The Minns Labor Government has invested $25 million to deliver two brand new, purpose-built training facilities for North Coast students at TAFE NSW Kingscliff, which have now officially opened.
The state-of-the-art facilities simulate real-life workplace environments and include industry-aligned equipment across a range of study areas. These include high-demand construction, electrotechnology, and supply chain logistics courses, aviation and aerospace, animal studies, design and fashion, photography, screen and media, and horticulture.
The new learning and teaching spaces will help to ensure students become familiar with the equipment and workspaces they can expect on the job.
Construction students have access to a gravel pit and piering area, supply chain students learn in a simulated logistics warehouse and forklift training space, while future electricians use wiring bays and industry-grade tools.
Design and fashion students can get creative in a new fashion and textiles workshop complete with sewing machines and other modern design tools, while photography students can enjoy a new photography studio fitted out with cameras and lighting with other creative equipment and screen and media students enjoy modern digital arts equipment.
Animal care veterinary nursing facilities, aviation security and remote pilot (drone) equipment, and a custom-built greenhouse are also among the modern new training facilities now available to students in and around Kingscliff.
This builds on the Minns Labor Government's record $3.4 Billion investment in Skills and TAFE in the 2025/26 Budget to improve access and quality of vocational education and training for NSW students, including:
- $20.1 million for fee free apprenticeships and traineeships
- $13.8 million Construction Workforce Package
- $121 million to repair TAFE NSW campuses statewide.
Minister for Skills, TAFE and Tertiary Education Steve Whan said:
"This $25 million investment to modernise learning and teaching facilities at Kingscliff will make a huge difference to North Coast students looking to start a new career or upskill to keep pace with evolving industry needs.
"As always, the Minns Labor Government is committed to delivering modern, practical learning spaces that reflect the needs of local industries and students, ensuring we are upskilling the workers for the future.
"This is just more proof of the Minns Labor Government's commitment to rebuilding TAFE NSW as the strong and stable public provider of vocational skills training - this investment is a win for students, employers, and communities in the North Coast and in the Tweed Region."
Duty MLC for Tweed, Emily Suvaal said:
"These new, purpose-built facilities at Kingscliff are a gamechanger for students right across the North Coast. Whether it's fashion, aviation, construction or animal care, students now have access to the same kinds of tools and environments they'll be working with in industry.
"TAFE NSW has always been at the heart of giving people the skills they need to get a good job and build a secure future. This investment shows the Minns Labor Government is serious about supporting local students and creating real opportunities here in our regional communities.
"By providing modern, hands-on training spaces, we're not only giving students the best start, we're also supporting local industries to access the skilled workforce they need to grow. This is a big win for the Tweed and for the North Coast."
TAFE NSW Diploma of Fashion Design and Technology, Rada Campbell said:
"The facilities at TAFE NSW Kingscliff are incredibly well equipped - we train on a wide range of sewing machines used in the fashion industry, which builds our confidence and prepares us for real-world production. It's an exciting time to be a student at TAFE NSW."
