Mandurah’s vibrant hospitality and tourism industries are set to receive a significant boost with the opening of South Metropolitan TAFE’s new state-of-the-art training facility. The $16.9 million Hospitality and Tourism Training Centre, part of the State Government’s substantial investment in upgrading TAFE infrastructure, will provide specialty courses aimed at equipping students with the necessary skills for successful careers in these thriving sectors within the Peel region.

Aspiring chefs, baristas, front-of-house staff, and event managers studying commercial cookery, tourism, and event management will now benefit from practical, on-the-job training facilitated by modern facilities and cutting-edge equipment.

The new facility features a live-works restaurant with a production kitchen and dining room where locals can savour lunchtime or evening meals. Additionally, two full-sized industry-standard training kitchens, a cookery/barista demonstration classroom, an information technology classroom adaptable for tourism and event management training, and a student hub have been incorporated to provide comprehensive learning environments.

The facility’s exterior boasts striking artwork created by local Noongar artists Maitland Hill and Kerry Stack in collaboration with glass artist Rick Vermey. Titled ‘Djena Bidi Koora Koora Mila — Pathways from Past to Future,’ the artwork celebrates the rich biodiversity and natural beauty of the rivers, estuaries, inlet, and ocean in the greater Peel Region.

Premier Roger Cook expressed his excitement about the new facility, stating, “This new $16.9 million facility is a one-stop-shop for specialist training in the region, and its modern and practical design will ensure it becomes a popular space for the community too.” Acknowledging the significance of the tourism and hospitality sectors in the Peel region, Cook emphasised the importance of equipping individuals with the skills required to contribute effectively to the local workforce.