About UsAddress:1 Badger Creek RoadHealesville, Victoria, 3777

Phone:03 5962 5982

Fax:03 5962 3907

Email:admin@healesville learningcentre.org

Web Address:http://www.healesville learningcentre.org

Healesville Living and Learning Centre

We have reached that time of year again that reminds us to reflect on the good fortune that we have had during the past year.

Whether the year has bought us “feast or famine” we can look around at our family and friends and enjoy our time with them over the holiday season.

For the ‘family’ at the Centre, this year we will be both sad and glad. Sad because Sue will be leaving us for greener pastures in England, and glad because it gives us all a chance

to get to know Nancy. See inside for stories.Farewell also to Margaret, our cleaner, who has retired and a big welcome back to Meryle and her wonderful sidekick, Gavin.

Last year at this time I took a moment to reflect on the year’s highlights, so why not make it an annual tradition?Highlights for me have been:

Being a finalist in the ACE 2007 awardsThe completion of the renewed gardens

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Women’s Evening New reception area and front doorJoyologist, Bronwen Williams’ presentation at our AGMSuccess of Community 3777 projects.Increase in Centre services for our members.

And I could go on.I hope you have all enjoyed your year with us and I wish you all a very Merry Christmas, a Happy New Year and a safe and enjoyable holiday break. I look forward to seeing you all back with us in 2008.

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4term

2007

Community 3777 Healesville Township Group News Healesville Living and Learning Centre’s representative Karen Kisala has been re-elected as C3777 Chairperson for another year. A membership drive will commence in 2008 to get more community groups and organisations involved.

A number of Strategic Portfolio Groups have not been meeting as yet and require a convenor. The Shire of Yarra Ranges has provided $20,000 for work on the BMX track. Another $20,000 - $30,000 will be needed to complete the project.

Applications for funds for the youth program, Car Torque 3777 have been submitted to 2 funding organizations. Notification regarding our success or

failure should reach us shortly.

Healesville Rotary has agreed to underwrite this project to the sum of $5,000 per year. Healesville Railway Precinct representative, Michael DeOlivera gave a presentation on the design plans for the Tourist Precinct (around the railway station) and asked for a support letter to forward to the Shire. Healesville Swimming Club Committee representative Bev Oliver addressed the meeting asking for ideas and support for their work in keeping the indoor pool operating and looking at a long term plan for the outdoor pool. We have agreed to offer whatever support we can to assist them. Local issue to note: The Sugarloaf Pipeline, an above ground water pipeline to be constructed either along the Melba

Highway or via Steels Creek is shaping up to be a contentious issue. The

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From the Manager’s Desk

Living Well ProjectThe Centre has been successful in securing an 18 month grant for a project that will encourage people to participate in activities that promote a healthy life style. The project will focus on participants with chronic illnesses, depression, social and physical isolation issues.

This could include physical exercise, healthy eating and cooking and other health assistance programs, as well as the establishment of support groups.

A new Co-ordinator will be engaged early in 2008 to look after this program and will be available to discuss any of these matters with interested members of the community.

In the mean time, if you would like to know more please phone the Centre and speak to Karen.

Returning To EarningThese grants will be replacing the Parents Returning To Work grants that have been so popular and beneficial to some of our members.

These grants are worth $1,000 to each individual parent who has been absent from education, training and/or the workforce for over two years caring for children.

If you would like to take advantage of this great opportunity speak to one of our lovely staff.

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It is amazing to think it is the end of year wrap-up once more at Healesville Living and Learning Centre, bringing to a close a very successful year for our program delivery to the community.

Our VCE/VET program has grown and developed over the year not without teething problems but we survived it successfully. We delivered training in Hairdressing and Concept Development to 35 young people from the Yarra Valley VCE/VET Cluster of schools.

Next year, we anticipate an increase in the number of young people entering a VCE/VET program with us.

The success of our VET programs has attracted interest from Alexandra Secondary College who are looking to place three of their students into our Adult Basic Hairdressing program. It provides such encouraging support for the need of VET programs in this community to service those people who would otherwise have to travel into the city.

We have eleven people enrolled in our Certificates in General Education for Adults. This program allows participants to undertake a course of study that addresses the education and training needs of adults who left school early and who need to improve their literacy, basic mathematics and general education skills.

This is an exciting venture that allows students to develop their general education skills alongside vocational courses we currently deliver at the centre like Horticulture, Hairdressing and Garment Design.

You can choose to study one module at a time or more, depending on your circumstances.

This year we introduced Certificate II in Horticulture which provides hands on learning to those interested in seeking employment in the horticulture field. The program has attracted nine participants to the course. This course is offered over two years and we are planning to run a first year program in 2008.Recently, the centre was deemed compliant with AQTF (Australian Quality Training Framework) 2007 requirements to have Certificate III in Hairdressing added to the list of courses we are able to deliver. We plan to introduce Certificate III in 2008, so stay tuned for further details when they come to hand.

We have also been working with several businesses to develop programs for their training needs in such fields as Information Technology and Health and Safety based on the positive feedback thanks to the quality training of our wonderful trainers at the centre.

It is the excellent training that has generated such positive recognition for the organisation, so I will take this opportunity to congratulate the fantastic and dedicated team of trainers that have worked for Healesville Living and Learning Centre during 2007.

A fresh start, change of pace or new beginning does start with us, as we open up the world of possibilities demonstrated by the many people engaged in life long learning activities at the Centre during the year.

I would like to wish everyone a Merry Christmas and a healthy, happy New Year to come.

A word from the Program Coordinator

Bon Voyage, Sue ..

June 2004 – my first meeting with the Healesville Living and Learning Centre – an argument with the front gate which refused to open (the gate won). What have I come to? Happily it got better from there. It’s been a fantastic 3½ years and an incredibly difficult decision to close this chapter of my life.

Ups and downs? Yes, of course. But it’s been so easy to make the ‘not so good’ times good with the help and support of the fantastic team here.

I’ve worked in many, many different places over the years and none of them have even come close to the spirit of friendship and teamwork that exists here at the Healesville Living and Learning Centre.

Staff aside – what a fabulous bunch of tutors and students we have. Always ready to smile, to lend a helping hand. I feel as though I can count all you wonderful people who make up the overall Healesville Living and Learning Centre as friends, not just work colleagues, not just ships that pass in the night, but genuine friends.Lastly, no way can I leave here without applauding our brilliant volunteer force. Each and every one of you does whatever is asked of you, no grumbles even when the jobs might be messy, boring, uncomfortable. And you do it all for no financial gain so I do hope you know how very, very much you are appreciated. Included in that fabulous volunteer force are, of course, the Committee of Management and I know only too well how impossible it would be for the HLLC to function without your selfless input and time that you all give to the Centre.

Without a doubt I will be back to visit you all. The Healesville Living and Learning Centre will always stay a treasured part of my life that has given so much back to me – belief, support, security and, above all, friendship.

.. and Welcome NancyI would like to introduce myself. My name is Nancy and I have been fortunate enough to be accepted as Sue’s replacement as Receptionist. I have spent many years working in the human and community services health sector in the past and look forward to joining the team at HLLC in 2008.I am the single parent of one 28 year old daughter who now lives and works in Canada as a snow ski instructor.I live in Ringwood East and love driving up here through the picturesque rural surroundings. My hobbies include photographing the native wildlife and flora. I have a cat named ‘Dingo’ and a Staffy dog named ‘Fluffy’. Do drop past the reception desk and introduce yourselves.

(continued from page one) State government is pushing ahead with their plans despite local objections.

Project Updates: Transport Connections Project

Two Co-ordinators - Glenda George and Karen Mackay - will job share the role of project co-ordination. Both women have heaps of experience in running community based projects.

They will be based at Morrison House in Mt Evelyn as this was seen as the most central location for them to cover the whole of the

hire. Presently they are getting all the paper work in place and clarifying the terms of reference for all the groups who form part of the Transport Connections project. We look forward to them being in Healesville early in 2008 when things will start to move in earnest. The name of the project will be: “Yarra Ranges Transport Connections” with the phrase “Local Everyday Transport Solutions, LETS” as a by-line. Men’s Shed ProjectEarlier this year a group of four organisations (HLLC, Rivendell Adult Day Care, Melba Community

Support, and The Golden Wattle Club) began work on a Men’s Shed project to operate in Healesville. An application for funds was sent to the Federal Government’s Healthy Active Australia Community and Schools Grant Program. I am more than pleased to say the application has been successful and $110,000 will be received by Healesville Living and Learning Centre in 2008 and we can look forward to establishing supported activities at the Centre. If anyone would like to join or discuss the activities of C3777, please contact Karen Kisala.

Hellos and GoodbyesDuring the term we said goodbye to our wonderful cleaner, Margaret Louw. We wish her all the best. Replacing Margaret, a big welcome back to Meryle Maxwell.

Our thanks and best wishes to retiring Committee member, Marie Swincer and office volunteer Phyll Darson, who is also retiring and moving away from the area.

Joining us on the Committee of Management we welcome Fay Bailey and Jane Jones.We send our condolences to the family of former volunteer Ruth Heiderich, who passed away last week.

Women’s EveningInternational Women’s DayJoin us to celebrate Annual Women’s Day on Friday 14th March, 2008. This popular event is a great opportunity to get together and enjoy the company of others. Great entertainment and supper provided. BYO drinks and nibbles to share on your table.

Tickets:

Life Members - Free Membership Plus or Concession - $12.00General Admission - $15.00

Tickets may be purchased at the Centre prior to the event.

Volunteer Christmas LunchAll our wonderful volunteers and life members will be enjoying themselves on Tuesday 11th December at our annual Christmas Lunch.

Living in the CommunityAssistance is now available for people managing mental health issues to access programs offered by the Healesville Living and Learning Centre and other community activities or groups.

Support provided can include course selection, financial assistance towards course fees, transport and other support if needed.

D2D - Living in the Community is a Rivendell initiative.

Please contact Kate on 5962 2388. for further information.

Quilt RaffleThere is still time to purchase tickets for our fantastic quilt raffle.

The Centre’s Patchwork and Quilting group began during the early 1990s and have met regularly ever since. The ladies of the group have donated a beautiful quilt that they worked on together, to promote and raise

money for the Centre.Tickets are available at Reception for $2 per ticket or three for $5. The raffle will be drawn at the Volunteer Christmas Lunch on the 11th December.

Workskills Voucher ProgramThis Federal Government scheme provides up to $3000 towards accredited training that improves the basic skills of people over 25 years of age. We are registered to provide training as part of this scheme.

Employers, add value to your business by encouraging your staff to skill up.

All 2008 Australian Workskills Voucher students who enrol and complete their course will be entitled to a free notebook computer.

Find out more - www.dest.gov.au/skillsforthefuture, then talk to us about your training options.

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Op Shop Update$2 Clothing Sale

All clothing in store from 17th - 22nd December

Christmas Holidays

We will close for the holidays on Sunday 23rd December and reopen on Monday 14th January. NewsWe would like to welcome Kath, the

newest member of the fantastic Op Shop team.

Congratulations to Di Anderson on the birth of her third grandchild, Blake. Hazel Hills is also about to be a grandmother again.

DonationsThe lovely ladies and gentlemen at the opportunity shop are making a special appeal for donations of quality goods to sell.

Donations dwindle at this time of year. All the money raised goes back to supporting activities at the Centre.

While we greatly appreciate the donations we receive, we would just like to make an appeal for items in good condition only. Remember – if you wouldn’t wear it, use it or buy it, we are unable to sell it!

Thank you.

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