Victoria University Archives: Newport College of TAFE

In summary

Established: 1982, when Newport Technical College separated from Footscray Institute of Technology

Ended: 1991, when it merged with Footscray College of TAFE to form Gellibrand College of TAFE (renamed to Wetern Metropolitan College of TAFE)

Located: Champion Road, Newport; an an Annexe in Williamstown

History

The Newport College of TAFE was formally established in November 1982 when the Newport Technical College separated from the Footscray Institute of Technology. It also incorporated the Victorian Railways Technical College, which had provided apprentice training for the Victorian Railways. The Newport College of TAFE provided courses in areas such as electrical fitting, motor mechanics, fitting and machining, building studies and metal fabrication and welding.

Newport College of TAFE was headed first by Ken Hall, who had overseen the separation and transition from being a division of Footscray Institute of Technology and into the first year of the College's existence. After his retirement in 1983, Lloyd Morris became Acting Director, a position he would hold for two years.

When it was established, the Newport College of TAFE provided primarily apprenticeship courses in a variety of areas. These courses were soon expanded to include pre- and post-apprenticeships, technicians' certificates, and community-based short courses. It also commenced access courses in areas such as English for migrants, basic literacy and typing and shorthand.

After a long search and selection process, Ian Daykin was appointed as Director in 1985. He remained at Newport for two years, and again there was some time before a new Director was appointed. Ken Latta was appointed Director in 1988 and remained as Director until 1991, overseeing the amalgamation with Footscray College of TAFE.

In 1989, following a Ministerial Review of TAFE provision in the Western Metropolitan Region, the Minister Responsible for Post-Secondary Education decided to merge the Newport and Footscray Colleges of TAFE. For the first months, Newport opposed the amalgamation, stating that it was unnecessary and that the essential characteristics of Newport would be lost. However, it soon became clear that the Minister was determined to amalgamate the two TAFE Colleges despite strong opposition. 1990 and early 1991 was taken up primarily with preparing for the amalgamation.

Newport College of TAFE formally ceased to exist as of 1 May 1991, when it merged with Footscray College of TAFE to form Gellibrand College of TAFE. Gellibrand College of TAFE was renamed Western Metropolitan College of TAFE in August 1991.

Holdings in the archives

The Archives holds the following records relating to the Newport College of TAFE:

  • Council minutes, 1982-91
  • Board of Studies minutes, 1982-90
  • Records relating to the Co-operative Development Model Agreement between Footscray and Newport Colleges of TAFE, including committee minutes and agreements, 1985-88
  • Annual reports, 1985-90
  • Handbooks, 1984-89
  • Promotion and media material, including newsclips made at the opening of the Newport College of TAFE, 1982
  • Staff newsletters and handbooks, c. 1983
  • Student results and applications for awards, 1983-92
  • Photographs of staff and students
  • Plaques relating to the opening of buildings and the Newport logo
  • Records relating to the amalgamation with Footscray College of TAFE, c. 1989-91