HUME CITY COUNCIL TOGETHER WITH THE HUME GLOBAL LEARNING VILLAGE
IMAGINE, EXPLORE, DISCOVER
VOLUME 31 WINTER 2014
Welcome to Imagine, Explore, Discover
Yes, it’s that time of the year again – winter. This season presents a perfect opportunity to get comfortable and warm as you peruse the many stories in the latest edition of Imagine, Explore Discover (IED).
I commend this publication for continuing to be a handy source of information on the many lifelong learning initiatives happening throughout Hume City.
In this issue we focus on two important programs and initiatives: Hume Multiversity and Homework Help.
These feature stories highlight the positive impact these programs are having on our community as told by those who are participating in them. You will also find out how to get involved as a volunteer to help students achieve their long-term education goals.
In this issue of IED you will be introduced to many other learning projects happening in Hume City such as the Broadmeadows Valley Primary School’s TangataPasifika Program; the Kitchen Academy Project, now running in Sunbury; and The Smith Family’s student2student program.
An important reminder to all my fellow teachers and principals: nominations for the Teachers’ Scholarships Awards will open soon. I encourage you all to nominate your favourite teacher for their chance to win one of the six $4,000 Teachers’ Scholarships.
You can watch the video interviews featuring all the past scholarships recipients and their winning projects at hume.vic.gov.au/teacherscholarships.
Don’t forget to check out the digital version of IED online at hume.vic.gov.au/imagineexplorediscover, which in this issue features a special behind the scenes look at the Craigieburn Library and a video interview with Gina Dougall, CEO, Banksia Gardens Community Services, about the amazing Teaching for Succcess Program.
Warm wishes and happy reading,
Ken Thompson
Chairman Hume Global Learning Village Committee
Hume Global Learning Village
Get into the loop and build up your network
Become a Hume Global Learning Village (HGLV) member and keep up to date with news from our learning community.
Build up your network, receive free coverage of your programs and events in the Imagine, Explore, Discover and email newsletter Village Voice. You can get involved with the many learning opportunities happening in Hume.
Become a HGLV member today to enjoy these benefits. The HGLV is a unique, dynamic and inclusive network of individuals and organisations who are committed to improving learning opportunities in Hume. Membership is free!
FOR MORE INFO
hume.vic.gov.au/Libraries_Learning
hume.vic.gov.au/Libraries_Learning
Broadmeadows Valley Primary School
Students to reach full potential
The Broadmeadows Valley Primary School is introducing a new program to engage the local Pacifi c Island and Maori students with the school’s projects and activities.
The idea behind the TangataPasifika Program is to establish a steering group formed by parents and elders who will discuss solutions to improve the students learning outcomes.
“Through this project we will empower our parents and elders to work without Pacific Island students so that they can achieve their full potential at school and do well in their transition to secondary school,” said Brigitte Walker, Community Development Coordinator and Social Worker at Broadmeadows Valley Primary School.
“Our Pacific Islander and Maori communities are strong in both numbers and spirit in Hume. We know they are very familyorientated and aspirational,” explains Brigitte. “We believe we can engage our students and school community by promoting good connections and successes at a primary school level.”
In partnership with Bridging Worx, a not-for-profit community agency, the school will also facilitate a range of programs and activities to celebrate and connect people from all cultures.
These will include group work with the school’s students focusing on understanding the Pacific Island and Maori cultures and identity as well as professional development opportunities for the teaching staff. There will also be sporting and music activities, and a final celebration and performance at the Dimboola Celebrates Festival in December.
FOR MORE INFO
bvps.vic.edu.au
Volunteering in Hume
Just give it a go!
The Hume Volunteer Gateway (HGV) provides opportunities and advice to anyone who wants to help the community through volunteering.
SevgulTaylar started volunteering as part of her work placement. It also helped her to find a job. “I think volunteering combined with my studies helped me to be where I am now,” she said.
I started volunteering as an administrative assistant for the HVG. It was part of my work placement requirement. I was undertaking the diploma of business administration at Kangan Institute. I thought I would try Hume City Council and then started volunteering with the HVG.
I am working as an Administration Officer in the Centre for Business at Kangan Institute – Broadmeadows. The interview process was very positive as they were impressed with my resume and presentation. A few days later I got a call and started working straight away.
I enjoy volunteering because I am always learning new skills.
I think volunteering is important because if you are seeking paid work it will help you build your confidence. You will also meet different people from different fields and organisations, it is great for networking.
I would say ‘don’t even think twice, just go for it!’ For me volunteering was the best thing I did. I would say to anyone to visit the HVG website and see what is on offer.
FOR MORE INFO
hume.vic.gov.au
Outer Urban Projects
Developing young performing artists in Hume
The Zone2 program is run by Outer Urban Projects (OUP), a bold not-for-profi t youth performing arts organisation. Zone2 offers young people and performing artists in Hume opportunities to express their art and creativity.
Led by a team of experienced professional tutors, the program enables participants to acquire relevant artistic and technical skills through a range of performance-based workshops.
The program supports young people to develop and excel at their chosen art form – be it dance, rap, singing, writing or music, encouraging self-expression in a vibrant and inclusive environment.
Zone2 participants can get involved in collaborative works that OUP presents at the Melbourne Recital Centre, Melbourne Festival, Federation Square and the Melbourne Writers Festival.
In 2014 OUP is bringing the world-renowned New Zeland Dance Company Black Grace to work with emerging dancers and participants in the Zone2 program.
Participation at the Zone2 Ensemble workshops is free. Young people can register their interest on the OUP website and come along.
The sessions are held every Wednesday from 4pm–6pm at Oxygen Youth (4 Gaffney Street, Coburg).
Workshops and events will also be running across Hume schools and community venues.
FOR MORE INFO
outerurbanprojects.org
Save energy with Hume Libraries
Energy-measuring devices for loan
Energy-conscious library customers can now borrow a Power-Mate, an energy-measuring device, from one of the six Hume Libraries branches.
The Power-Mate plugs into the home appliance’s power source and tells the owner how much electricity the appliance consumes, the running costs and the amount of greenhouse gases it produces. These can be measured when an appliance is plugged in on standby and when in operation.
“These devices give people the abilityto rationalise their appliance usage.It also encourages families to changetheir habits where necessary, based onthe information they learn about theirelectricity consumption. Hume Librariesis very excited to be a part of this schemethat is supported by Hume City Council’sSustainable Environment Department”said Wendy Byron, Branch Coordinator ofThe Age Library in Broadmeadows.
FOR MORE INFO
humelibraries.vic.gov.au
BEATing unemployment
BEAT is a free job search support service
Every Wednesday, from 10am to 12pm, a small group of people from all ages and backgrounds meet at The Age Library in Broadmeadows with a common task: to enter or get back into the workforce.
This active group keep the conversation going – and share information that may be of everybody’s interest – while looking for jobs, writing cover letters and preparing resumes.
They are attending BEAT, a free job search support service that offers computer and internet access and assists local residents and job seekers with finding suitable training, career advice, job search techniques and resume preparation.
In 2013, BEAT had 104 participants, with 20% of those reportedly finding a job. “The most popular assistance sought last year was help with job searching followed by resume writing,” said Silvia Sidzimovska, Hume City Council’s Employment and Learning Officer.
“BEAT aims to empower residents in Hume with an informal and supportive environment so that they are able to gain the necessary skills to job search effectively,” said Silvia.
Kangan Institute, AMES, Job Prospects, MatchWorks and Wesley Employment Services are also partners in the service and provide assistance by sending employment consultants along to BEAT to offer their knowledge and advice to participants.
A similar service also runs at the Craigieburn Library on Mondays from 10am to 12pm and at the Sunbury Library on Wednesdays 2pm to 4pm. The service is available to Hume residents only.
FOR MORE INFO
9205 2200
Silvia Sidzimovska
Employment and Learning Officer
Finding work with BEAT
“I am looking at any jobs in administration. Since I joined the program I feel more confident about getting a job, I think it is very encouraging to come here and work independently but in a group setting. I also love the fact that you come here and meet different people all the time.” Ghislaine Fontaine
“My aim is to get a job in the retail industry. Through BEAT I’ve learnt how to build my resume and write effective cover letters. I would say to anyone looking for a job to never give up, keep positive and join the BEAT service.” Cassandra Moulding
“I have a bachelor degree in civil engineering and am looking for a job in this field. BEAT helped me to find a part-time job which allows me to look for a full-time job in my area fi eld. The program is great. Everything I learnt worked well at the interview and my resume keeps improving.” Ton Ho
Libraries and Learning
Hume Libraries and Learning Winter program
The monthly What’s On Librariesand Learning Winter Program lists exciting and free activities at your local libraries and learning centres.
You can pick up a copy or sign up to What’s On free monthly e-newsletter. By signing up, you will keep up to date with the latest libraries and learning events and activities that are happening in Hume.
FOR MORE INFO
humelibraries.vic.gov.au
Hume Horizons 2040
A community vision for the future
Early last year Hume City Council began work on developing a new community plan, the Hume Horizons 2040 (HH2040).
During an extensive consultation phase, more than 4,500 comments from people of all ages, nationalities and backgrounds were collected with more than 1,000 residents providing valuable feedback.
The result is a plan that outlines the community’s vision for the future. “It is a plan that ensures we are planning for generations of new residents to come. It outlines the long-term vision for Hume City and is the foundation for Hume City Council’s corporate planning framework,” said Hume Mayor Councillor Casey Nunn.
Hume Horizons 2040 is divided into five themes. Theme one, titled ‘A well-educated and employed community’, reflects the community’s aspirations regarding employment opportunities and lifelong learning.
Based on these aspirations, the plan has been developed to enhance educational opportunities, support business growth, and create local jobs including flexible and part-time employment for parents with young children.
Hume City Council will now take a leading role in advocating to stakeholders and influencing its partners to be proactive in ensuring the success of this plan. It is committed to working with other agencies and service providers, stakeholders, state and federal governments and the wider community to achieve the objectives outlined in the plan.
FOR MORE INFO
hume.vic.gov.au/humehorizons
Middle Years Conference
Hume leading the way in parent engagement at schools
The importance of engaging parents with their children’s school was one of the key messages to emerge from the 2014 Hume Middle Years Conference organised by the Hume Whittlesea Local Learning and Employment Network (HWLLEN).
Many of the local schools in Hume are promoting programs to engage parents.
Previously, these programs may have stretched as far as asking parents to help fundraise or assist in the canteen. Today, schools are actively working in partnership with parents to help improve learning outcomes and attendance levels.
“Schools underestimate the value of a parent’s role in their child’s education. Similarly, parents can also underestimate their own role. However, when schools and parents work together, it becomes apparent that children are capable of achieving great things,” said Nicky Leitch, HWLLEN’s Partnership Broker.
According to Nicky, the idea behind this initiative is to bring together the core influential people (the family) in a young person’s life and then involve them all in the various aspects of their learning.
“Schools are managing to engage parents by asking for their experience and ideas. Even if parents can’t be there, technology now allows the relatives to see their child’s progress and check up on other important matters, such as their attendance,”she said.
One of the next steps in the Hume MiddleYears Project is the production of a HumeModel of Practice document.
FOR MORE INFO
hwllen.com.au
Teaching for Success
Tutors to develop new skills
The Teaching for Success project, run by Banksia Gardens Community Services, aims to improve the quality of teaching in Hume by assessing the local tutors training needs and develop their skills and resources. The project involves only ‘Learn Local’ teachers, those who teach pre-accredited and accredited courses at community organisations and neighbourhood houses.
Gina Dougall, Chief Executive Officer at Banksia Gardens Community Service, spoke to IED about the project that is set to benefit 2,500 adult learners in Hume City.
What courses are the Local Learn teachers delivering in Hume?
Courses vary from English as a Second Language (ESL), computer, IT and employment skills to gardening and theatre. As an average of 15% of the trainers are new to the sector and haven’t studied adult learning theories and techniques, the workshops delivered through Teaching for Success are in high demand. They are teachers of pre-accredited and accredited courses, also known as pathway courses, which allow the tutor to move on to employment or a higher degree.
What are the project’s outcomes?
We want to improve the quality of pre-accredited teaching in Victoria. The feedback from the participants has been very positive. Through a series of workshops they are learning more about adult learning principles, teamwork, communications, problem-solving techniques, self-management and planning. The best outcome has been the networking opportunities and the sharing of experiences between these tutors who come from all parts of Hume.
Which organisations are participating in the project?
We have tutors from a range of learning organisations including the Homestead Community and Learning Centre, Dallas and Tullamarine Neighbourhood Houses, Meadows Heights Learning Shop, Craigieburn Education and Community Centre, Broadmeadows Women’s House and others.
FOR MORE INFO
To watch a video interviewwith Gina Dougall visit:
The Kitchen Academy Project
Hands-on experience in the hospitality industry
The Kitchen Academy Project (KAP) is giving youth in Hume the learning and work experience they need to get into the hospitality industry.
Developed by Youth Projects in partnership with the Meadows Primary School, Sunbury Heights Primary School and other Hume Global Learning Village members, the KAP aims to enhance the participants’ employability skills.
Young people participating in the Project work in the school’s kitchen to cater for events such as the children’s Breakfast Club, Teacher’s Treat morning tea and the parents’ Munch and Crunch morning tea. They are also involved in maintaining the school grounds and the schools’ community gardens, where produce is harvested for the KAP catering schedule.
“Participants receive a hands-on experience in horticulture, hospitality and training in food hygiene and preparation, as well as working with children,” said Christina Osagiede, Youth Projects Work Experience Coordinator.
“We believe programs like these will assist young job seekers in securing employment. We have been running this program at Meadows Primary School since 2012 and it’s been very successful because 70% of the KAP participants went on to higher education and employment,” said Christina.