GOTAFE is looking for Shepparton residents who can provide short-term, low-cost accommodation to out-of-town students.
Students travel from all around Victoria for study blocks at the local campus and need somewhere affordable and temporary to stay.
GOTAFE director of student success Luke Falzon said the accommodation network benefited students and their hosts, with community members able to make extra income by leasing their spare rooms.
“The accommodation network has been successful in Wangaratta for a number of years and we are looking at expanding the program around our campuses in Seymour, Wallan and Shepparton,” he said.
“We know these regions are facing significant housing shortages, so having more affordable accommodation options will enable GOTAFE to support more students and apprentices across Victoria to study in-demand fields and meet current workforce needs.”
Mr Falzon asked residents to get in touch if they had a spare room or granny flat that students could use as a short-term base for their studies.
Once residents were added to GOTAFE’s host register, staff would then get in contact when a student needed somewhere to stay for a block of study.
“As a host, you will be providing a valuable service to our students, helping them get the most out of their learning experience and providing a safe and supportive home away from home for them,” Mr Falzon said.
Wangaratta resident Gloria has been renting out her spare room — a former at-home hair salon — for more than 30 years.
“It’s so nice to have them here and cook a proper meal and eat with them,” she said.
“If you’ve got a home and you're on your own I would definitely encourage you to sign up.
“If you can do them a favour, why not?”
For information and to apply to be a host, visit gotafe.vic.edu.au/students/student-accommodation-network