Over thirty five people gathered for lunch at "The Shed at Trawool" today as the guests of the Board of the Central Ranges LLEN, reconvening the consortium that made the submission for the Central Ranges Trade Centre Application.[CRTTC].

The informal [and delicious] luncheon was an opportunity for the majority of providers of post-compulsory education and training from across the district to reconnect after the busy period that led up to the submission of the "TTC" on June 9th. It was also one of the rarer opportunities leaders from these organisations have had to meet and discuss the current and ongoing impacts the Bushfires in their communities and the associated impacts on their organisations.

The Board was honoured to host as our special guest The Honourable Bill Shorten, Federal Parliamentary Secretary for Disabilities and Children's Services and Parliamentary Secretary for Victorian Bushfire Reconstruction and Mr Ben Hardman, Victorian Parliamentary Secretary for Agriculture and Member for Seymour.

The Hon. Bill Shorten addressed the assembled group and indicated that he was aware of the importance of all levels of Government maintaining and increasing coordination of services and support to the bushfire affected communities and organisations across the region to avoid adding to, rather than alleviating the burdens and barriers being experienced by many.

Mr. Jim Alsop, Principal of Broadford Secondary College [and lead school of the CRTTC consortium], when introducing Mr. Bill Shorten, quickly focussed the Parliamentary Secertary's attention on the strength and existing school networks that operate throughout region and noted the alignment and strategic support of businesses throughout the region for the proposal. When added to the additional challenges of Bushfire recovery, Mr Alsop pointed out it is a perfect opportunity for all Government jurisdictions to support the initiative, increasing skilled training pathways and employment opportunities throughout the region.

The full story can be found here.

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