After almost 20 years in operation, North Coast TAFE’s Caldera Restaurant reopened last week after being renovated and refurbished.
This restaurant, at TAFE’s Kingscliff campus, got more than just a lick of paint. Part of a multimillion-dollar upgrade of the campus, the renovations included a purpose-built bakery kitchen, wine cellar and seminar rooms.
The launch of the new hospitality facilities was run by the students in the cookery, hospitality and event departments. Food was prepared by the cookery students, served by the hospitality students and tables were decorated by the events students.
These and other refurbishments at Kingscliff will enable the campus to meet the growth in local demand for training in commercial cookery, hospitality, tourism, aviation, events, automotive, and the hair and beauty industries.
Gillian Bruce, head teacher Tourism and Hospitality, says, ‘Our students’ learning experiences are definitely enhanced by the fabulous practical experience we can offer them. The new facilities will provide us with opportunities to also run short courses in chocolate making, cake decorating, bar operations and sommelier.’
Caldera Restaurant is open the public to dine on Tuesday night or for Wednesday lunch (bookings are essential).
Throughout the year there is also the opportunity to attend one of the many special events that the TAFE students facilitate, such as Melbourne Cup Lunch, Australia’s Biggest Morning Tea and Girls’ Night-In Fashion Fundraiser.
More upgrades will see the new Automotive Transport and Logistics facility at Kingscliff campus set for completion in April 2014.
Len Parkes, head teacher of Transport and Automotive, says, ‘This new learning facility will increase the accessibility of automotive training in the southern Queensland and northern rivers region and further afield for national and international students who will be able to enrol in TAFE’s flexible delivery programs.’
The Automotive/Transport centre was designed in liaison with the teaching staff using modern and ecological sustainable design principles to minimise environmental impacts and promote cost efficiency for the campus.
The upgrade will enable Kingscliff Campus to offer increased numbers of apprenticeships and traineeships, assist young people complete Year 12 or vocational equivalent, increase technology-based learning, and increase delivery of qualifications in growing employment areas.
