For around a month, training at Western Riverina Community College has been on hold as the organisation grapples with the impact of coronavirus.
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For many people - the college is where they'll get their first aid certificates but since March 23 no training has been done.
The not-for-profit college has some reserves but they're earmarked to deliver better services.
On Wednesday, the state government provided a helping hand with a $48,515 grant to WRCC.
"Things are relatively perilous for a not-for-profit organisation who's resources aren't that deep," WRCC executive officer David Martin said.
While the duration of the pandemic remains uncertain, Mr Martin said it was clear what needed to be done to help curb the spread.
"The last thing we wanted to do was help spread the virus," Mr Martin said.
"We're bringing people from all over the region to sit in a room for day."
Mr Martin said no staff had been stood down so far and they had been using their time to get through work which didn't involve face-to-face contact with the community.
Free wellness breaks have been launched to give people tools to ensure they can support their mental health through the pandemic.
Mr Martin said a free yoga and meditation classes would start in the next few weeks.
He said staff were also researching the immediate and future learning needs of students and how the college can respond to those during the pandemic and beyond.
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"Digital literacy skills are a key need identified by students," he said.
Mr Martin said the funding grant allowed for investment in adaption to keep the community college going.
He said during the last 12 months around 3000 people, from across every town in the western Riverina had been involved in further education.
WRCC is a not-for-profit organisation providing adult and community education.
The funding WRCC received is part of the state government's Adult Community Education relief grant, designed to support organisations contracted to provide community education.
"I take this opportunity to thank all people involved in the facilitation of this grant and the NSW Government's continued support of and investment into Adult Community Education in NSW," Mr Martin said.
"This investment will produce valuable outcomes for the Western Riverina and the people of NSW."
NSW Nationals upper house member Wes Fang said the funding grant would help support efforts to get students learning online.
"This funding will go a long way to support the college during the COVID-19 pandemic and it will allow them to undertake innovative work to prepare for online learning," Mr Fang said.
"This WRCC is a vital educational institution. It is are made up of local students, teachers and other staff which form the community."
Declan Rurenga
Declan Rurenga was the editor of Griffith's Area News and Leeton's Irrigator until September 2023. Before landing at the Murrumbidgee Irrigation Area, he reported news in Junee, Wagga Wagga, Orange and Cootamundra.
Declan Rurenga was the editor of Griffith's Area News and Leeton's Irrigator until September 2023. Before landing at the Murrumbidgee Irrigation Area, he reported news in Junee, Wagga Wagga, Orange and Cootamundra.
