Push to re-establish technical school
I WOULD like to organise a town meeting to bring together our community to discuss re-establishing a secondary level technical school in Horsham – similar to the one we had through the 1950s through to 1993.
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It was truly a wonderful technical school that, in addition to the core subjects such as maths, English, music, social studies, graphics and physical education, it provided trade subjects as mandatory for all students – for at least the first three years – and becoming electives after that. The trade subjects included woodwork, fitting and turning, welding, automotive, electrical, wool classing and sheet metal/plumbing.
A technical school education for students who have decided to work with their hands for a living is invaluable for both the student and just as much for their future employers.
For an employer to try to replicate the training provided in these technical schools is almost impossible and certainly not cost effective and is to the detriment of both school leavers and employers.
It has actually reached a point where many mature tradesmen and small businessmen who want to employ someone to work in a practical field – whether as a plumber, electrician, automotive mechanic or builder – are extremely reluctant to employ anyone who hasn’t had a secondary level technical school education. This renders high youth unemployment and loss of opportunity to a large degree for both the employers and school leavers, which has been and is now a negative for the town
I believe the Victorian government has established about 10 new technical schools – but at this point in time, none have been established west of Melbourne.
I believe they’re all located in Labor-winning seats, which is not really fair for the many Victorians living west of Melbourne.
If a technical school were to be located in Horsham, it would not only benefit our local community – it would also draw students, just as the previous technical school did, from as far west as the SA border, as far north as Hopetoun and as far south as Hamilton. This would be a boost for students, trade school teachers, ancillary staff and employers.
When I’ve raised this subject with other employers, townsfolk and former technical school staff, they’ve all been absolutely 110 per cent behind me.
I also had an offer from a local solicitor to help facilitate the establishment of a technical school in Horsham. He told me his son completed one year at the high school and then asked his father if he could transfer to the tech school, which was just across the road, and afterwards he never looked back.
His father only wanted the best for his son and to do what he really wanted, which was obviously working with his hands.
It’s our intention to find a date and a suitable venue for this meeting, possibly such as the Horsham Civic Centre as soon as possible to gauge the thoughts of the community and also to foster community support for this worthwhile cause.
Tony Brand, Horsham
Community support for regional rail strategy
THE Wimmera branch of the Australian Labor Party congratulate the eight local government authorities who have authored the comprehensive strategy to increase public transport to Melbourne from the Wimmera and to extend rail services to Horsham and Hamilton. We support the return of the Horsham to Ararat train service and believe, as the strategy argues, it will boost business, tourism, employment, health and education opportunities.
The branch, at its April meeting, has agreed to actively lobby the Australian Labor Party, the Government and Public Transport authorities, in our support of this fundamentally important strategy.
Richard L. Opie, Wimmera branch secretary, Australian Labor Party
New Mail-Times editor brings local knowledge
I AM writing to congratulate Jessica Grimble on her appointment as editor of the Wimmera Mail-Times.
Over the years it has been an outstanding regional newspaper that has helped put the Wimmera and Horsham on the map and through some great challenges.
Jessica, the editors before you – many of whom I had the pleasure of working with – had the interests of our community at heart.
You to bring to the role your knowledge of the area, its people, industries and challenges. I have no doubt you will make a great contribution as editor and I wish you every success.
Bernie Dunn, Brimpaen
More information on broadband services
I WELCOME the announcement of a new program that will give consumers greater information on the speeds and experience they can expect from fixed-line broadband services delivered over the National Broadband Network (NBN).
The Broadband Performance Monitoring and Reporting (BPMR) program, to be implemented by the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC), will source performance data from about 4000 volunteer customers of retail service providers across the country.
The program will provide consumers with clear and independent information on the actual speeds being delivered by various retailers. This means consumers will be better placed to choose a plan that is right for them. It will also encourage retailers to compete on the quality of their broadband plans. Performance information will be made publicly available for the benefit of all Australians.
The ACCC will shortly be recruiting householders using the NBN fixed-line network to take part in the program.
Dan Tehan, Member for Wannon