Social justice and great coffee at Shepparton's GOTAFE

“We’re committed to giving every Victorian access to a quality education and making them feel safe while they study, which is at the heart of GOTAFE’s new Social Justice Charter,” Ms Tierney said.

She said the charter was the first of its kind in Australia, and Shepparton's GOTAFE was the first in Victoria to fly the rainbow flag in recognition of its support for LGBTIQ students.

Ms Tierney noted 74 languages were spoken across GOTAFE's student body and around 11 per cent of students and four per cent of staff identified as having a disability.

She said the charter had been developed over months of consultation with the Shepparton organisation's 540 students and staff, led by a group of 18 students and alumni including former Afghan refugee Liaqat Ahmadi.

“Being involved in the creation of the charter makes me realise how students, staff and even the board are really passionate about making the best GOTAFE — and it’s something I’ve loved helping with,” Mr Ahmadi said.

Earlier, Ms Tierney officially opened Shepparton GOTAFE's $1.4 million paddock-to-plate Common Ground café and restaurant.

The new facility includes a café that is open to the public but which also includes classrooms and multi-functional spaces that can host training for barista, hospitality and cookery students.

GOTAFE chief executive Travis Heeney said the organisation had seen unprecedented demand for apprenticeships.

“Hospitality has been devastated because of COVID, which makes this facility even more important,” he said.

The new facility is the first stage of GOTAFE's $2.4 million upgrade, which includes a $1 million commercial kitchen to be opened later this year.

GOTAFE board chair Diana Taylor said the new facilities would help equip local people with essential work skills.

“We want local people staying in our local communities and able to get work locally,” she said.