Gandolfi to lead project

Friday November 24, 2023

THE state government has announced Mount Gambier/Berrin business leader Peter Gandolfi to spearhead the delivery of the proposed research, education and training precinct.

Mr Gandolfi will be in charge of bringing together lead agencies and key stakeholders to ensure the delivery of the $59 million precinct as a whole.

The education and training area will include the new purpose-built Technical College, the Forestry Centre of Excellence as well as an upgrade to the TAFE SA Mount Gambier campus.

Mr Gandolfi will focus on finalising the location of the Centre of Excellence, defining the technical college operating model and course structure while also appointing the precinct steering committee and considering future options for the precinct's sustainability.

Mr Gandolfi first began his career as a carpenter and joiner in the 1980s and attended the local TAFE SA campus as an apprentice.

He has since worked as a ministerial advisor for territory, state and federal governments before serving as Wattle Range Council mayor from 2010 to 2018.

More recently, he was the former managing editor of The Border Watch.

He now runs a family business along his work with ISS First Response and is a Country Fire Service volunteer with the Mount Burr brigade.

Mr Gandolfi will be supported by a steering committee, which is yet to be formed, comprising state government representatives along with members from local businesses, training and education entities.

"The investment in the precinct will give students new and exciting career paths and provide a benefit to the broader economy by helping to address skills shortages in the region," Mr Gandolfi said.

"I look forward to being part of the project and working closely with the community and with education and training stakeholders to meet workforce demands.

"The opportunity to provide students with integrated learning pathways at one location at this level will be transformative for the region."

Minister for Regional Development and Forestry Clare Scriven said Mr Gandolfi's appointment was a "significant milestone" in the future development of the Limestone Coast.

"The Mount Gambier Education and Training Precinct will increase the education and training opportunities in the Limestone Coast and is also a key initiative of the Malinauskas Labor Government's investment towards the Forestry Centre of Excellence in Mount Gambier," Ms Scriven said.

Member for Mount Gambier Troy Bell also congratulated Mr Gandolfi on the appointment stating the multi-million dollar investment was "one of the largest investments in education and training" in the region of any government in living memory.

"I have known Peter over many years in numerous capacities and have the highest regard for his skills and abilities," Mr Bell said.

"I am excited Peter has agreed to take on the role as precinct leader to ensure the state's vision for this precinct is realised."

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