Dili Institute to Receive Donated Automotive Equipment
13 December 2005
Boxes of automotive equipment get loaded onto shipping containers at the Broadmeadows Campus.
Christmas will come early to Timor-Leste's Dili Institute of Technology this year, with a shipment of automotive training equipment now on its way from Australia.
Through its association with the Friends of Aileu, Kangan Batman TAFE helped organise the shipment of equipment to Dili Institute. The equipment will aid in the delivery of vocational training in automotive.
The Friends of Aileu consists of an agreement between the District of Aileu in Timor-Leste, Moreland City Council, Hume City Council and the Campaspe Shire (Echuca).
Automotive Training Australia (ATA), which utilises Kangan Batman TAFE's Broadmeadows campus for their Australian Automotive Distribution Centre, provided the equipment for the donation through ATA's partnership with Australian vehicle manufacturers.
John Braddy, Executive Director of Automotive Training Australia, said it was vital that the East Timorese had access to the most up-to-date equipment.
'We hope that this new automotive equipment will help boost the morale of the Timor-Leste people,' said Mr Braddy. 'There's nothing worse than being taught on old machinery.'
After Lindon Gregory (Project Manager from ATA) and automotive teacher Brendan Evans selected eight brand new engines and other automotive equipment for the donation, Kangan Batman TAFE staff members from various departments then put in a colossal effort to prepare the equipment for shipping.
Kangan Batman TAFE has also funded the cost of the shipment and has organised for Brendan Evans to travel to Timor-Leste to assist with the setting up of the material in early 2006.
Brendan, who has volunteered in Western Samoa in the same capacity, is also very keen on becoming a mentor to automotive teachers at Dili Institute to help with course material and lesson plans.
Kangan Batman TAFE's General Manager for Community Engagement, Carmel McCarthy, also said the project will give East Timorese valuable skills to gain employment.
'The outcome of the project is highly significant on a larger scale because it contributes to the rebuilding of Timor-Leste's infrastructure', she said.
Ms McCarthy also said that Kangan Batman TAFE's involvement in the project is 'logical,' given that the Institute is the largest provider of automotive training in Victoria.
In November, Kangan Batman TAFE also donated $1000 to enable a student from the Aileu District to attend Dili Institute. The scholarship will be provided under a Scholarship Program supported by Moreland City Council and Hume City Council.
