Group closure puts 140 out of work
LIQUIDATORS have moved in on failed Geelong training centre Journey Management Group.
Hall Chadwick’s David Ross was appointed liquidator of the business yesterday, according to a notice on the centre’s gate.
The VicRoads and WorkSafe-accredited education centre was under the directorship of Shane Blakeborough until its sudden closure on Friday. Mr Blakeborough was the director of two other failed Geelong businesses — Transtex Logistics and Shane Blakeborough Logistics — when they collapsed last year.
It is believed around 140 workers have been left in the lurch following the centre’s shock closure.
People enrolled in courses at the training centre are also facing uncertainty.
Geelong’s Son Pham paid Journey Management Group $1000 cash for a medium rigid truck driving course.
Mr Pham said he enrolled in the course to obtain a truck licence to increase his work opportunities.
“I am worried … because it (Journey Management Group) is closed now,” Mr Pham said.
Mr Pham, who is married with a two-year-old son and has a mortgage, said $1000 was a significant amount to lose.
A notice on Journey Management’s now inactive website states: “Journey Management has ceased operations due to government funding cuts.”
But documents show the government-backed centre received funding as recently as May.
Liquidator David Ross said he understood the company stopped trading by close of business on Friday.
“As a liquidator I will be working with Skills Victoria to identify any available companies that may provide similar training and courses for students,” Mr Ross said.
Department of Education and Training spokeswoman Katie Elliott said the liquidator of Journey Management Group informed the depart- ment yesterday that the training group had entered into liquidation and ceased training.
“The Department will be in contact with all Victorian Government-funded students explaining their options for further training,” Ms Elliott said.
“This is a difficult time for students and we will help them complete their training by transitioning them to a TAFE or, where this is not possible, another training provider contracted by the Department.”