Farnham Street Neighbourhood Learning Centre 2017...

28
Learn! Engage! Participate! 2017 ANNUAL REPORT Farnham Street Neighbourhood Learning Centre

Transcript of Farnham Street Neighbourhood Learning Centre 2017...

Learn! Engage! Participate!

2017 ANNUAL REPORT

Farnham StreetNeighbourhood Learning Centre

2 FARNHAM ST NEIGHBOURHOOD LEARNING CENTRE - ANNUAL REPORT 2017

3FARNHAM ST NEIGHBOURHOOD LEARNING CENTRE - ANNUAL REPORT 2017

Farnham Street Neighbourhood Learning Centre (FSNLC) is an incorporated not-for-profit community organisation that has been providing support, education and a caring environment for people from different backgrounds and cultures for the last 38 years.

Our Goals and Strategies• Adulteducation-FSNLCtobeawelcomingandhighqualitylearningenvironmentthatmeetsstudents’needs

andexpectations

• Socialsupport-Increasethesocialconnectionofparticipantsatthecentrethroughorganisedsocialactivities

• Communityreferrals-FSNLCtobeapointofcontactforcommunityreferralsassistingcommunitymemberstoaccesslocalservices,programsandnetworks

• Organisationalstrength-FSNLCtobeastrongandfinanciallysustainableorganisation

FSNLCisaLearnLocalorganisationwithfundingfromstateandlocalgovernments,namelyAdultCommunityandFurtherEducation(ACFE)andtheHigherEducationandSkillsGroup(HESG),theDepartmentofHumanServices(DHS)andMooneeValleyCityCouncil(MVCC).

VisionFSNLC’svisionisofaconnectedandempoweredcommunityinwhichpeoplehavetheopportunitytolivefulfillinglivesthroughlearning,engagementandparticipation.

MissionFSNLC’smissionistoprovidethelocalcommunitywithopportunitiesto:

• Learn–throughquality,affordableneeds-basededucationandtraining

• Engage–throughnetworks,informationsharingandreferrals

• Participate–throughactiveinvolvementincommunityinitiativesandactivities

040608141619202223242627

MinutesManager’s ReportEducation ReportCommittee and StaffCommunity DevelopmentPresident’s ReportFinancial ReportThe Helping Hands ProjectChinese Social Centre of North MelbourneMemoriesMessagesOur Supporters and Partners

4 FARNHAM ST NEIGHBOURHOOD LEARNING CENTRE - ANNUAL REPORT 2017

MINUTES - AGM 2016Annual General Meeting held onThursday 18th August 2016 at 12.00 noon

ScottBrown,CommitteeofManagementVice-President,welcomedattendeesandledanacknowledgmentoftraditionalowners,theWurundjeripeoplesoftheKulinNation.

Present: WayneBerry,SueChristophersNicoleMarshall,CathyConnop,PipMackey,DiannePhillips,ClaudiaGonzalez,NofaNizam,ElaineSargent,RobbieCottrill,GillianBaldwin,GlennisThomas,FuWaiLaw,DonaldWake,KathyBouquet,JasonRichter,VinceRenna,LisaNealisa,IreneSafarty,CarolynWebster,WeyniaregTasew,JohnHunter,PennyJordan,MichelleKelsen,MichaelMarijsek,EddieSarkis,ShukriAli,MyNgocNguyen,SharonSchmidt,ErinImmel,LainFoo,MichaelForbes,HawaAddow,CuiZhenXu,SangaboAli,MaryamAghaHassan,FatimaOmer,ZainabHaid,ArafatMaleken,GhimjaTsniew,ZhiLuo,AnthonyPrisco,JulieNelson,FrankDinato,AsyaKouri,RobynGarland,HiuQuanLi,GebreMerid,NimoDaher,GuanqingChen,NigestEshete,YulanJi,RongYu,HongYing,PaulBudgeon,ZeeshanAli,LindaTang,NargiChav,ShaneEvans,MargaretForbes,HelenNoonan,AnthonyBarbati,CarlRayson,PaulSortino,ShenglinXie,LindaClemente,NesritAli,AichaHersi,ElfoGebremakeal,RobertHunt,PhilipJenner,BerylRogers,KateMcCaughey,FabianAlvarez,MargaretChapman.

Apologies:RoseIser,NolaRyan,JimCusack,EdaIrfan

Guest speaker:SueChristophers,Chair,ACFEBoard

TheACFEBoardisappointedbyGovernmenttoadviseonpolicies,initiativesandplanswhichguidefundingforLearnLocalorganisationssuchasFarnhamStNeighbourhoodLearningCentre(FSNLC).AhighlightofSue’sroleisvisitingplaceslikeFSNLCfortheopportunityitofferstoseethevalueoftheworkbeingdoneandtoexperiencetheexcitementandbuzzthataccompanyawelcomingenvironment.CentreslikeFSNLCareexpertsindeliveringqualitylearningtothoseinthecommunityfacingbarriers.Theyhaveauniqueroleinpositioninglearnersforfuturesuccess.FSNLCisafineexampleofaCentrewhichoffersacomprehensiverangeofinclusiveopportunitieswhichextendoutintothecommunity.

ThereisacommonthreadconnectingtherelationshipbetweenNeighbourhoodHousesandLearnLocalCentres:supportservices,networksanddeliverytodiversepopulations.Thepre-accreditedtrainingfundedbyACFEisdesignedtomeettheneedsofthosewhowouldhavenootheropportunitiesforlearning.NeighbourhoodHousesofferarangeofservices.Theseorganisationsare

successfulbecauseofthepeoplewhoworkinthem:theircommitmentanddedicationbeyondwhatisrequired.Theworkersandvolunteersarecommitted,resilientandresponsivelikenoothersSuehasencounteredinvariouseducationalroles.

Suecongratulatedallforeffortsmadeandtheoutcomesoftheircommitment.

Minutes of last meeting:MinutesweretabledforacceptancebyScottBrown.Movedforacceptance:ElaineSargentSeconded:WayneBerryAccepted Nodissension

Vice- President’s Report: Scottreportedaverysuccessfulyearfromthegovernancepointofview.Theoperationalisingofthestrategicplanandthestrongfinancialresultprovideagoodfoundationforthefuture.ScottrecognisedCathy,Centremanager,asthebackboneofFSNLC.Thededicationandpassionofallwhoarepartofthecentrecombinetocreateavibrantspaceforlearning:Staff,students,andvolunteers.ScottacknowledgedtherangeoffundingbodiesprovidingvitalsupportfortheCentre’sviability.

Annual report: Copiesofthereportweredistributed.CathyConnop,CentreManageracknowledgedtheworkofNofaNizaminthedesignandproductionoftheAnnualReport.CathythankedallwhoareinvolvedinmakingFSNLCsuchavibrantplaceoflearning:Staff,Studentsandvolunteers.

Financial report:WayneBerry,CoMtreasurer,drewattentiontothecomprehensivestatementofincomecontainedinthereportandinvitedthoseinterestedtoreadtheauditedAFS.WayneacknowledgedtheworkofCathy,PipandAdrianainmanagingthebudgetsuchthatthereisanoperatingsurplusof$54,040comparedwith$47,520in2015.

Motion:Thatthe2016AnnualReportbeacceptedMoved:ElaineSargent Seconded:WayneBerryNodissension

Motion:Thatthe2015/16auditedAccountsbeacceptedMoved:WayneBerry Seconded:PatriciaLongNodissension

Auditor recommendation for 2016/17 financial year:EugeneOdachowskifromJ.P.Hardwickandassociates.Moved:ElaineSargentSeconded:WayneBerry Accepted.

5FARNHAM ST NEIGHBOURHOOD LEARNING CENTRE - ANNUAL REPORT 2017

Committee of Management

RoseIserhascompletedathreeyeartermonthecommitteeandwillstepdownfromthecommittee.

ScottBrownhascompletedthreeyearsonthecommitteeandhasnominatedtocontinueforasecondperiodofthreeyears.

TheCommitteehasonevacancycommencinginSeptember2016andasecondvacancycommencinginDecember2016.

ElectionofcommitteepositionswillbeheldattheSeptemberCoMmeeting

FSNLC membership.Thecommitteeisrenewingitsmembershipandinvitedanyinterestedlocalcommunitymembersandstudentstocompletetheformsdistributed.

Meetingclosed:12.35pm

Secretary:PatriciaClaireLong

6 FARNHAM ST NEIGHBOURHOOD LEARNING CENTRE - ANNUAL REPORT 2017

MANAGER’S REPORTCATHY CONNOP

Thepastyearhasbeenchallenging,rewardingandlotsoffunatFarnhamStreet.Wehadtheretirementofourmuch-lovedEnglishteachers,KayMcCrindleafter23yearsandGillianBaldwinafter7years.

InconjunctionwiththeCommitteeofManagement,Iwasinvolvedwiththedevelopmentofour2017-19StrategicPlan,whichbuiltonthestrengthsofthe2014-16Plan.

Wewereagainsupportedbyourrecurrentfundingbodies:• HigherEducationandSkillsGroup• Adult,CommunityandFurtherEducation• DepartmentofHealthandHumanServices(including

theauspiceoftheChineseSocialCentreofNorthMelbourne)

• CityofMooneeValley

ThisfundingenablesustorunprogramsinanumberofvenuesintheMooneeValleyarea:FlemingtonCommunityCentreandFlemington,MooneePondsandAvondaleHeightsLibraries(aswellasNiddrieinTerm4).Weareveryappreciativeofthepartnershipswehavewiththeseorganisationsandaimtocontinuedeliveringqualityprogramsandservices.Manythankstothewonderfulstaffinthesevenueswhoaresowelcomingto

ourclients.

Weareveryluckytohavesuchabeautifulvenueat28FarnhamStreet,whichisownedandmaintainedbyMooneeValleyCouncil.OurpartnershipwiththeCouncilisofvitalimportanceaswestrivetoprovidequalityservicestotheresidentsofMooneeValley.

AspartofourcommitmenttoworkingintheMentalHealtharea,Iattended:

• theMinnesotaCommunityMentalHealthConferenceinSeptember.MinnesotaisseenasaleaderintheMentalHealthareaintheUnitedStates.

• theAdultLearningAustraliaMentalHealthforuminCanberraonFriday14thOctoberandpresentedourMarvellousMentalHealthProject.

• theVCOSSforuminFebruaryonPsychosocialSupportandtheNDISonbehalfoftheNeighbourhoodHouseVictoriaBoard.

Otherfunctionsandactivitiesincluded:• ourMentalHealthExpoonTuesday18thOctober,

whereDannyPearson,ourlocalStateMPlaunchedThomasWilson’sbook“WordsandThoughts”.Thomashasbeenalong-termparticipantofFarnhamStreet.RuthKennedyorganisedtheeventinconjunctionwiththeBoomerangNetwork,Norfolk

7FARNHAM ST NEIGHBOURHOOD LEARNING CENTRE - ANNUAL REPORT 2017

TerraceCommunityCareUnitandCohealth.• theCommunityBBQatNorfolkTerraceCCUon

Thursday13thOctoberaspartoftheirMentalHealthWeekactivities.TherelationshipbetweenourtwoorganisationsisconstantlydevelopingandisanintegralpartofourMarvellousMentalHealthProject.

• theBoomerangNetworkAGMheldonTuesday6thOctoberwithaGuestSpeakerfromtheVictorianMentalIllnessAdvisoryCouncil.TheNetworkreportedontheactivitiesandsocialoutingsfromthepastyear.TheNetworkhasbeenverysuccessfulinenhancingthequalityoflifeforpeoplewithlivedexperiencesofmentalillness.

• theBoomerangNetworkmeetingonTuesday,20thJunewhichwasattendedbyCohealthstaff,SallyMitchell,DirectorofMentalHealthandDeanAlexander,SeniorManagerofMentalHealth.TheyspokeabouttheNDISwhichwillroll-outinthisareatowardstheendof2018.

WewereonceagainverywellsupportedbyourlocalStateMPDannyPearson.DannywastheGuestSpeakeratourMentalHealthExpoandhasgivenusnumerouslettersofsupportformanyfundingapplicationsandAwardnominations.HetakeseveryopportunitytopromoteFarnhamStreet,especiallyinregardtoourworkintheMentalHealtharea.IamalsoveryhonouredthathechosetonominatemefortheVictorianWomen’sHonourRoll.

WewereverypleasedtohavethepresenceoftheFederalMemberforMelbourne,AdamBandt,andtheFederalMemberforWills,PeterKhalil,whoattendedoursecondannualIftarDinnerinJune.TheDinnerwasagreatsuccessandawonderfulopportunitytoincreaseourunderstandingoftheIslamicfaith.

DuringSenior’sWeektheCommissionerforSeniorVictorians,GerardMansour,attendedourGentleExerciseProgramattheFlemingtonCommunityCentre.Hewasveryimpressedwiththelargenumberofolderadultswhoregularlyattendedtheclassandothersocialopportunitiesinthelocalarea.

IwaselectedtotheBoardofNeighbourhoodHousesVictoriaattheAGMonMonday9thNovember.Jenny

Mikakos,MinisterforFamilyandCommunityServiceswastheGuestSpeakerwhohighlightedtheimportantworkdonebyNeighbourhoodHousesindeliveringtheGovernment’sCommunitysectorpriorities.TheAnnualConferencewasheldinCreswickinMayandIpresentedmyreporttotheBoardontheVCOSSPsychosocialSupportandNDISworkshop.

TheNetworkWestAGMwasheldonThursday27thOctober.IresignedfrommypositionofSecretaryduetotheelectiontotheNeighbourhoodHousesVictoriaBoardbutcontinuetobeinvolvedasamemberofInnovationsandGoodPracticeExpoorganisingteam.

MynominationtotheMooneeValleyCouncilCommunityWellbeingPortfolioAdvisoryCommitteewassuccessful.ThisCommitteeadvisesCouncilonissuesrelatingtoCommunityDevelopmentintheMunicipalityandwillmeetthreetimesperyear.

FarnhamStreetbecamesignatoriestotheNeighbourhoodHousesandCommunityEducationSectorAgreementwhichbecameofficialfromJuly1st2017.TheAgreementimprovesthewagesandconditionsforallstaffworkinginthissector.

Wecontinuedworkinginpartnershipwithmanylocalorganisations,inparticular,Cohealth,NorfolkTerraceContinuingCareUnit,WaratahMentalHealthServices,Flemington/KensingtonLegalService,FlemKenNews,Brainworks,FlagstaffTransitionalHousing,VincentCareandtheBrotherhoodofSt.Laurence,andcontinuedourcloseworkingrelationshipwiththeInnerNorthCo-operative(INC),FlemingtonNetworkandNetworkWest.Ireallyappreciatethesupport,networkingandexpertiseofthegroupmembersandthankthemfortheirsupport.

Asalways,Ifeelincrediblygratefultohavethesupportofsuchwonderfulstaffmemberswhomakemyjobsomucheasier.IwouldespeciallyliketothanktheManagementteamofPipMackey,DiPhillips,AdrianaNelli,RobbieCottrill,ManricoMoroandNofaNizam,aswellasalltheteachers,volunteersandCommitteeofManagementmembers.FarnhamStreetissuchaspecialplace,warm,welcomingandinclusive,andIlookforwardtoanotherexcitingyear.

The greater community that has an interest in Farnham Street and those who support its work are considered Friends of Farnham Street. This group might include volunteers, teachers, neighbours, and related organisations and groups. Users of the centre are also considered Friends. To keep in touch with this wide group of people we have an email newsletter.

Friends of Farnham Street Newsletter is up to its 18th issue and is published to advertise a number of events which the greater community is invited to attend. These afternoon teas and lunches are opportunities to highlight Australian

traditions, such as ANZAC day, or Refugee Week and other similar ‘moments’ in the year which the Centre wishes to bring to students attention. This is a great way to bring us all together.

In every issue there are articles on the main classes held in the centre, particularly new courses that need advertising. Today there is a strong interest in publishing student stories and that is a wonderful new direction for the newsletter to follow.

N Ryan, Newsletter convenor

Friends of Farnham Street

8 FARNHAM ST NEIGHBOURHOOD LEARNING CENTRE - ANNUAL REPORT 2017

ACCREDITED CLASSESAsaRegisteredTrainingOrganisationwerunaccredited

classesfundedbyHigherEducationandSkillsGroup(HESG)andforstudentsundertheSkillsFirstProgram.Thisyearwehaveoperatedunderanew,smallercontractintroducedbytheDepartmentofEducationandTrainingforsmallerRTO’ssuchasourselvestohopefullyreducethecomplianceburdenweoperateunder.Thiscontractlimitsourenrolmentsintoaccreditedcoursesto200.WeareontheFoundationSkillsApprovedProviderlistwhichenablesustoberegisteredtodeliverthefivelevelsofproficiencyofEALFrameworksandtwolevelsoftheCertificateofGeneralEducationforAdults(CGEA.Wecurrentlyhave99enrolmentsunderthisagreementdeliveredunderthetwodifferentcurricula.In2017,ourenrolments,haveincreasedfortheCGEAbutdecreasedforEALFrameworks.

EALFrameworks,EnglishasanAdditionalLanguageclassesareofferedfromabsolutebeginnerlevel(22259VIC,CourseinEAL)throughlevelsI,II,IIItolevelIV.ThesecoursesaredeliveredfacetofaceatFarnhamStreetandFlemingtonLibrary.Manyofthesestudentsareontheirwaytopartiallyorfullycompletingtheircertificates.Wehaveenrolledfulltimestudentsintothesecoursesin2017.Thisisareductiononthenumbers

from2016.WebelievethisislargelyduetothechangesintheCommonwealthgovernment’sannualactivitiesrequirementswhicharemanagedbylocalJobactiveproviders.Althoughwehavebeeninformedbytheministerthatouraccreditedtrainingisanapprovedactivity,itseemsthatlocalprovidersarenotreferringstudentsintoHESGprogramsandprefertousetheCommonwealthfundedSEEprogram.

ThisyearwehavemadesometimetablingchangestodeliverlevelsIIIandIVoverthreelongersessionsinsteadofthefourhalfdays.Thethreelowerlevelscontinuetobedeliveredoverfourdays.Wearecurrentlyreviewingthosechangestoassessstudentsatisfactionwiththatarrangement.

Weare,asalways,extremelygratefultotheteachersintheseclassesfortheskills,dedicationandpassiontheybringtotheirwork:RobbieCottrill,ClaudiaGonzalez,DeborahMcCormack,AngelaMcKennaandKathleenNolan.Wehavebeenfortunatetohaveabankofexperiencedandhighlyskilledsupportstaffandvolunteerswhoprovideadditionalsupportinthoseclassesincluding:LindaClementeandLilyNguyen(teacheraides)andKayMcKrindle,CeciliaMansillaandMarkTrezise(reliefteachers).

EDUCATION REPORTPip Mackey & Dianne Phillips

9FARNHAM ST NEIGHBOURHOOD LEARNING CENTRE - ANNUAL REPORT 2017

Certificate of General Education for Adults (CGEA)

Werun22234VIC,CourseinInitialGeneralEducationforAdultsinthecontextofLifeSkillsCookingintheFarnhamStkitchen.Wehavehad26peopleenrolledinthiscoursesofarthisyear.ClassesareofferedMonday–Thursdays,withstudentslearningawiderangeofskillsastheyworktogethertoreadanddiscussrecipes;followinstructions;weigh,measureandprepareingredients;cookandcleanupamealandplanandhostevents.We

22259VIC Course in EAL

22250VIC Certificate I EAL

22251VIC Certificate II EAL

22253VIC Certificate III EAL

22256VIC Certificate IV EAL

22234VIC Course in Initial General Education for Adults

ACCREDITED ENROLMENTS 2016 & 2017

0 5 10 15 20 25 30

2016 2017

expectmanyofthesestudentstocompletetheCertificate22234VICthisyearandhopetohave22235VIConScopenextyearsotheycancontinuetodevelopadiverserangeofskills.

Thankstoourwonderfulteachers:KathyBocquet,LindaGuerraClemente,BillPoonandDonaldWakefordoingsuchagreatjobwiththeseclasses,nottomentionourteamofbrilliantvolunteerswhocomeintosupporttheclasses:DanielaAlvesCoelo,JasonRichter,DianneCutlerandDominicCoiro.

10 FARNHAM ST NEIGHBOURHOOD LEARNING CENTRE - ANNUAL REPORT 2017

PREACCREDITED TRAINING ThenumberofclasseswerunatFSNLCandthenumbersofstudentswhoattendthoseclasseshascontinuedtogrow

in2017.Thisyearwehavebeencontractedtodeliver22,740regularPreaccreditedstudentcontacthours(SCH)andanadditional450LearnerEngagementA-FramePilotProgram(LEAP)studentcontacthours.Classeswearedeliveringaspartoftheregularcontractare:

Course Name Teacher Location

ComputerBasics ChiemiJardineRogerHersey

AvondaleHeightsLibraryFlemingtonCommunityCentre

BeyondtheBasics ChiemiJardine AvondaleHeightsLibraryFlemingtonLibrary

WorkingwithDigitalMedia ChiemiJardine AvondaleHeightsLibrary

ComputersforLanguageLearners BillPoon FlemingtonLibrary

ComputersforWork ChiemiJardine FlemingtonLibrary

ITProjects BillPoon FlemingtonLibrary

Computers

Language and Literacy (EAL)

Course Name Teacher Location

LanguageandLiteracyPathwaysSupport AmelColosimo FlemingtonLibrary

LanguaugeandLiteracyforEmployment(AH) AmelColosimo/RobbieCottrill

AvondaleHeightsLibrary

LanguaugeandLiteracyforEmployment(FL) RobbieCottrill FlemingtonLibrary

LanguaugeandLiteracyforEmployment(N)(forthcoming)

TBC NiddrieLibrary

LanguaugeandLiteracyforEmployment(SM) AmelColosimo SamMerrifieldLibrary

EnglishfortheWorkplace CeciliaMansilla FlemingtonCommunityCentre

LanguaugeandLiteracyforEmployment(mentors)

RobbieCottrill FarnhamSt

LiteracyforFurtherLearning(writingandillustratingchildren’sbooks)

LoretteBroekstra FarnhamSt

LiteracyforFurtherLearning KathyBocquetDonaldWake

FarnhamStFarnhamSt

LiteracyWorkshop RobbieCottrill FlemingtonLibrary

EnglishforAgedCare(forthcoming) PipMackey FlemingtonCommunityCentre

11FARNHAM ST NEIGHBOURHOOD LEARNING CENTRE - ANNUAL REPORT 2017

Learner Engagement A-Frame Pilot Program

Course Name Teacher Location

JobSearchSkills CeciliaMansilla FlemingtonCommunityCentre

Electives Week was held as part of Refugee Week.

EAL students joined the creative and energetic

activities including gentle exercise, silk painting,

knitting and crochet, gift card making, self defence,

jewellery making and Persian cooking. These

sessions were run by our versatile staff, students

and volunteers. It was a great chance to engage in

meaningful communication while exchanging skills

and ideas.

ELECTIVES WEEK

Practical Skills

Course Name Teacher Location

Preparetowork ServiceStars ServiceStars,NorthMelbourne

NeighbourhoodKnowhow RuthKennedy FarnhamSt

HorticultureintheCommunity RobbieCottrillPatLong/PipMackey

NorfolkTerraceCCUFarnhamSt

Computers

Language and Literacy (EAL)

Practical Skills

Learner Engagement program

PREACCREDITED ENROLMENTS

12 FARNHAM ST NEIGHBOURHOOD LEARNING CENTRE - ANNUAL REPORT 2017

13FARNHAM ST NEIGHBOURHOOD LEARNING CENTRE - ANNUAL REPORT 2017

Inner North Digital Link Up:fundedthroughACFEBoardCapacityandInnovationFundRound8.CompletedinMay2017.ThisprojectexaminedsuitableLearnerManagementSystemstomanagethatwouldbesuitableforuseatFSNLCandotherLearnLocalorganisations

LMS Implementation: TeamConnect:fundedthroughACFEBoardCapacityandInnovationFundRound9.Thisprojectinvolvesthefinaltwostagesofabest-practicedevelopmentofaresearch-evaluation-implementationmodeltoinstallthebestpossibleLearningManagementSystemthatwillbenefitourlearnercohortandbeappliedtootherLearnLocalorganisations.

The Little Things:LanguageStrategiesforPersonalCareWorkers(PCAs)inAgedCare.WorkforceTrainingInnovationFund(WTIF)SeedFundingThisfundingisbeing

usedtoconductqualitativeresearchinAppliedLinguisticsmethodologiestoinformthedevelopmentofflexibleandresponsivelanguageandculturaltrainingforPersonalCareWorkersinAgedCareFacilities.ThefindingswillbeusedtoinformaWTIFGrantProposalforthedevelopmentandtrialofpre-accreditedtrainingandsupportmaterialstobedeliveredeitheralongsideCertificateIIIinIndividualSupporttrainingorforpeoplewhohavealreadyqualifiedandarepossiblyalreadyintheworkforce.

Networks: We’recontinuingtoworkcloselywithourcolleaguesin:• InnerNorthCluster(INC),EducationandComplianceCoordinatorsnetwork

• ThinkWestEducationCoordinators• LearnLocalQualityPartnership• NorthWestMelbourneLearnLocalEducationCoordinator’sCommunityofpractice

Women only swimming.WearerunningaffordableclassesinawomenonlyspaceatthePenleighEssendon

GrammarSchoolpool,whodonatethespace,onSaturdayafternoons.TheclassesaretaughtbyaccreditedswimmingcoachesEllaKeogh,EmmaSinclairandGraceHamp.MelbourneUniversityPropulsionswimmingclubsupportstheprogram.Thisisafantasticprogramthathasseenwomenandgirlsfrommanydifferentculturalbackgroundsstandsinwaistdeepwaterforthefirsttimeintheirlivesandlearntofloat,andswimlapsofapool.

PROJECTS

Thanks: to our wonderful teachers who have been busy designing creative ways to teach and assess every student in their classes. Every year we are required to do more to keep up to speed with our accountability requirements and every year they rise to the challenge while still remaining dedicated to quality teaching practices and above all, putting the needs of their students first.

Finally, our ever-expanding band of volunteers are a huge asset to the teaching and learning at Farnham St. The mentors who work both individually with our EAL students or in our classes bring a wide range of skills and a great energy to the partnerships they make. We're deeply grateful to them for all they offer the FSNLC community.

14 FARNHAM ST NEIGHBOURHOOD LEARNING CENTRE - ANNUAL REPORT 2017

COMMITTEE AND STAFFManagement Committee

Office Staff

Teaching Staff

Cathy Connop Adriana Nelli Pip Mackey

Scott Brown Nola Ryan Elaine Sargent

Angela McKenna Claudia Gonzalez

Donald Wake Chiemi Jardine Roger Hersey

President Vice-President Secretary

Centre Manager Finance Manager Education Manager

EAL EAL EAL

CGEA Computers Computers

Amel Colosimo

15FARNHAM ST NEIGHBOURHOOD LEARNING CENTRE - ANNUAL REPORT 2017

Dianne Phillips Manrico Moro Robbie Cottrill Nofa Nizam

Wayne Berry Frank Dinoto Nicole Marshall Peter Wilson

Deborah McCormack Kathleen Nolan Kathy Bocquet Bill Poon

Cecila Mansilla Ruth Kennedy Linda Clemente Lily Nguyen

Treasurer

Compliance Coordinator IT Coordinator Community Education Coordinator & EAL Teacher

Administration Officer

Teacher’s Aid Teacher’s Aid

EAL EAL CGEA CGEA and Computers

English for workplace Choir

16 FARNHAM ST NEIGHBOURHOOD LEARNING CENTRE - ANNUAL REPORT 2017

COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENTVOLUNTEERS

Ourvolunteerprogramisrunningverywell.Ourvolunteerssupportteachersinallourcookingclasses,CourseinEALclass,atNorfolkTerrace,inthecommunitygarden,andinourreceptionarea,answeringthephoneandhelpingwithadministrativetasks.

ENGLISH AS AN ADDITIONAL LANGUAGE VOLUNTEERS

Wehavemanyvolunteershelpingmentorstudentsofalllevels,andotherswhohelpoutinthelowerlevelclasses,whichareveryhardtomanagewithjustoneteacher.Thisisourbiggestareaofvolunteering.

Overthislastyearwehavehad38volunteerseithermatchedwithastudent,orhelpingoutinclass.Anyonewhowouldlikeavolunteerismatchedwithsomeonedeemedcompatible.Thementorsarenotexpectedtoteachthestudentsunlessitiswhatthestudentwants.Therelationshipiswhatwelikethemtofocuson.Mostofourstudentsdon’tspeakEnglishoutsidetheclassroom,thinkingthatcomingtoclassisthebestwaytolearn.HavingavolunteerensuresthatthereisatleastonepersonintheirliveswithwhomtheyspeakEnglish.

OtherEALvolunteersassistteachersintheclassroom.Ourverylowlevelclassesareextremelydemandingontheteacher,anditisveryhelpfulforthemtohavesupport.Sometimesuptofourorfivevolunteersarehelpinginclassatanyonetime.

Weareextremelygratefultoourvolunteerswhoaregenerousintheamountoftimeandenergytheyspend,andoftengobeyondthecallofduty.

Ourvolunteersmakearealdifferencetothelivesandlearningexperienceofourstudents.

THE CHOIR

RuthKennedy’scommunitychoirmeetsatFSNLCeveryFridayafternoon,itisawarmandfriendlytime.Anyoneiswelcometojoin.Thechoirsingawiderangeofmusicalgenresandindigenousmusicfromallovertheworld,accompaniedbydrum,guitarorpiano.

Theyoftenperform.SomeoftheirnotableperformanceshavebeenattheMalthouseTheatre,theNeighbourhoodHouseVictoriaAnnualGeneralMeeting,theCityofDarebinCitizenshipCeremony,theMooneeValleyFestival,andtheInauguralAfricanDiasporraWomen’sSummit.

EXCURSIONS

WereturnedtoWerribeeforouryearlytriptotheraces.Threeminibuseswereusedtotransporteveryonethere.WealsohadabustriptoEasternBeachinGeelongforapicnic.Asusualitwasreallywellattendedandwefilledthreelargebuses.Individualclassteachersoftentakestudentsonexcursionsaswell.Oneofourteachersaskedthestudentswheretheywantedtogoforanexcursion,andtheychosetheairport!ExcursionsareagreatwayforstudentstomixwiththestaffinamoreinformalwayandseepartsofMelbourneandbeyondthattheymaynotnormallysee.

THE GARDENS

OurcommunitygardenatFarnhamStreetisgoingwell.ThegroupmeetseveryFridaymorningandskillsandknowledgeareexchangedaboutsuchthingsaspruning,harvestingandcomposting.Studentsarewelcometostartaplot,aswellasmembersofthelocalcommunity.

WealsohaveagardeningpartnershipwithNorfolkTerrace,(aresidentialunitforpeoplerecoveringfromhospitalisationduetomentalillness),wherebyIspendpartofFridaymorningsinthegardenwithSaiphOrion.Heispaidtomentortheresidentsandencouragethemtoparticipateinplanting,weedingandharvestingthefoodgrown.Manyoftheresidentsenjoysittinginthegardenhavingacoffee,whilewatchingandencouragingSaiphandRobbiewhiletheywork.Sometimestheyhelpwithwatering.

IFTAR DINNER

IftaristhemealthatbreaksthefasteachdayduringRamadan.Itoccursafterthesunhasgonedown.TheIftardinnerthisyear,organisedbyNofa,wasagreatsuccess.Staff,

ROBBIE COTTRILL

17FARNHAM ST NEIGHBOURHOOD LEARNING CENTRE - ANNUAL REPORT 2017

18 FARNHAM ST NEIGHBOURHOOD LEARNING CENTRE - ANNUAL REPORT 2017

studentsandmembersofthelocalcommunitywereinvited.AlsopresentwereAbdiKarim,thelocalImam,PeterKhalil,FederalMemberforWills,AdamBandt,FederalMemberforMelbourne,MarcusCurnow,thelocalBaptistMinister,andAmandaWilliams,PrincipalofFlemingtonPrimarySchool.MrKhalilgaveaveryheartwarmingtalkabouthislifeasaMuslim.Therewasagreatturnoutandthefoodwaswonderful.

OTHER CELBRATIONS

FriendsofFarnhamStreethaveorganisedbarbequesintheparknexttotheHouse.Students,localresidents,staffandvolunteerssharedfood,drinksandenjoyedeachotherscompany.

WehadacommunitylunchinMay.Thefoodwasdelicious,andvolunteers,students,staffandfriends,ateoutsideinthebeautifulsunshine.Weplantohavemore

thisyear.

WehaveheldmorningteasforInternationalWomen’sDay,AnzacDay,NeighbourhoodHouseWeek,andVolunteerWeek.KathyBouquet,oneofourcookingteachers,didasterlingjobcoordinatingthestudentsinthecookingclasses,whopreparedthefoodforthesespecialoccasions.

DuringRefugeeWeek,duetothesuccessofthesameelectivesprogramlastyear,weheldworkshopsforourstudentstointroducethemtoskillstheymaynothaveeverbeentaught.Weheldclassesforgentleexercise,knitting,cardmaking,self-defence,jewellerymaking,andoneofourIranianstudents,Maryam,ranaclassforIraniancooking.Thefoodwastastyandbeautifullypresented.

19FARNHAM ST NEIGHBOURHOOD LEARNING CENTRE - ANNUAL REPORT 2017

2017hasbeenanothersuccessfulyearforFarnhamStreetNeighbourhoodLearningCentre(FSNLC).TheCommitteehasreallyappreciatedthewayinwhichtheFSNLCteam,ledbyCathyConnop,hasworkedwithgreatpassionandcommitmenttodeliverontheCentre’sstrategicgoals.ThehighlypositivefeedbackthatwereceiveasaCommitteethroughtheCentre’snumerousstudentsandparticipantsistestamenttothehardworkthattheteamputsin.TheCommitteewouldthereforeliketosincerelythankCathy,herstaff,andthevolunteers,whomakeFSNLCthewelcoming,engaging,andproductiveplacethatitis.

AstheChairoftheCommittee,IwouldalsoliketothankallofmyfellowCommitteemembersforthevoluntarycommitmentthattheymaketohelpmaketheCentreabetterplaceforthosewhoworkinit,andforthosewhoengagewithit.WayneBerry,astheTreasurer,hasdoneanoutstandingjobworkingwithCathyandtheotherfinanceteammemberstoensurethattheCentreisinahealthyfinancialposition.IwouldalsoliketoacknowledgethegreateffortthatWayneputsintoensurethatallmembersoftheCommitteearesufficientlybriefedontheCentre’sfinances.

IwouldliketothankElaineSargentforcarryingoutherdutiesasSecretarywithgreatdedicationanddiligence,andforherabilitytobringthevoiceofCentreparticipantsintoourdiscussions.Iwouldliketothank

NolaRyanfortheworkthatshehasundertakenontheFriendsofFarnhamStreetinitiative,fortheworkthatsheundertakesinrelationtodesignandcommunicationsfortheCentre,andmoregenerallyforthegenuineconcernthatsheshowsforthecommunity’sinterests.

IwouldliketothankFrankDinotoandPeterWilson,asourtwonewestCommitteemembers,fortheenthusiasmthattheyhavebroughttotheCommittee,andfortheirabilitytosoquicklyunderstandandcontributetotheeffectivegovernanceoftheCentre.Finally,IwouldliketothankNicoleMarshallfromMooneeValleyCityCouncilwhobringstotheCommitteestronganalyticalskills,avaluableunderstandingoftheCentre’sexternalenvironment,andastrongcommitmenttosupportingtheCentre’sactivities.

As2017comestoaclose,theCommitteeverymuchlooksforwardtocontinuingtoworkwithCathy,astheCentreManager,andherstafftohelpensurethattheCentrenotonlymaintainsthehighlevelofstaff,student,andcommunitysatisfactionthatitcurrentlygenerates,buttoalsolooktothefuturetodeterminehowwecankeepimprovingontheworkalreadybeingundertaken.

PRESIDENT’S REPORTSCOTT BROWN

20 FARNHAM ST NEIGHBOURHOOD LEARNING CENTRE - ANNUAL REPORT 2017

FINANCIAL REPORTWAYNE BERRYOur finances at June 2017 continue to be strong and well managed. We have achieved another operating surplus and to have sufficient funds available to meet our needs, as they arise.FINANCE HEADLINES

WereceivedcorefundingfromACFE,HESGandDHSforouradultandcommunityeducationprograms.AdditionalfundingwasreceivedfromACFEforprojectsimproveourcapacitytosupporttostudentsandthecommunity.ThisincludedthefinalinstalmentoffundingfortheINCCooperativeproject,mostofwhichoccurredlastyear.OtherauspicefundingfortheChineseCulturalCentreandHelpingHandprogramscontinuedandwereceivedthelastofour3yearfundingfromtheRERossTrustforourmentalhealthprograms.

MooneeValleyCityCouncilcontinuedtosupportuswithfundingforouroperatingexpensesandwithcommunitygrantsforsomeofourprograms.

Ourexpenseshaveagainbeenwellmanagedfortheyear.Expensesandoperatingcostsincludestaffsalariesandcontractteachersdeliveringandsupportingourprogramsaswellasthecostsofoperatingthecentreanditsprograms.

WehadlessneedforconsultingcostsbecausewehadfewercapacitybuildingprojectsthroughACFEcomparedtolastyear.

Otherprogramcostsincludedthefundingreceivedandpassedthroughtoauspiceprograms.

SomeofourcashbalancesatJuneincludefundingreceivedforprogramsandprojectstobedeliveredinthemonthsafterJune.

2017$

2016$

INCOME

Government and other grants

- City of Moonee Valley 69,500 55,000

-Department of Education and Early Childhood Development 557,955 649,174

- Department of Health & Human Services 171,619 163,489

- Other 75,671 75,671

Course and activity fees 18,360 31,830

Other income 19,390 20,435

TOTAL INCOME 912,494 995,599

EXPENDITURE

Employee benefits (663,097) (613,475)

Contractors (37,125) (39,194)

Advertising and promotion 0 -

Depreciation (9,670) (9,874)

Office costs (10,028) (19,710)

Program costs (108,781) (178,495)

Other expenses (60,401) (80,810)

TOTAL EXPENDITURE (889,100) (941,558)

NET RESULT FOR THE PERIOD 23,394 54,040

TOTAL COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (EXPENSE) FOR THE PERIOD 23,394 54,040

Statement of Comprehensive IncomeFor the year ended 30 June 2017

21FARNHAM ST NEIGHBOURHOOD LEARNING CENTRE - ANNUAL REPORT 2017

Statement of Financial PositionAs at 30 June 2017

2017$

2016$

ASSETS

Current assets

Cash and cash equivalents 527,443 499,247

Receivables 0 16,511

Prepayments & Other Current Assets 28,487 23,121

Total current assets 555,930 538,879

Non-current assets

Property, plant and equipment 31,804 41,067

Total non-current assets 31,804 41,067

TOTAL ASSETS 587,734 579,946

LIABILITIES

Current liabilities

Payables 48,829 54,055

Provisions 58,226 64,150

Income received in advance 91,676 96,742

Total current liabilities 198,732 214,947

Non-current liabilities

Provisions 2,584 1,975

Total non-current liabilities 2,584 1,975

TOTAL LIABILITIES 201,316 216,922

NET ASSETS 386,418 363,024

EQUITY

Current Year Earnings 23,394 54,040

Retained earnings 363,024 308,984

TOTAL EQUITY 386,418 363,024

2016

2017

Expenditure Government Grants

Employee Benefits

Advertising and Promotion

Office costs

Other expenses

Contractors

Depreciation

Program Costs

City of Moonee Valley

DEECD

DHS

Other Grants

Total Income

Government Grants

Course and Activity Fee

Other income

2%2%

96%

64%

19%

9% 8%

22 FARNHAM ST NEIGHBOURHOOD LEARNING CENTRE - ANNUAL REPORT 2017

THE HELPING HANDS PROJECTGABRIELLEOROSZCase Study - A Thriving Mentoring Partnership

ChantelleandIwereintroducedtoeachotherin2012,soit'sbeen5yearsthatwe'vebeeninvolvedinourpartnership.

Sheisnow21,andcameherewithhermotherand3brothersfromLiberiain2011.BeforeherarrivalinAustraliashelivewithherfamilyinthecountryside,withinalargenetworkoffamilyandfriends.Everythingwasclosetohand:activitieslikevisiting,socializingandshoppingwereeasytodowithoutpublictransport,orcars,asmostthingswerewithinwalkingdistance.Chantellewasalwaysinterestedinothercountries,andhopedtotraveloneday.

Thefamilymovedtothecity,however,tomakeiteasiertopreparetoleavethecountry.

SincearrivinginAustralia,ChantellehasbeenlearningEnglishatlanguageschoolandTAFE,andhascompletedahairdressingqualification.Shehasworkedathersister-in-law'shairsalon,gotherL-plates,andisplanningtodoCertificate3inBeauty.Inaddition,shehasalsobecomethemotheroftwodaughtersofherown.Herfamilystructurehasbeenstrengthenedbythepresenceofmanyofherextendedfamilymembers,andinparticular,bythemorerecentarrivalofherfatherinAustralia,whowasnotabletocomeoverwiththefamilyin2011.

ChantellebecameawareoftheHelpingHandprojectviaafriend,anddecidedshewantedtotakeuptheopportunitytoimproveherknowledgeofEnglish.Atfirst,wemetupeverycoupleofweeksatherhouse,andIwouldhelpherwithEnglishlanguagehomework.Helpwithpaperwork,andexplanationofwhatvariousgovernmentdepartmentsarefor,hasalwaysbeenabigpartof

whatI'vebeenabletodowithher,e.gCentrelink,DepartmentofHousing,thepolice,VicRoads,andservicesavailableforwomen'ssupportalso.Inadditiontobasicslikethese,wehavealsohadfuntogethergoingouttovariousactivitiessuchastheEmergefestivalforrecentmigrants,theVicMarket,themovies,lunch,shopping,andcookingtogether.DuringthetimeIhaveknownChantelle,herconfidencewithEnglishhasreallyimproved-notjustreadingandwriting,butespeciallyhercomprehension.Sheiscomfortableaboutconnectingtotheworldaroundher,viathephone,publictransportanddrivingwhenshecan.

Mostsignificantly,shehasbecomeanAustraliancitizen.Iattendedtheceremony,whichwasamomentofprideforeveryoneintheroom;Ithinkitwasarealmomenttolookbackonhowfarwe'vecome,asindividualsandasarelationship,inthetimewe'veknowneachother.

Ifeelmymentoringexperiencehasbeen,andcontinuestobe,veryworthwhile.ThebenefitstoChantellearemoreobviouslyquantifiable;thebenefitstomearethatIammoreconnectedwithinmycommunity,andIhaveadirectrelationshipwithsomepeopleIotherwisewouldn't.

Chantelle'sfeelingsabouthavingamentorarealsopositive;shebelievesshe'sbeenhelpedalot,intermsofhavingacquiredbetterEnglish,moreconfidence,andbetteremploymentprospects.Shehasshort-termgoals,suchaslearningtoswim;medium-termgoalssuchasgoingbacktovisitLiberia,andlong-termgoalssuchasopeningabeautybusinessofherown,andeventuallybuyingahouse.Bothofusareverypleasedthatourpartnershipisstillgoing,stilldeveloping.

-Brigid

23FARNHAM ST NEIGHBOURHOOD LEARNING CENTRE - ANNUAL REPORT 2017

CHINESE SOCIAL CENTRE OF NORTH MELBOURNE

TheChineseSocialCentreofNorthMelbourneisfundedthroughtheDepartmentofHealthandHumanServicesandauspicedbyFarnhamStreet.TheCentreprovidesservicesnotonlytoelderlyChineseresidentslivinginNorthMelbournebutalsotothoselivinginothersurburbanareas.TheyreceivehelptoovercomelanguagebarriersandunderstandwheretoseekassistancefromGovernmentorotherorganisationsregardingwelfare,housingandfamilymatters.

ThisyearhasbeenmyfirstyearwiththeCentre,replacingTeresaLuiwhohadbeenthereforovertenyears.IamaqualifiedSocialWorkerandhaveagreatdealofexperience.IhaveworkedintheAgedCaresectorformanyyearsandreallyenjoyingtheposition.Thetheregularprograms;TaiChi,GentleExercise,YumCha,Karaoke,Choir,Women’sGroup,CommunityLunchhavecontinuedaswellasthecelebrationsoftheMid-autumnFestival,ChineseNewYearandXmas.

IhavealsoorganisedinformationsessionsonanumberoftopicssuchasArthritis,Diabetes,FallsPrevention,StateTrusteesandLegalIssues.InMaythisyearIaccompaniedagroupofparticipantsagedover65yearsonaCamptoDaylesford.15peopleattendedandreallyenjoyedtheexperience.TheCampwasorganisedbyOutdoorsInc.inconjunctionwithourCentre.

TheCentrehasanofficeattheTenantsUnionbuildinginCanningStreetandactivitiesareheldattheNorthMelbourneCommunityCentrewhichismanagedbytheYMCA.TheYMCAstaff,inparticular,RosemaryBrett,havebeenveryaccommodatingandhelpfulwhichhasensuredtheCentre’sgroupsandactivitieshavebeenabletocontinue.

TheCentreisverywell-supportedbytheAdvisoryCommitteewhodevotetheirtime,effortsandskillstoassistinrunningsomanyqualityprograms.

FUWAILAW

OverthelastyeartheBoomershavecontinuedtobeoneofthemostsuccessfulprogramsatFarnhamStreet.Theyareoftenreferredtoasamodelforothergroupsandprogramsinthecommunityandtheyhaveevenreceivedawards.

TheBoomerangNetworkisasocialsupportframeworkforpeoplewithalivedexperienceofmentalillness.TheBoomersmeetatFarnhamStreetonTuesdayafternoonsandparticipatestructuredactivitiesthroughtheNeighbourhoodKnowhowpreaccreditedprogram.ThesessionsatourCentrearealsoalaunchingpadformanymoreeducationalactivities,socialeventsandoutingsthatareorganised-sometimeswithprofessionalsupportandsometimesindependently.

Duringthepastyearactivitieshaveincludedcreativewriting,artclasses,gardening,musicsessions,sessionsonusingcomputersandIT,quitsmokingadvice,sessionsonspecificissuessuchaskidneyhealth,selfdefenceclasses,movieoutingsandexcursions,andworkshopsoneventplanning.

TheprogramissupportedbyFarnhamStreetstaffandtrainers,

withmentalhealthprofessionalsfromInnerWestAreaMentalHealthServiceandCoHealth.

DuringtheyeartheNetworkorganisedspeakersfromtheVictorianMentalIllnessAwarenessCounciltodiscussissuesrelatedtotheNDIS.

Weexpectmuchsuccessfortheprogramandforallparticipantsintheyearahead.

BOOMERANG NETWORK

24 FARNHAM ST NEIGHBOURHOOD LEARNING CENTRE - ANNUAL REPORT 2017

VALE JACINTA EGANJacinta(Cinty)attendedtheWomen’sLifeSkillsCookingClassonTuesdaysforoversevenyears.Shewasanintegralpartoftheclass,alwayskindandsweetandconcernedforherclassmates.ShewasabreathoffreshairaroundFarnhamStreetandwaslovedbyallthestaffandparticipants.Shewillbesadlymissed.

25FARNHAM ST NEIGHBOURHOOD LEARNING CENTRE - ANNUAL REPORT 2017

VALE MONICA DEBNEYMonicaattendedtheGentleExerciseforOlderAdultsclassandcamealongtoalltheoutingsrunbyFarnhamStreet.Shewas98yearsoldbutseemedmuchyounger.Shewasfunny,chirpyandalwayspositive.Shelovedalaughandabeerandcertainlylivedlifetothefull.Monicawasstilllivinginherownhome(withnoCouncilservices)untilshediedlastmonth.Shewasanabsoluteinspirationandwillbereallymissedbyusall.

26 FARNHAM ST NEIGHBOURHOOD LEARNING CENTRE - ANNUAL REPORT 2017

‘CongratulationstoCathyandtheteamonanothersuccessfulyear.FarnhamStreetNeighbourhoodLearningCentreplaysavitalroleinsupportingsomeofthemostvulnerablemembersofourcommunity.Asaconsequenceofyourlaboursandendeavours,wearearicherandbettercommunity.ThankyouforeverythingthatyoudoandIlookforwardtoworkingwithyouoverthecourseofthecomingyear.

‘CouncilhasalonghistoryofworkingtogetherwiththeteamatFarnhamStreetNeighbourhoodLearningCentre.FSNLCmakesauniquecontributiontothecommunityandplaysacriticalroleinthedeliveryofcommunityprograms,life-longlearningandeducationaswellasfosteringcommunityconnectionandthecapacityofitsprogramparticipants.It’salsoanimportantneighbourhoodgatheringplace,wherecommunitycancelebrateandconnectanydayoftheweek.

Inadditiontoouron-goingpartnershipcommitment,CouncilwaspleasedtosupporttheFSNLCthroughanumberofBiannualGrantsin2016/17.Theseincluded:theValiantVolunteers(matchvolunteersfromthecommunitywithlowlevelEnglishspeakers);andtheSwitchedonServicesinitiative(technologyupgrades).CouncilisproudtobeamajorpartneroftheFSNLCandwewishthemeverysuccessfortheyearahead.

BryanLancasterCEO,MooneeValleyCityCouncil

MESSAGES

‘NetworkWestisanotforprofitorganisationthatsupports50NeighbourhoodHousesandCommunityCentres(NHs)acrossthewesternregion.NetworkWestaimstobuildcapacitywithintheNHsector,particularlyintheareasofcom-munitydevelopmentandgovernance.

FarnhamStreetNeighbourhoodHouseandLearningCentrehasbeenanexemplarymemberofNetworkWestforover2decades.WewerefortunatetohaveCathyConnoponourCommitteeofGovernancefrom2014-2016.Cathy’sexperienceandinputhelpedtoshapeNetworkWest’sStrategicPlan2016-2019puttingtheorganisationinagoodpositionforthenext3years.

FarnhamStNLCwerealsoaHostontheApril2016OrientationandInnovationsTourthataimstoshowcaseandsharegoodpracticeincommunitydevelopmentacrossthewesternregion.

Cathyspokeaboutthe‘MarvellousMentalHealth’projectandparticipantsfromtheprojecttalkedaboutwhatthepro-gramhasdonefortheirconfidenceandsenseofbelonging.HearingfromparticipantsintheFarnhamStNLCprogramwasahighlightoftheday.

NetworkWestwouldliketothankCathyandherstaffforthevaluablecontributiontheymaketotheNHsectorandwelookforwardtofuturecollaborations!

SandraDigiantomassoNetworkWest

‘AsCommissionerforSeniorVictorians,IwouldliketoexpressmycongratulationstotheBoard,Cathyandtheteamfortheoutstandingworktheydoinsupportingseniorsintheirlocalcommunity.Ihavebeendelightedtoattendsomeoftheprogramsfirsthandandexperienceboththeenthusiasmanddedicationofthestaffandvolunteerswhocontributesomuchtothelocalcommunity.FarnhamStreettakesveryseriouslyitsaimofprovidingprogramsandservicesthatmeettheneedsofthelocalcommunity,includingolderpeople.ForthatIthankFarnhamStreetaswelltheseniorsinthelocalcommunitywhovolunteerandparticipateintheseimportantactivities.TheopportunitiesprovidedatFarnhamStreetcertainlyaddsignificantmeaningandpurposetothelivesofsomany.

GerardMansourCommissionerforSeniorVictorians

27FARNHAM ST NEIGHBOURHOOD LEARNING CENTRE - ANNUAL REPORT 2017

OUR SUPPORTERS AND PARTNERS

MooneeValleyLibraryServices

NetworkWest

FlemingtonCommunityCentre

InnerNorthClusterpartners

Carlton Neighbourhood Learning Centre

Kensington Neighbourhood House

North Melbourne Language & Learning

Wingate Avenue Community Centre

The Centre

Cohealth

FlemingtonKensingtonLegalService

NorfolkTerraceContinuingCareUnit

NewmarketBaptistChurch

MooneeValley/MaribyrnongLocalLearningandEmploymentNetwork

WaratahMentalHealthServices

JobProspects,Workskil,Matchworks

St.Brendan’sPrimarySchool

FlemingtonPrimarySchool

MountAlexanderSecondaryCollege

CommonwealthRehabilitationServices

MooneeValleyCouncil

LearnLocalSouthWesternRegion

HigherEducationandSkillsGroup

DepartmentofHealthandHumanServices

RERossTrust

State Government