Bendigo TAFE has received nearly $1.2 million in Commonwealth Government funding to develop a master plan for the Bendigo East Urban Renewal Precinct.
This investment will support future-focused initiatives in education and training, housing, and community development.

Bendigo TAFE is proud to be the only TAFE to receive this funding. This reflects our important role in the region and the strength of our partnerships with government, industry and community.

We are a stable and sustainable organisation with a strong reputation for:

• responding to regional priorities and government policy
• helping to meet urgent skills shortages
• delivering modern facilities and expanding access to training

We’ll be working with our community partners to shape a precinct where people can live, learn, work and enjoy. Our goals include:

• Integrated housing solutions
  Meeting demand for social and affordable housing and key worker accommodation through a coordinated housing plan.

• Revitalised learning environments
  Upgrading our Charleston Road Campus to create innovative training spaces that support local industries.
  
  
• Clean Energy Centre of Excellence
  Bringing together clean energy programs to rapidly build skills and capacity for industry and community.
  
  
• Partnerships with Traditional Owners
  Collaborating with the Dja Dja Wurrung people on housing and education initiatives.
  
  
• Community recreation spaces
  Creating multi-use areas for active and passive recreation to meet community needs.
  
  
• Connected infrastructure
  Linking the precinct to Bendigo Health, the city centre, train station, Lake Weeroona and the local trail network.

Located just 1 kilometre from central Bendigo, the precinct has the potential to deliver:

• centrally located housing and accommodation
• leading-edge training facilities to support local industries and boost employment
• recreation amenities and strong community connections

This initiative brings together key community stakeholders to create a vibrant precinct that supports learning, living, and recreation. Confirmed partners include:

- Dja Dja Wurrung Clans Aboriginal Corporation
- Greater Bendigo City Council
- Bendigo Business Council
- Bendigo Regional Manufacturing Group
- Loddon Mallee Housing Services Ltd (Haven Home Safe)
- Bendigo East Bowling Club Inc
- Bendigo East Amateur Swimming Club Inc
- Bendigo Amateur Radio and Electronic Club Inc

A project group has been established to lead the planning and design process. Governance structures are in place, and stakeholder engagement is underway to shape the precinct vision.

The next phase involves proposing key activities for funding and delivery through the rPPP and other sources. This includes detailed planning for infrastructure, housing, and training facilities.

The Regional Precincts and Partnerships Program (rPPP) is a $400 million Australian Government initiative that funds the design and delivery of precincts to meet place-based community priorities. It supports transformative investment in regional, rural and remote Australia, aiming to unify regional places, grow their economies and serve their communities.

More information here