Tasmanian Premier, Lara Giddings, and Minister for Education and Skills, Nick McKim, have officially opened the new Bridgewater LINC, a centre of learning for people of all ages.
Ms Giddings said the $3.5 million centre would be an invaluable resource for the local community, offering a wide range of services.
“The new LINC also features a Service Tasmania shop, as well as the soon-to-be- completed Tagari lia Aboriginal Child and Family Centre,” Ms Giddings said.
“By bringing so many services into the one facility, we are working to foster the strong sense of community that exists here in Bridgewater.
“I recently visited the Jordan River Learning Federation which adopts a philosophy of lifelong learning, from birth through to adulthood. The LINC is an important part of that network, offering early childhood programs like weekly Rock and Rhyme sessions, along with adult literacy support.
“The Tasmanian Government is creating education and job opportunities for young and old citizens alike with the construction of LINCs and Child and Family Centres around the State.”
“This integrated approach brings together a range of Government agency to deliver services that are easily accessible to the community.
“In this way we are working to overcome historical challenges like post year-ten retention and literacy rates.”
Mr McKim said Tasmania’s LINCs were playing a pivotal role in helping the community access learning opportunities in a friendly environment.
“LINCs are vibrant places where people can take their first steps into learning and develop new skills for living, work and enterprise without the need to travel out of their area,” Mr McKim said.
“This new facility will not only give our youngest citizens the best possible start in life, it will also support the people of this area with on-going learning, information and service needs.”
“Through the Bridgewater LINC, local residents, and particularly those who have not engaged with education since leaving school, will be able to enjoy the pleasures of learning, reading and accessing information.
“For some, that could mean becoming involved in learning to improve their literacy skills, so that they can enjoy all aspects of living in our community and better engage in employment opportunities.”
For more information about the services available at the Bridgewater LINC, visit www.linc.tas.gov.au.
Source: http://www.media.tas.gov.au/release.php?id=34694