Mr Merlino said the official opening was a major step forward in returning the site to educational and community use.

Melba Support Services is a non-profit group which supports more than 300 people who live with a disability and relocated from its former home in Mt Evelyn which was in a high-bushfire risk area.

Mr Merlino said the organisation’s new location, which is well connected to transport and other community facilities, would help Melba improve service delivery and provide training for people living with a disability.

Liberal TAFE cuts forced the campus – the only university and TAFE in the outer east – to close. The Andrews Labor Government is working to return TAFE delivery to the campus through its $320 million TAFE Rescue Fund.

Quotes attributable to Deputy Premier and Minister for Education, James Merlino

“These new facilities will help Melba help others – delivering high-standard services to more than 300 people living with a disability.”

“We’ll reopen this TAFE campus so people in the outer east can get the skills they need for the jobs they want.”

Melba Support Services Opens A Step Forward For TAFE