Gabrielle WILLIAMS (Dandenong – Minister for Transport Infrastructure, Minister for Public and Active Transport, Minister for Women and Girls) (09:41): After years of planning, partnership and hard work we officially opened the Dandenong Tech School last Friday, a remarkable new facility which brings future technology to Dandenong and even more opportunities for young people to pursue ambitious futures closer to home. Dandenong Tech School will support more than 13,500 students from 23 local schools to access free hands-on STEM learning. This is a place carefully designed to inspire young people and to build their practical skills. They now have the opportunities to explore emerging technologies and challenge themselves to think differently about the future while building their own skills and confidence. Importantly, this investment will also benefit local industry by giving students exposure to advanced manufacturing, engineering, digital technologies and other growth sectors. The tech school will help build a skilled workforce pipeline for local employers for many years to come. It will strengthen connections between education and industry, helping businesses access the talent that they need while creating new pathways for young people in our community. Dandenong Tech School is a place where students will discover new possibilities. Together with upgrades to Dandenong High School, Lyndale high school and many other local schools in my electorate, we are strengthening the foundations for future generations and reinforcing Dandenong’s reputation as a place of opportunity and aspiration. I give a big thankyou to Chisholm TAFE and our local schools, industry partners and the broader community for their collaboration in bringing this project – (Time expired)