It's a perfect representation of what TAFE is supposed to be about. Working collaboratively for the community instead of competitively for itself.

And in the central western town of Gunnedah, that's exactly what's happening.

Gunnedah Community College's oil painting classes were proving so popular that they were starting to split at the seams. There just wasn't enough room in their premises for all the people who wanted to participate.

So Gunnedah TAFE College came to the rescue. They provided larger accommodation for the art classes at "very reasonable rates". This meant the class organisers didn't need to be turning away members of the community.

"Both the Gunnedah Community College and TAFE have the same values," Community College-Northern Inland Executive Officer Lynne Sheather told the Namoi Valley Independent. "We are not in training for profit, but to assist the community. It should not be underestimated what an art class can do for the community – providing a place where people can connect with others, assisting to release stress and unlocking creativity.

"It's the perfect partnership and hopefully the start of working together on more projects to help our local community."The art classes will continue to be held at Gunnedah TAFE premises until 9 December.