Bendigo TAFE is sharpening its focus on meeting the needs of local students and industry with a key appointment announced today.

Experienced Bendigo-based education executive David Richardson will begin as Head of Campus on Monday 25 October.

Bendigo TAFE chief executive Sally Curtain said Mr Richardson’s appointment would amplify the advantages being delivered to the local community and northern Victoria.

“It’s an exciting time for Bendigo TAFE. Our revitalised Bendigo City campus has pride of place in the centre of the CBD, and David will be a champion for it,” Ms Curtain said.

“This appointment is a clear signal to Bendigo that we want to enhance and grow our participation in this vibrant community and economy. David will not only be an advocate for Bendigo TAFE, but for Bendigo more broadly.”

He also has a key role in implementing the return of on-campus face-to-face learning following the disruption of COVID-19.

Mr Richardson has been the Bendigo-based Manager of Regional Partnerships for Deakin University since 2016. He has also been chief executive officer of Bendigo-based Stratagem Financial Group and has worked at the then Department of Primary Industries in Bendigo.

He is active in the local community, having been a member of a number of locally-based government advisory groups and was a non-executive director of Coliban Water.

As Head of Campus, Mr Richardson is charged with developing strong relationships and networks across the Bendigo region, in addition to leading the campus internally.

“I’m delighted to be undertaking this role. For many years, I’ve seen first-hand the importance of Bendigo TAFE to local business and the community, and its positive impact,” Mr Richardson said.

“I’m looking forward to building on the great work that’s already been done to deliver even more benefits for Bendigo.”​