Tuesday, 8 September 2026

 Mary-Anne THOMAS (Macedon) (13:04): What a pleasure it was to welcome Premier Ben Carroll for the official opening of the trades hub at Gisborne Secondary College. This fantastic $5.8 million facility is another significant investment in Gisborne Secondary and, most importantly, in the future of our young people. The new trades hub provides students with modern purpose-built spaces where they can learn practical skills, work with their hands and explore pathways into trades, apprenticeships and further vocational education. It was built by local Raysett Constructions, who are from Riddells Creek. I have already had the opportunity to see students working in these spaces, developing skills in areas including carpentry and discovering the satisfaction that comes from learning, making and creating.

We know that young people learn in different ways and have different ambitions. A great education system must give every student the opportunity to find a pathway where they can thrive. A facility like the trades hub gives students the chance to develop real-world skills while they are still at school and opens their eyes to the many rewarding careers available across trades and technical industries. I am incredibly proud to see this project completed and officially opened. Thank you to acting principal Suzie Harrison, school captains Charlie Francis, Zakk Papadopoulos and Erica Cawood, as well as teachers, staff and the entire Gisborne Secondary College – and a shout-out also to our fantastic Labor candidate Annette Death, who joined us there on the day.