Kangan Institute has been recognised for its strong COVIDSafe measures, with the TAFE awarded the Victorian COVIDSafe Business Awards’ Community Award.
The Victorian COVIDSafe Business Awards recognises industry leaders that have demonstrated exemplary responses to the COVID-19 pandemic, with the Community Award presented to organisations that implement and encourage excellent COVIDSafe practices for their customers and the community.
Kangan Institute is a joint winner for the Community Award, alongside Asylum Seeker Resource Centre.
Bendigo Kangan Institute chief executive Sally Curtain said Kangan Institute’s emphasis on wraparound student support was key factor in its successful COVIDSafe approach.
“We’re incredibly honoured to be a joint winner for the COVIDSafe Business Awards’ Community Award and we congratulate all winners and finalists for setting an inspiring example in COVIDSafe measures amidst these unprecedented times,” Ms Curtain said.
“Kangan Institute is not just about providing skills to ensure people are job ready and meet the needs of industry; we also have a strong focus on wraparound support services for our students and that’s what made the biggest difference during COVID-19.”
Initiatives at Kangan Institute included expanding support and counselling services to help staff and students navigate the impacts of the pandemic and shift to remote learning. This included supplying students with remote learning packs, internet dongles, laptops and practical learning equipment.
Outreach campaigns were also implemented to provide additional advice and support to students most impacted by the pandemic, including students on placement and students who had contracted COVID-19.
As COVID vaccines became available, wider community engagement measures were adopted to support the Victorian government’s public health recommendations, including working with DPV Health Services to host COVID-19 vaccine information sessions.
Ms Curtain said Kangan Institute’s strong community connections were a driving force in embracing a leadership role in its overall pandemic response.
“Our relationship with the community was front and centre in enabling us to prioritise the wellbeing of our people and students. It provided us a platform to embrace a leadership role and support the broader community at a time when there was deep concern about the impacts of COVID-19,” she said.
“Through collaboration with DPV Health Services and other partners, we enabled approximately600 staff and students to access information about COVID vaccines, which focused on debunking the myths associated with vaccinations.
“These sessions were an important reminder of the value of direct information from front-line health professionals so that our people were informed and prepared for the role we all play in this pandemic.”
