Dear Ministers

I am writing to bring to your attention a critical issue concerning the lack of physical vocational training options in Bass Coast Shire. Despite the presence of a Chisholm Institute campus in Wonthaggi, the campus currently does not offer any physical courses. 
This situation is causing significant distress and inconvenience for residents seeking to upskill and pursue vocational training locally.
 Below is a detailed comparison table of the four comparative shires in Victoria.  Bass Coast Shire, Colac Otway Shire, Mount Alexander Shire, and South Gippsland Shire. 

These regions were chosen for comparison based on similarities in main town populations and land area. This table highlights the disparity in training opportunities available to residents of Bass Coast Shire.

 Shire          
 Bass Coast Shire          42,729                             
 Colac Otway Shire       22,273                              
Mount Alexander Shire      20,253                              
South Gippsland Shire      31,391                          
 

Secondary schools and enrolled Students   
 Bass Coast College: 1,600, Newhaven College: 604, The Island School: 300 
(Total: 2,504) 
 Colac Secondary College: 700, Trinity College Colac: 537 
(Total: 1,237) 
 Castlemaine Secondary College: 720-800 
(Total: 720-800)  
 Leongatha SC: 526, Korumburra SC: 307, Mary MacKillop CRC: 582, Foster SC: 256, Mirboo North SC: 336 
(Total: 2,007) 
 TAFE Campuses       
 Chisholm Institute (Wonthaggi) , in person courses available     None                    
 South West TAFE (Colac)     in person courses available          Individual Support, Agriculture, Trades, Business, Hospitality, Health                    
 Bendigo TAFE (Castlemaine)      in person courses available       Health and Community Services, Trades, Business, Hospitality, Creative Arts                     
 TAFE Gippsland (Leongatha)    in person courses available      Agriculture, Automotive, Construction, Health, Hospitality, General Education 

As depicted, Bass Coast Shire, despite having a higher population than Colac Otway Shire, Mount Alexander Shire, and South Gippsland Shire, lacks comprehensive on-campus vocational training opportunities. 
Bass Coast College is the largest college in Gippsland and significantly bigger than comparative schools yet there is no training centre to cater for transition to work, VET in Schools nor post-secondary pathways for these students. 

This disparity is unacceptable and significantly hinders the ability of local residents to access essential training and educational resources without the need to travel long distances, which is often impractical and costly.

 I am so concerned about the future of my grandchildren who live in Wonthaggi. What options, besides moving out of the area, do they have for vocational training in a physical environment? What will happen to us when all the young people leave?

 It is imperative that the federal and state governments intervene to ensure that there is a viable and significant training presence in Bass Coast Shire which can offer a broad range of physical courses, providing residents with the opportunity to engage in hands-on learning experiences. Enhancing local training options will not only boost the local economy but also empower residents with the skills needed to thrive in a rapidly evolving job market.

 I urge you to address this pressing issue and allocate the necessary resources to improve the availability of vocational training in Bass Coast Shire. Your support in this matter would be greatly appreciated by the community and would demonstrate the government's commitment to equitable access to education and training for all Australians.

 Thank you for your attention to this important matter.