Northern Rivers residents are gaining better access to training, career pathways and practical community services through TAFE NSW initiatives designed to strengthen the region’s workforce and support local businesses.
For the first time, the TAFE NSW Tax Clinic is extending its outreach from TAFE NSW Ultimo to the Northern Rivers, giving eligible Lismore residents and small businesses access to free and confidential tax assistance and financial literacy support.
State Member for Lismore Janelle Saffin said the service would provide practical support at a time when many households and businesses were under pressure.
“Many Lismore residents and small business owners continue to navigate financial pressures, and access to free professional support can make a real difference.” said Saffin.
“It’s inspiring to see the next generation of accountants giving back to our community while making a real difference in people’s lives.”
The clinic can help community members with tax returns, business tax matters, getting the most from the myGov website, missing documentation, Australian Taxation Office (ATO) enquiries and payment arrangements.
The initiative also gives future accountants studying at TAFE NSW hands-on experience working with clients while helping build the pipeline of skilled workers. Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand predicts Australia will face a shortage of around 6,000 accountants by 2030.
Minister for Skills, TAFE and Tertiary Education Steve Whan said the clinic combined practical training with a service that directly benefited the community.
“The TAFE NSW Tax Clinic is a great example of practical, hands-on learning.” said Whan.
“I have seen first-hand how these clinics help students build their professional, communication and technical skills by working with clients facing real-world tax challenges.”
Since its inception in 2025, the TAFE NSW Tax Clinic has supported more than 120 clients while helping students build practical industry experience.
The clinic is part of a broader push to give Northern Rivers residents access to skills and training that can lead to local jobs and help businesses find the workers they need.
More than 6,800 students across the Lismore electorate have enrolled in Fee Free training, with courses supporting pathways into priority industries including construction, healthcare, aged and disability care, early childhood education and technology.
“Programs like these, together with Fee Free training, are helping more people across the Northern Rivers gain the skills and experience they need to access rewarding careers. More than 6,800 enrolments in Fee Free training is a terrific result for the region,” Whan said.
“The former Liberal-National Government neglected TAFE and allowed skills shortages to grow. By removing financial barriers, this is just one example of how the Minns Labor Government is rebuilding TAFE more people gain the skills the community needs in key industries like construction, health, early childhood education and technology.”
By removing upfront training costs, Fee Free training is helping Northern Rivers residents retrain, upskill and gain qualifications closer to home, while supporting the supply of skilled workers needed by local employers.
“From gaining hands-on industry experience through initiatives like the Tax Clinic to accessing Fee Free training, TAFE NSW is creating pathways that help people build skills at every stage of their career. More than 6,800 Fee Free enrolments across our region show just how important affordable training opportunities are for our local communities,” Saffin said.
“The Minns Labor Government’s Fee Free initiative is helping people retrain, upskill and take the next step in their careers, while giving local businesses access to the skilled workers they need.”
Like what you’re reading? Support North Coast Times by making a small contribution today and help us keep delivering local news paywall-free. Donate now