You are here: Homepage » Education » The Laurels

Print this page

Bacchus Marsh Adult Education Centre

Committee of Management

The voluntary Committee which oversees the administration of the Centre is elected annually at a public meeting in March. If you are interested in finding out more about the role of the Committee of Management or becoming involved, please contact one of the Committee members or the Centre Manager.

President: Lyn Hendry Vice President: Robyn Russell

Secretary: Peter Hollings

 

Treasurer: Laurie Seery

Committee Members: Life Members:
Doug Lindsay Heather Shugg
Tim Grosvenor  Gretta Wilkinson
Betty Hollingsworth  Jo Murfitt
Ian Malloy  
Graeme Germaine  


Annual Report for the Year 2008

I am pleased to report on the 2008 year at The Laurels. During the year at a Special Meeting of members it was agreed to change the constitutional name of Bacchus Marsh Adult Education Centre (known locally as “The Laurels”) to Bacchus Marsh Community College Inc.

Committee of Management and members agreed that the change of name reflected the changing educational environment , the broad range of educational opportunities for people of all ages and provided important links both state-wide and nationally.

The most significant expansion of our delivery is to encompass the Community VCAL and Get Back of Track Programs aimed at engaging young people who are looking for alternative educational pathways outside the formal school system.

The philosophy at The Laurels is “Learning is for Life” and as such, we continue to provide a broad range of learning, support for local groups and opportunities for participants of all ages to enjoy activities at the Centre. The Embroiderers Guild, The Friendship Quilters, Garden Club, Woolcraft Workshop, Seniors Computer Group, Men’s Group, Art Group and the Young Mums Group meet regularly to share ideas and form lasting friendships with likeminded people. A local access point for many other local groups, businesses and services providers is also provided.

Our success in obtaining a small grant and lots of volunteer assistance enabled us to provide a few improvements to the student facilities. The garden shed is a welcome addition for the horticulture students for storing equipment and provides classroom space for their outdoor activities. The 2008 Horticulture class assisted in the design and construction of the student recreation area, which provides a much needed gathering point. Completion of this area was the culmination of our 10 year plan to upgrade the grounds. The redevelopment of part of the front lawns into a short term parking area has been most welcomed by all, providing easy access to the front office on our busy days.

I would like to acknowledge our appreciation for all the volunteer contributions, which are an integral part of The Laurels and its activities. Their time and services are very much appreciated by all those who use the Centre. Thanks must also go to our elected members of the Committee of Management, volunteer tutors, garden and maintenance workers and also the staff members who serve beyond the call of duty. There is however, always more to be done and new volunteers are always welcome.

To my fellow members of the Management Committee I thank them for their efforts and contributions during the year. Their support of The Laurels is unwavering as we all believe in the importance of this valuable community resource and learning centre.

In closing, the Committee of Management congratulate the staff on another productive and rewarding year. The dedication and commitment to the community by Coral Arnold as the Manager is inspirational. Thank you to all for your ongoing support and may The Laurels continue to thrive and provide this much need community service into the future.

Lyn Hendry
President
......................................................................................................

Manager’s Report

As we reflect on the courses and activities we delivered over the past twelve months it is also good to acknowledge how important these learning opportunities are to the people who attend. For many, that step back into the learning environment is very tentative, with the fear of failure, sometimes due to the memories of previous school experiences.

We have a strong commitment to provide a community development role in addition to responding to specific demands for education, training, personal development and leisure activities within the community and surrounding areas. We achieve this in a range of ways, including, the development of delivery and network partnerships, links and networks locally, state-wide and nationally. This not only allows us to keep in touch with changes and developments in the sector but also to ensure that local needs and demands are met.

Name Change:

The Special Meeting in March 2008 attended by Committee of Management and members of Bacchus Marsh Adult Education Centre Inc. adopted the change of name to Bacchus Marsh Community College. It was agreed that the new name better reflected the changes in the educational environment that the College offers broad ranging educational opportunities for people of all ages and formalises important links both state-wide and nationally. Membership of Community Colleges Australia provides our community with a wealth of networking, partnership opportunities and improved purchasing of insurance, copyright and promotional opportunities.

Bacchus Marsh Community College Inc. will continue to be known locally as “The Laurel’s” .


Funding

As in previous years The Laurels received funding from a number of sources.

  • The Grampians Regional Council of Adult Community & Further Education,
  • The Department of Planning and Community Development
  • Community House Support Program from the Moorabool Shire Council
  • Public Internet Access Program from VICNET


The major funding body for programs and equipment contributions come from Adult Community and Further Education (ACFE). Our Student Contact Hours for funded programs is approximately 30,000 for 2008.

Equipment grants enabled us to improve our classroom equipment. In 2008 we purchased new LCD TV’s and DVD Players in 2 classrooms and updated the blackboards to a combination whiteboard/pinboard. Additional equipment included a video camera, new ergonomic computer chairs and extra classroom tables.

Neighbourhood House activities are funded through the Department of Planning and Community Development (DPCD). New programs which could not be sustained without this funding included the Men’s Group, Young Mum’s Group, special interest classes and support for other community groups.

The Community House Support provided from the Moorabool Shire Council is acknowledged and very much appreciated. This annual contribution assists with infrastructure costs and rate charges.

Program delivery:
In 2008 we have offered a range of nationally accredited courses and basic skills programs funded through Adult Community & Further Education. The major focus of the ACFE funding is to enable people without a year 12 or equivalent qualification, to upgrade their education. Our courses in 2008 include the following:

➢ Certificate I & II in Business

➢ Certificate IV in Training & Assessment

➢ Certificate I & units from Certificate II in Retail

➢ Units from Certificate II in Hospitality

➢ Units from Certificate II in Information Technology

➢ Certificate III in Aged Care Work

➢ Certificate II in Horticulture

➢ Certificate in General Education for Adults

➢ First Aid- CPR, Emergency Life support & Workplace Level II

➢ Integration Aide

➢ General computing

In addition there has been a number of “fee-for-service” programs, such as Furniture restoration, Embroidery workshops, Garden sculpture, French for travellers, art and craft. The many special interest groups, who meet at The Laurels also provide residents with varied learning and social opportunities.

Youth Programs

2008 was the 3rd year we offered VCAL (Victorian Certificate of Applied Learning). This has provided a much needed alternative pathway to senior secondary school certificates for local young people.

Highlights for the VCAL students in 2008 were –

  • Swim with the Dolphins
  • Overnight camp in Melbourne
  • Participation in the outdoor camp at Mittagundi – near Omeo. The camp was set up in the 1970’s to give young people a back to basics experience of life.
  • The prisoner education program at Barwon Prison

The Get Back on Track program again provided an important pathway into the VCAL program, back to school or work for young people who were not attending school and needed to reconnect.

Seniors

The Men’s Group meet weekly on a Tuesday morning enjoying a social chat and discussion on any project they may take on. The group provided their support and services to the local Bacchus Marsh Primary School by constructing the picket fence for the cubby house project. The group also completed some outdoor construction work at the Ecolinc Centre in Labilliere Street. All these works were much appreciated by the recipients and will be there for others to enjoy into the future.

The Seniors Computer program continues to provide learning, support and assistance in new technologies. The opportunity to meet, chat and discuss difficulties from “Why doesn’t my computer work” to “how do I attach a picture to my email to my son” is valued by all who attend. Thanks again must go to Ian Blackburn, our very patient volunteer for his knowledge, expertise and assistance in providing a friendly atmosphere for those who attend.

The Young Mum’s Group continue to meet on a weekly basis , providing a variety of activities and support. Contributors in this partnership arrangement are The Laurels, the Moorabool Youth Services, Maternal & Child Health , Child & Family Services and the YMCA.

Buildings & Grounds:

Visitors to the Laurels will notice the changes to the grounds over the past 12 months. Works included – renovation of the old stables to include a garden shed and horticulture classroom, installation of a tank, creation of a student recreation area between the two buildings – this encompassed a shade construction, table and seating in a new garden area.

We also created a short term car park bounded by a rose garden at the front which has been much appreciated by all who use it.

Thanks goes to our volunteers, Tony Cawood and Russell Hendry and their helpers and the Horticulture class in 2008 for their wonderful design and construction work. Thanks also to Bunnings Melton for their contribution of plants and assistance in construction of the garden area.

Networks and Partnerships

Bacchus Marsh Community College has developed strong partnerships and linkages with a number of local, regional, statewide and national organisations. These arrangements are critical to our ability to offer such a broad ranging service in Bacchus Marsh. Partners include – Ballarat Health Services, ACE Vic (Adult Community Education Victoria), the Central Highlands Community House Network , Community Colleges Australia, Moorabool Shire Council, and many local groups and businesses.

As a Registered Training Organisation, Bacchus Marsh Community College delivered a range of nationally accredited programs for other organisations in surrounding communities. These programs included – including Food Hygiene, Food Safety Supervisor, Responsible Service of Alcohol, First Aid and TAA. The organisations in 2008 were –

  • Macedon Ranges Further Education
  • Ballan & District Community House
  • Daylesford Adult Learning Centre & Neighbourhood House
  • Sunbury Downs Secondary College
  • Ballarat Health Services
  • Trentham Community House
  • TRIPOD Farmers
  • BEST - Skills Store
  • Moorabool Shire Council


Community Participation:

I represented the organisation on the following groups

  • Moorabool Reference Group – Grampians Educational Partnership
  • Youth Services – MAST
  • Youth Forum – development of a Youth Strategy for Moorabool Shire Council
  • Ballarat 2020 seminar hosted by Catherine King
  • Darley Neighbourhood House Sustainability Group


Committee of Management and Staff

The Committee of Management held another successful Planning Day in 2008. This session assists Committee members to discuss the Business Plan, sector changes and provide that much needed focus on the big picture.

In closing I would again like to express my sincere thanks to the Committee of Management for their support and commitment to The Laurels and its work in the community.

We are also fortunate to have a very professional team of teaching staff who provide the enjoyable learning environment for our students.

Also on behalf of everyone who wokrs at The Laurels or attends the activities I would like to thank our administration staff, Jenny, Carrol, Judy and Helen for their work above and beyond the call of duty.

It has been a pleasure to work with you all .

Finally thankyou to everyone who has contributed to the centre’s successes during the past year.

Coral Arnold
MANAGER


↑ Top

Previous page: Community Education Services
Next page: Emergency Services