Skillinvest officially opens Dandenong South Skills Centre

Skillinvest has officially opened its new Dandenong South Skills Centre, marking a major milestone in the organisation’s commitment to training, employment and community development across Victoria.

The opening, held on Friday 12 June 2026, attracted more than 120 attendees, including representatives from government, industry, education and community organisations.

Mayor of the City of Greater Dandenong, Cr Sophina (Sophie) Tan, officially opened the facility by cutting the ribbon. Victorian Skills Commissioner Craig Robertson was also in attendance, alongside key partners and stakeholders from across the sector.

The event featured guest speaker Andrew Simmons, CEO of South East Local Learning and Employment Network (LLEN), who highlighted the strong and longstanding partnership between Skillinvest and LLEN and the significant opportunities the organisation continues to create for local students.

A panel discussion hosted by Gary Workman, Executive Director of the Apprenticeship Employment Network (AEN), showcased real industry and learner perspectives. Panel participants included carpentry employer Brendan Allan, former apprentice Will Oglethorpe, and trainer and former student Justin Hillbrich.

Skillinvest CEO Darren Webster said the new facility represents a significant investment in the future of skills and training in the South East.

“This facility has been about five to six years in the making, so we are very happy and very proud to be formally opening it here today,” Mr Webster said.

The purpose-built centre brings together Skillinvest’s office and training operations under one roof, creating a modern, centralised hub for apprentices, students and staff.

“What we are formally opening today is the achievement of that goal. We have a state-of-the-art training facility, refurbished offices in a single location that houses all our staff and training in the one location,” Mr Webster said.

“Every day we have apprentices and/or school students filling this facility and although we only commenced training here in February, it’s almost at capacity.”

Skillinvest, a community-based not-for-profit organisation, has been delivering employment and training outcomes across Victoria for nearly 40 years. Established in Horsham in 1986, the organisation has grown significantly and now employs more than 130 staff, supports hundreds of apprentices and trainees, and delivers training to around 2,000 students at any given time.

“Skillinvest is a community-based ‘not for profit’ organisation, meaning we also undertake projects in the training and employment industries that benefit the community or disadvantaged groups,” Mr Webster said.

The new Dandenong South centre continues a long history of training delivery in the region and reflects Skillinvest’s commitment to improving access to high-quality, hands-on training pathways for young people.

The opening also carried special significance, with the facility dedicated to the memory of Daniel Mastroianni and Angelina Spiropoulos, whose contributions were instrumental in bringing the project to life.

“In recognition of the involvement Daniel and Angelina had on this facility, the building has been dedicated to the memory of our friends and colleagues,” Mr Webster said.

Mr Webster and Cr Sophie Tan formally unveiled a commemorative plaque marking the dedication.

Mr Webster acknowledged the many contributors who made the project possible, as well as the broader network of schools, employers and community organisations supporting Skillinvest’s work.

“We really appreciate your contribution to our organisation over the past 40 years and look forward to 40 more,” he said.

Following the formal proceedings, guests enjoyed a light lunch and were invited to tour the new facility, providing an opportunity to experience firsthand the training environments and resources now available to students and apprentices.

The Dandenong South Skills Centre is expected to play a key role in strengthening employment pathways, supporting industry needs and delivering meaningful training opportunities for years to come.