Under a five year leasing agreement with Mount Alexander Shire, CVGT Employment and Training Specialists will upgrade and refurbish the Old Castlemaine Gaol, developing it into a certified training facility. Apprentices and trainees will receive certificated and hands on training that directly links to ongoing employment opportunities in cooking, hospitality and tourism related industries.
Originally built in 1861, the Gaol operated as a prison and reformatory until it was closed in 1994. Following the closure, the Victorian Government sold the site to the City of Castlemaine. Under a leasing agreement in 1995, the property began operating as a function house, school camp and conference venue.
Comprising 62 small modest rooms, the uniqueness of cell accommodation became the Old Gaol’s prime attraction. Other existing facilities include a restaurant/bar, conference rooms, wine bar, and a music breakout room.
Old Castlemaine Gaol General Manager, Bob Evans, said once restored according to heritage conservation, these facilities will provide students with real training, in real restaurants, with real tourists.
“With careful planning and associated funding, CVGT hopes to develop the facility as a major tourist and business destination,” he said. “As part of this ongoing development, CVGT plans to recruit a significant number of local residents, as well as offering apprentices and trainees the chance to develop skills in a real working environment.”
Bob Evans said that it is not just young jobseekers that are showing interest in the program.
“Some mature aged people, including the long term unemployed, are getting involved, creating additional credentials for themselves that they did not have before,” he said. “While upgrades or refurbishments are required in almost all areas of the Gaol before it will be fully operational, an external catering business is already running.
“CVGT has employed 14 people from Mount Alexander who provide catering services to businesses in the region. Some 75 per cent of these employees have already been placed in apprenticeships or traineeships in hospitality.”
