation of NSW ACE providers and help them undertake adaptive and blended learning and training delivery methods during the crisis.
NSW Minister for Skills and Tertiary Education, Dr Geoff Lee (pictured), said it was important to support the ACE sector during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Many providers are using this challenging period to upskill and develop their online delivery. The NSW Government will always support our educational providers in the most appropriate ways during this pandemic,” Dr Lee said.
The NSW Government will supply COVID-19 relief funding for not-for-profit community education providers in recognition of their important role in local communities. The funding supports the NSW Government’s objectives to help vulnerable students on a pathway to jobs by re-engaging them in learning and preparation for work.
Comment from Community Colleges Australia (CCA)
“CCA and its members thank the Minister and the NSW Government for its valuable assistance,” said Dr Don Perlgut, CEO of CCA.
“The NSW ACE sector has just been given a great ‘leg up’ that will ensure members can create and implement online and blended learning solutions. This funding will enable members to meet the needs of their communities through innovative and timely approaches,” Dr Perlgut said.
“This is a fabulous beginning from the NSW Government during this challenging moment. NSW ACE providers are unique: we focus on the needs of the state’s most vulnerable and disadvantaged, a group which has grown in the past six weeks. With unemployment due to rise in the coming months, Australia’s community education providers have never been more important,” Dr Perlgut said.
Press Coverage of Funding Announcements
Camden Haven Courier, "Funding boost for Hastings community colleges" (Camden Haven Community College), 27 April 2020.
Griffith Area News, "Western Riverina Community College receives funding to help bring classes online," 23 April 2020 (Download article PDF: Western Riverina Community College Receives Funding 23April2020).
Port Macquarie News, “Funding boost for Hastings community colleges,” (Port Macquarie Community College and Camden Haven Community College), 26 April 2020.
Illawarra Mercury, “Illawarra colleges backed by government cash to survive COVID-19 pandemic,” (Kiama Community College and WEA Illawarra), 17 April 2020.
NBN News (TV), Central Coast Colleges Receive Funding, (Central Coast Community College & TLK Community College), 29 April 2020.
Kevin Anderson MP news release on funding for Tamworth Community College, 17 April 2020.
Wes Fang MLC news release on funding for Riverina Community College (Wagga), 21 April 2020.
Guyra Gazette, "COVID-19 Boost for NECC,"Adam Marshall MP visits New England Community College in Guyra, 5 May 2020.
Adam Crouch MP (pictured below) with Tuggerah Community College CEO David Mackay (top) and Central Coast Community College CEO Joanne Martin (bottom).
Adam Marshall MP (pictured below) with New England Community College Coordinator Dorothy Lockyer and President Campbell Wolfenden