Steve Whan
Minister for Skills, TAFE and Tertiary Education

MEDIA RELEASE

$30 million investment to boost skills training at TAFE NSW Padstow Program

Saturday, 1 November 2025

The Minns Labor Government is investing $30 million to introduce animal studies and early childhood education and care courses to TAGE NSW Padstow for the first time, delivering new purpose-build facilities and future-proofing training capacity in south-west Sydney.

This investment is part of the $2 billion new Bankstown Hospital which will be built on the existing TAFE NSW Bankstown campus, with the animal studies and early childhood education and care courses permanently relocating to TAFE NSW Padstow from early 2026.

This will see more than 800 students train in modern, purpose-built facilities that reflect industry standards, every year.

The animal studies facilities will feature a simulated veterinary-style clinic, with theatre and radiology rooms, as well as practical laboratories and hydrotherapy facilities, and specialist animal habitats.

While the early childhood education and care facilities will feature a range of practical learning spaces, including simulated play areas, observation rooms, outdoor play spaces, and child bathroom and changing facilities. 

Work has commenced with completion targeted for December 2025, ready for students to begin studying in the new facilities from Semester 1, 2026.

the remainder of TAFE NSW Bankstown will move to the brand-new, state-of-the-art Western Sydney University in the Bankstown CBD.

Minister for Skills, TAFE and Tertiary Education, Steve Whan said:

"The Minns Labor Government is committed to delivering vocational education and training that leads to real jobs in industries our communities rely on every day - from those who teach our youngest learners to those caring for our pets.

"This $30 million investment will give more early childhood education and animal care students the opportunity to use the latest equipment and simulated settings that reflect the workplaces they'll enter.

"Training more students in priority industries will help to futureproof the workforce, ensuring childcare centres, veterinarian clinics, and pre-schools have skilled, job ready workers locally, and across the state."

Member for East Hills. Kylie Wilkinson, said:

"Like many regions, south-west Sydney relies on TAFE NSW to deliver high-quality training that supports our local economy and growing community.

"The NSW Government's $30 million investment in skills training in the heart of Padstow is great news for tertiary education in East Hills, opening up more opportunities for local residents to pursue further study to home."