Aspiring nurses in the Central West are set to benefit from a $635,000 investment to upgrading nursing training facilities at TAFE NSW Orange, ensuring Diploma of Nursing students' graduate job-ready with the latest industry skills.
The Minns Labor Government is delivering on education in the region, transforming two existing four-bed wards into a cutting-edge simulated hospital environment.
The revamp will include purpose-built additions such as a clean preparation area, dirty utility, and a fully equipped training bathroom; all designed to replicate real-world clinical settings.
Students will train using the same equipment they'll encounter on the job, including medical services panels at every bed, a medication fridge, and a lockable medicine cabinet, helping the build the confidence and competence to step straight into the healthcare workforce.
Orange is home to one of the largest regional health hubs in NSW. Nurses account for over 42% of the Western NSW Local Health District workforce, making this investment a critical part of strengthening the pipeline of skilled local nurses who can meet growing community needs.
Minister for Skills, TAFE and Tertiary Education, Steve Whan visited the campus today to tour the existing nursing facilities and announce the funding package.
Work is set to commence later this year and will be completed by mid-2026.
Minister for Skills, TAFE and Tertiary Education, Steve Whan said:
"The Minns Labor Government record $3.4 billion investment in TAFE NSW and the skills sector is helping to futureproof regional campuses and train critical workforces.
"This investment will set students up for real-world success now and into the future, not just in the classroom but in the region's hospitals, clinics, and aged care facilities where they're urgently needed.
"TAFE NSW Orange plays a vital role in training the next generation of nurses, and these upgrades will ensure students can confidently transition their skills from the classroom to the workplace.
"Whether it's in Orange or across the Central West, we want our future nurses to have the best possible start, and that begins with world-class public training facilities".
Member for Orange, Phil Donato said:
"I welcome this announcement of $635,000, that will go directly towards upgrading nurse training facilities at the TAFE NSW Orange Campus. These added education facilities will ensure a pipeline of job ready nurses to enter the workforce.
"I appreciate the NSW Government has recognised that this upgrade will not only attract more regional students but go a long way to retaining them as part of a valued and skilled workforce."
