Wednesday 19 December 2018

The Andrews Labor Government has invested more than $226,000 in local projects and initiatives across Gippsland thanks to the Stronger Regional Community Plan – a state-wide small grants program that supports rural and regional towns to create opportunities and grow local jobs.

Member for Eastern Victorian Harriet Shing today announced a $45,200 Stronger Regional Community Plan grant for SWIFT App Development – a new training program for students that aims to improve digital literacy in Gippsland.

SWIFT is a coding language developed by Apple that has become a universal programming language for building apps for iOS. Training in SWIFT will provide students with work-ready skills that can be applied in the growing industry of app development.

The training program will be led and piloted through RMIT University along with other networks including Apple, Federation University, Gippsland LLENS, Gippsland Learn Locals and six Local Government Areas across Gippsland.

Marking the beginning of a new collaboration between RMIT and Federation University, the SWIFT App Development training program has the potential to lead to other digital related education across Gippsland.

The Stronger Regional Community Plan has also provided funding to the following local projects:

• $50,000 towards the Baromi Park Community Space development in South Gippsland. The permanent performing arts space will enable the community to participate in live park performances and create a vibrant place for people to gather and be involved.
• $50,000 towards ‘Live like a Local’ – a campaign aimed to attract skilled people to work and live in East Gippsland.
• $45,000 towards a Good Governance Toolkit for business and tourism associations in South Gippsland to build community capability and bridge a knowledge gap in governance and administrative expertise.
• $21,000 towards a business case for the Snowy River Floodplain Rail Bridge Restoration in Orbost.
• $15,000 towards two workshops in the major centres of Bass Coast Shire for community groups, businesses and volunteers to collaborate to develop off season tourism opportunities in the region.

Quotes attributable to Member for Eastern Victoria Harriet Shing

“Improving digital literacy in Gippsland is a priority for the Andrews Labor Government and we’re proud to be backing new initiatives like SWIFT that can give people the skills to participate in the workforce.”

“We created the Stronger Regional Community Plan grants so local, community-led programs and initiatives can contribute to and support Gippsland’s ongoing economic development – whether it’s through tourism and infrastructure right through to training and education.”