Stephen Mears wants to see TAFE restored to its former glory, and said an accommodation complex, which could double as a hands-on training facility for those studying hospitality, would be a step in the right direction.

“It ticks a lot of boxes – there would be jobs during construction, it brings more money to town, exposes more people to Tamworth, and makes education easier and more affordable,” Mr Mears said.

“There are lots of kids are living in towns that don’t have a TAFE, and they have to go to Newcastle for block training, often at their own expense.

“It can be very expensive, especially if you are an apprentice or a single parent.

“We’re the biggest TAFE in the region. To me, it’s common sense to develop an accommodation complex, which could be subsidised for students.”

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Tamworth education advocate Mitch Hanlon agreed with the idea and said it was something that should have been done years ago.

“Let’s say 50 hostel-style accommodation units,” Mr Hanlon said.

“Something so the kids from Moree and out west can come here rather than all the way to Newcastle.”

Mr Mears said the accommodation complex could also include a training services section, which would give students more access to live clients and hands-on experience.

“There is a lot of merit in this idea,” Mr Mears said.

“Again, it opens up employment opportunities to more people in the electorate.”

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