Melbourne Polytechnic welcomes news of the Victorian Government’s $4.8 million funding boost for Diploma-level Auslan training to be added to Free TAFE.
The funding boost was part of a broader $103.1 million TAFE funding package (premier.vic.gov.au) announced at the Victorian Budget 2022/23, handed down on Tuesday.
Melbourne Polytechnic teaches the Auslan language to both Deaf and hearing people and prepares graduates for further study in interpreting. The institute is the only provider of accredited Auslan training in Victoria.
The funding boost will help Melbourne Polytechnic build on the success of their existing Auslan training programs which are creating employment opportunities within the Deaf community and meeting growing industry demand for more Auslan interpreters, particularly in the service industries including health, disability and aged care.
Importantly the funding will increase access to Diploma-level Auslan training in Victoria by removing the financial barrier and will be available to both hearing and Deaf people. It also provides an opportunity for Deaf people to increase their language proficiency, gain a qualification and increase access to employment.
“We’re very pleased to see that the Victorian Government is offering Free TAFE places for Auslan courses. Support for others to learn our language is much appreciated and will ensure much greater understanding of Deaf language and culture in the wider community,” said Rachel Miers, Senior Auslan Teacher at Melbourne Polytechnic.
“Extending Free TAFE to include Diploma-level Auslan training delivers benefits beyond the student receiving training. Melbourne Polytechnic is proud of the role we play in supporting more meaningful inclusion and connection with the Deaf community,” said Frances Coppolillo, Chief Executive of Melbourne Polytechnic.
For more information about Melbourne Auslan training, visit our Auslan webpage.
Melbourne Polytechnic is the sole provider of these professionally recognised Auslan accreditation courses in Victoria.