The state of the art trade facility has been a long time in the making, with principal Mary- Jane Carroll Fajarda first applying for the funding through the Department of Education Employment and Workplace Relations Trade Training Centres in Schools program 18 months ago.

The centre was established to provide high quality trade training and will deliver pre-vocational, certificate II and III qualifications in agriculture and horticulture to address a regional skill shortage.

“It’s a wonderful asset and a great opportunity to hone the potential of our students and to provide them with real-life learning opportunities,” Ms Fajarda said.

“I’m really grateful to the Australian Government for their support and the local community.”

Labor Senator Ursula Stephens officially opened the facility during a school ceremony. She said while the facility might not be directly used by some, the effects would be nothing but positive for the school community.

“Here at Trinity College the community of the school is growing stronger and stronger… You are building a beautiful school,” she said.

Year 8 student Emily Lavis, alongside peer Harry Divall thanked the government, parents and students for assisting in the centre’s establishment.

“The gap between agriculture and the urban community is growing greater,” Miss Lavis said.

“Education, knowledge and skills are what’s required in this area in the future.”

Moira Najdecki, on behalf of the Catholic Education Office, also addressed the crowd, speaking on the commitment to education.

“We try to ensure the best educational opportunities and facilities are afforded to our students… Trinity is now the first college in the NSW diocese to benefit from the funding decision,” she said.

“It’s been a real community effort to bring something like this to fruition…. It will be a great asset for Goulburn and surrounding areas.”