Fashion centre stage at Mt Gravatt

Published Thursday, 10 October, 2019 at 04:34 PM

Minister for Employment and Small Business and Minister for Training and Skills Development
The Honourable Shannon Fentiman

Mt Gravatt is the state’s newest shining hub for future design leaders with today’s official opening of TAFE Queensland’s DesignTech Precinct.

Minister for Training and Skills Development Shannon Fentiman officially opened the $1.5 million stage one state-of-the-art fashion design hub which is currently training 120 students.

“We are home to a growing number of successful fashion labels and this new DesignTech Precinct will help to shape the future of fashion in Queensland,” Ms Fentiman said.

“With more than 6,000 fashion, industrial and jewellery designers in Queensland, growing our fashion industry is crucial to the state’s economy and job creation.”

“Today’s unveiling of stage one includes a new public entry and reception area, a refurbish of a contemporary-style gallery exhibition space and a fit-out of the garment maintenance and repair room.’’

Ms Fentiman said there would be a further $15 million investment at the campus, including $5.1 million for the centre’s second stage.

“Construction on stage two will begin early next year which will ensure the Mt Gravatt campus maintains its position as a leader in fashion design training and presents as a modern, vibrant and inspiring learning space.”

“The $15 million investment includes $4.4 million to improve the campus experience including upgrading of the cafeteria, new signage, improved lighting for pedestrian thoroughfares and main car park and the relocation of campus security and installation of CCTV,’’ she said.

Member for Mansfield Corrine McMillan said students now have four options of fashion study at the Mt Gravatt campus: the three-year Bachelor of Applied Fashion, the Diploma of Applied Fashion Design and Merchandising, Advanced Diploma of Applied Fashion Design and Merchandising and the Certificate III in Applied Fashion Design Technology.

“It’s great to see there was an increase of 35% in Certificate III in Applied Fashion Design and Technology enrolments in 2018/19,” Ms McMillan said.

“And Mt Gravatt campus is home to 15 international students undertaking Diploma of Applied Fashion Design and Merchandising and Advanced Diploma of Applied Fashion Design and Merchandising.”

TAFE Queensland has had many past students achieve major success within the fashion industry including Lorna Jane Clarkson, famous for activewear label Lorna Jane, and Bianca Whyte, who has recently launched the Whyte Studio label after starting her post-graduate career as a design assistant for the Kardashian Collection.

Photos: https://www.dropbox.com/sh/qk7g0byo24k0o5x/AABBxIHwVeJCP0BcAZCSKL7Ha?dl=0

 

ENDS

 

Media Contact:          Inga Williams                          0439 949 719