Lifelong Learning - City of Townsville · Lifelong Learning Strategic Action Plan 2014-2017 11...

Lifelong Learningstrategic action plan 2014-2017www.townsville.qld.gov.au

The Lifelong Learning Strategic Action Plan 2014-2017 builds upon the previous Lifelong Learning Strategic Action Plan 2012-2014. It recognises the importance of learning to the ongoing development of a strong, vibrant and economically sustainable

community. It is recognised that individuals who engage in lifelong learning are more likely to participate actively in society and community life which fosters community cohesion and development.

This plan has been developed from a recent community learning survey and engagement with key stakeholders. The survey and engagement process identified four guiding principles to underpin the delivery of community-based learning opportunities by council. These are access and equity, collaboration, literacy and skills development and leadership.

Our engagement with the community has revealed opportunities to develop new programs and opportunities to foster partnerships and networks so that the city will be a community

that values learning in all its forms. The provision of lifelong learning programs will contribute to addressing the challenges of population growth, unemployment and social inclusion. The current unemployment rate for the Townsville region is the highest in the state at 9.7%. Similarly our population growth is higher than the state average at 2.5%. This population growth is particularly evident in the residential development that has occurred in the Northern Beaches, Bohle and Deeragun areas where families have settled in pursuit of affordable housing. As a consequence 20.7% of the population of Townsville is under the age of 14 years which impacts upon how council develops its lifelong learning programs.

The Lifelong Learning Strategic Action Plan 2014-2017 can become a driver for real change in Townsville. The development of new programs and collaborative learning partnerships can improve social outcomes, build community capability and strengthen community governance.

Cr Jenny Hill

Mayor of Townsville

mayor’s foreword

contents

Mayor’s Foreword . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

Definitions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

About Townsville . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6

Our Achievements 2012-2014 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8

Building A New Plan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

Vision For Townsville . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

Lifelong Learning Strategic Action Plan 2014 -2017 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

Guiding Principles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

Strategic Alignment –Townsville City Council Documents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

Early Childhood (Birth To School) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19

School Years (6-17 Years) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21

Adults . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .24

4 Lifelong Learning Strategic Action Plan 2014-2017

definitions

Formal learning is systematic and takes place formally as accredited courses in schools, universities and other institutions and training organisations.

Informal learning is unsystematic and occurs when we learn a new skill, like knitting, in a casual and social setting.

Learning community Learning community is any city, town or village and surrounding area, that using lifelong learning as an organising principle and social goal, promotes collaboration of the civic, private, voluntary/educational sectors in the process of achieving agreed upon objectives related to the twin goals of sustainable economic development and social inclusion. (Faris and Peterson, p.17)

Lifelong learning is the ongoing and lifelong process that improves knowledge, skills and competencies within a personal, community or employment-related sphere. It is fundamental to the changes that occur in these settings. Lifelong learning provides the opportunities to develop skills, grow businesses, make new friends, strengthen networks and build social capital in the community.

Non-formal learning is systematic and non-accredited learning that takes place in a workplace, home or community organisation.

Social inclusion is the process of including all people in the social, economic, political and cultural system of society so that they feel valued, their differences are respected and their basic needs are met and they can live in dignity. (Cappo, 2002)

Community engagement is a term used to describe a broad range of interactions between council and the community, including consultation and communication with the community, and involving and endeavouring to understand our community.

Community-based learning is learning that occurs when a community member shares their skills with another member of the community.

Learning Links is a register of people who are willing to share their skills with others. It is a simple, inexpensive way of learning a new skill that utilises untapped resources in the community.

Learning Townsville Directory is a one-stop shop for learning in Townsville. It is a searchable database of informal, formal and non-formal learning opportunities that provides a link to the websites of learning providers whether community organisations or formal learning institutions.


introduction

In early 2011 an extensive learning audit of the Townsville community was undertaken. As a result of that audit the Lifelong Learning Strategic Action Plan 2012-2014 was developed and guided the programs and activities implemented.

As the world around us changes, learning throughout life is an essential requirement to maintain employability, achieve personal fulfilment, build caring and cohesive communities and add to quality of life. Townsville City Council’s Lifelong Learning Strategic Action Plan 2014-2017 sets out council’s plan to work with the community to improve the lives of residents through the provision of lifelong learning opportunities.

Providing learning opportunities to babies and children early and often will help them to thrive at school, as will support for parents and carers in their role as the child’s first teacher. Students who engage at school and go on to further education have better job prospects and economic and health outcomes. Adults of all ages can continue to grow and develop by accessing a range of learning opportunities for pleasure or work, and help to build our city as a learning community.

Learning will be able to increase our minds, ability to think and complete tasks.


about townsville

The city of Townsville covers 3,736 square kilometres (0.2% of the total area of the State of Queensland). It is located on the Queensland coast about halfway between the tip of Cape York and the state capital, Brisbane. The city is dominated by the iconic Castle Hill, a rocky outcrop on the foreshore of Cleveland Bay. Magnetic Island, named Magnetical Island by Captain James Cook in 1770, lies eight kilometres offshore.

The traditional owners, the Bindal and Wulgurukaba peoples, are the first known people to have lived in the Townsville area. In the early 1860s, the first pastoral leases were taken out on land which later became Thuringowa Shire. In 1864, a small party was despatched to search for a site where a suitable port could be established and a boiling down works constructed. The new site was established by the mouth of Ross Creek. The name “Townsville” was adopted by the Queensland Government when the township was surveyed in 1865 and was declared a municipality in 1866. Today’s Townsville City Council was formed in 2008, when the city councils of Townsville and Thuringowa were amalgamated.


Townsville has a diverse economy in which significant industries include retail trade, health and education services, government administration and defence, construction, mining, manufacturing, property and business services. Together, Queensland Rail and the Port of Townsville provide a transport hub for the region’s mining and agricultural industries, as well as for locally-based Xstrata Copper Refinery, Sun Metals Zinc Refinery, Queensland Nickel and the Queensland Sugar Corporation Distribution Centre.

Our city is a major service centre, and the main centre for government administration outside Brisbane. Regional health services are provided by the Townsville Hospital. There are a number of research institutions such as James Cook University, the Australian Institute of Marine Science and the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority. Townsville is the site of a large Australian Defence Force community, due to Army and Air Force bases in the city. These have a major influence on the local economy.

Outside the southeast corner, Townsville is the largest city in regional Queensland. Our current official population count is 189,238 persons (Estimated Resident Population, 30 June 2013, preliminary). It is estimated that by 2036 we

will have a population of approximately 314,362 people (Queensland Population Projections, 2013 edition).

Unemployment for the Townsville region is 9.7 per cent, the highest in the state. Within the Townsville local government area it is 7.8 per cent, but unemployment is most apparent in the low socio-economic suburbs such as Garbutt-West End (12.5%) and Condon-Rasmussen (10%). The unemployment rate within the Indigenous population is 19.5%.

Unemployment is one of drivers of change in the types of programs we will deliver during the course of the next Lifelong Learning Strategic Action Plan. Others include population growth, including increased migration and resettlement of refugees, our changing environment and sustainability, recognition of the importance of literacy to personal and community outcomes, growing interest in volunteering by an ageing population who have skills to share, recognition of the importance of literacy to personal and community outcomes, and providing opportunities for creative expression and innovation.

Learning gives you a chance to get somewhere in life.


our achievements 2012-2014

programs and participation

>> Increased attendance at lifelong learning programs that meet the recreational needs of adults, in particular visual arts, language classes, environment and sustainability information sessions and digital literacy through the Digital Hub at CityLibraries.

>> Delivered English classes for adults and a homework mentoring program for high school students and residents from the CALD community.

>> Establishment of a technology space at CityLibraries Aitkenvale to raise awareness, promote creativity and develop content for online access.

>> Establishment of the Townsville Regional Digitisation Centre for digitising content from the local history collection and making it accessible via the internet.

>> Increased attendance at early literacy programs – Parent Information Sessions, Baby Rhyme Time, Storytime and Messy Play.

>> Implementation of the Leadership Development Program for senior staff through the Learning and Development Centre.

>> Continued to work with schools to provide opportunities for students to engage with visiting authors.

>> Expanded Learning Links to deliver English and French classes for adults.

>> Received grants from Communities for Children the Smith Family to deliver the Early Years Information Service, Department of Communications to establish the Digital Hub Townsville and the State Library of Queensland to develop the Townsville Regional Digitisation Centre.

access and equity>> Developed the Learning Townsville Directory,

the one-stop shop for information on learning opportunities in Townsville.

>> Partnered with Writers in Townsville, Townsville Writers and Publishers, the Foundation for Australian Literary Studies and the Children’s Book Council to deliver the Townsville Literary Festival in 2012.

>> Delivered English classes for adults and a homework mentoring program for high school students and residents from the CALD community.


>> Continued to provide family history research service for members of the Indigenous community.

>> Delivered lifelong learning programs as outreach in the community centres and in parks. Digital literacy classes are delivered regularly in community centres and Messy Play is delivered monthly in parks within the Townsville West area.

partnerships and networks

>> Partnered with Community Information Services to deliver Learning Links and the Learning Townsville Directory.

>> Established a memorandum of understanding with Queensland Health who provide a newborn and family drop in service for families twice weekly at CityLibraries Aitkenvale.

>> Maintained a memorandum of understanding with the Queensland Writers Centre, who provide four workshops annually for emerging writers in Townsville.

>> Hosted the Australian Learning Communities Network Regional Conference in May 2014.

advocacy

>> Administered the Learning Communities Leadership Group bimonthly meetings. This group is a community forum of council.

>> Participated in employment expos to promote council as an employer of choice.

>> Hosted three festivals of learning in May including a Literary Festival in 2013. The May Month of Learning Festival highlights the benefits of participating in learning.


building a new plan

The first Lifelong Learning Strategic Action Plan began in 2012. In late 2013 the Learning Communities Leadership Group undertook a workshop that considered the impact of that plan and the learning community initiative on the community. They noted that opportunities existed to build upon the strengths of the 2012-2014 plan to raise awareness about the value of learning to an individual’s health and wellbeing. In particular the delivery of the Learning Townsville Directory in the 2012-2014 plan provided a medium for achieving greater understanding through personal stories of achievements through learning. The Lifelong Learning Strategic Action Plan 2012-2014 was a high level strategic document that identified initiatives but did not contain measures for evaluating the impact of the strategies.

[Learning options] must be tailored to [the] existing

skills and learning abilities of participants. One size doesn‘ t fit all... language, disabilities and methods of learning [need to be taken] into account.


In developing the Lifelong Learning Strategic Action 2014-2017, council engaged with residents and community organisations. Overwhelmingly, residents considered lifelong learning very important to their lives and the lives of their family, and more than half those surveyed considered lifelong learning important for personal fulfilment. This recognition of the value of learning is underlined by council in their continued provision of informal learning opportunities by a number of council departments including libraries, galleries, community development, human resources, integrated sustainability services and corporate communications.

The Lifelong Learning Strategic Action 2014-2017 meets challenges faced by the Townsville community and is a key driver for change. In particular it provides support for parents and carers as their children’s first teachers, builds foundation skills for life and resilience in young people, supports their teachers and assists adults who are unemployed to build skills and maintain health and wellbeing. It provides opportunities to develop an innovative and creative community to build responsible citizens through information and learning on the environment and sustainability and a skilled and capable council workforce.

Building upon the 2012-2014 plan has entailed developing measures to evaluate the impact of strategy over the period of the plan. This will be done through each department’s operational plan and, as many of our programs and activities are delivered in partnership, we will measure the collective impact our community partnerships have in achieving outcomes in the Lifelong Learning Strategic Action Plan 2014-2017. Another change in the new plan has been to move from a thematic approach to one that reflects a person’s life stage, which is more aligned to council’s program delivery. Thus we have strategies linked to early childhood, the school years and adults. Incorporated into each area are social justice principles of equity and access to encourage inclusion and build social capital to create social cohesion and community wellbeing.

[Lifelong learning] broadens the mind, extends contact with

the community.


vision for townsvilleCreating a city of lifelong learners is a long

term vision. It requires strong leadership

guided by council’s Learning Communities

Leadership Group and CityLibraries. It needs

to be based on collaboration with community

organisations to facilitate innovation and

build momentum for ongoing participation in

learning throughout life and the creation of

a culture of learning in Townsville.

VisionTownsville – a city that values lifelong learning for its potential to build a cohesive and self-reliant community.

lifelong learning strategic action plan 2014 -2017

Empowering our community through learning and discovery.


guiding principlesThe Learning Communities Leadership Group is a high level reference group of council. The group is made up of dynamic and enthusiastic community leaders from the education, business and community sectors. The Learning Communities Leadership Group has links to the following community sectors:

Indigenouscommunity

Communitysector

Non government

schoolsRegistered

training organisations

Government sector

learningcommunitiesleadership

group

TAFENorth

Community members Business

sectorSeniors

University


The group advocates within their

networks for lifelong learning as a

means to support and develop our

community. This is done by:

Programs and participation – Provision of a range of informal learning opportunities through libraries, galleries and other council departments that meet the needs of the community and address emerging issues.

Social inclusion – All residents have access to opportunities for lifelong learning by addressing barriers to learning.

Collaboration – Working with community, business and government sectors to provide lifelong learning opportunities and achieve agreed goals.

Advocacy – Promote the value of lifelong learning as beneficial to personal and community well-being and economic growth.

Community Cohesion and

Wellbeing

social inclusion

Building self-esteem and sense of purpose to actively participate in the community

programs and participation

Building language and literacies

Building skills, interests and qualifications

Supporting business entrepreneurship

collaborationBrokering partnerships and

building networks of influence across sectors to

support agreed goals

advocacyActively communicating the benefits of lifelong learning

within sphere of influence and external networks


strategic alignment – townsville city council documents

townsville community plan 2011-2021

Leading, Creating, Connecting: shaping a place to be proud of.

themes

Strong connected community

Environmentally sustainable future

Sustained economic growth

Shaping Townsville

townsville city council corporate plan 2014-2019

The Lifelong Learning Strategic Action Plan 2014-2017 is linked to strategies within the Corporate Plan 2014-2019 that will deliver a vision of Townsville, capital of Northern Australia; the city with opportunity and great lifestyle. Corporate Plan themes are social sustainability, economic sustainability, environmental sustainability and responsible governance.

Council’s annual budget and operational plan links council’s strategic directions, set out in the Corporate Plan, to the programmes, projects, initiatives and ongoing activities to be delivered during a financial year. The plan is grouped via services and programmes.

This structure enables the community to see how council will deliver the services and through which programme. It also provides information on the objectives of each programme, how council will measure programme performance and the cost of each programme.

strategic alignment – other

>> TCC CityLibraries Strategic Plan 2014-2017.

>> TCC Visual Arts Strategy.

>> TCC Community Development Strategy 2014-2017.

>> The next horizon Vision 2017 for Queensland public libraries. Queensland public libraries – spaces to learn, work and create.

>> The Queensland Plan Queenslanders’ 30 year vision.


early childhood(birth to school)

outcomeTownsville is a community that supports the importance of early childhood development


Provide opportunities for language, literacy and numeracy development in the libraries and in the community.

actions

Increase opportunities for parents and carers to be actively involved in their child’s learning through the Best Start program.

new initiative>> Plan and deliver the Best Start program.

Partner with community organisations to deliver learning programs that support language, literacy and numeracy development.

ongoing initiatives>> Partner with the Community Information Centre to deliver the Childcare Options handbook.

new initiative>> Develop Literacy Network.

Increase participation in early learning programs in the libraries and in the community to support school readiness.

ongoing initiatives

>> Increase in early childhood programs within the community, both facilitated and in partnership with service providers.

Provide programs that are free for parents to encourage their participation in early childhood programs.

ongoing initiatives>> Annual increase in the delivery of parent sessions to support their role in their child’s development.

Provide accessible spaces within the libraries that meet the needs of children from diverse backgrounds.

new initiative>> Undertake an accessibility audit.

strategy

Lifelong learning happens informally all the time, it

is good to be able to identify and label opportunities to

support this.


school years (6-17 years)

outcomeTownsville is a community that supports school aged children to engage in a broad range of learning opportunities


strategyProvide a diverse range of opportunities for learning within council and in the community.

actions

Work with schools to support literacy development and curriculum outcomes in school aged children.

new initiative>> Develop two education kits for primary

students.

>> Promote Townsville City Council Education Pack to schools and community.

ongoing initiatives>> Increase delivery of Reading Links.

>> Continue to deliver Preps at the Library.

>> Provide three author visits to targeted schools annually.

Provide visual arts and cultural programs for primary, secondary and tertiary students and arts educators in the Townsville region.

ongoing initiatives Continue to deliver Creative Classrooms program:>> Lectures in Schools

>> Artists in Schools Programs

>> Art-in-a-suitcase program

>> Young Indigenous Printmakers

>> Gallery visits/tours

>> Gallery workshops

Provide environment and sustainability programs to schools and youth groups.

ongoing initiatives>> Catchment tours

>> Rowes Bay Sustainability Centre tours

>> Urban nature

>> Creek to Coral

>> City Solar

>> Water conservation

new initiative>> Lawn training module

Develop foundation skills for life and reliance in young people.

ongoing initiatives>> Review Loud Lounge program taking into

consideration year 7 transition to high school.

>> Increase delivery of Loud Lounge in library


branches incorporating recommendations of review.

>> Provide opportunities for active citizenship for young people through fortnightly meetings, activities and projects of the Youth Council.

>> Provide School Holiday Program.

>> Deliver School Breakfast Program to students to support learning, health and wellbeing.

Enhance access and participation in learning through recreation and technology.

ongoing initiatives>> Promote Your Tutor to support students’

study.

>> Provide grants for young people to further develop excellence in sport.

>> Deliver community skills workshops on target topics related to sport, recreation, health and wellbeing.

new initiative>> Deliver quarterly programs for youth in the

technology centre in the library.

Provide support to young people with special needs.

ongoing initiatives>> Increase the number of homework help

sessions for CALD students to three per week at CityLibraries Aitkenvale to incorporate year 7 transition to high school.

>> Deliver Townsville Regional Therapy Program to support children with special needs in the education system.

>> Deliver Integration Program to provide opportunities for young people to access and participate in a variety of inclusive school holiday activities.

I personally believe that learning will help me in the future to become a better role model for

my people.

adults

outcomeTownsville is a community that encourages lifelong learning for quality of life, em-ployment and citizenship


strategy

Provide equitable access to lifelong learning opportunities that meet community needs.

actions

Provide diverse and affordable adult learning opportunities.

ongoing initiatives>> Undertake an annual survey of the

community to identify their learning needs.

new initiative>> Source online learning programs for adults.

>> Provide Lawn Module for water conservation online.

>> Promote the Learning Townsville Directory as the place to go for information on learning.

Support the achievement of functional Englishlanguage and literacy skills for adults.

ongoing initiatives>> Increase participation in English classes to

meet the need in the community.

Enhance opportunities for volunteering in Townsville.

Continue to expand community-based learning, through Learning Links volunteers sharing their skills with others.

ongoing initiatives>> Increase in the number of community-based

learning activities.

new initiative>> Develop a volunteer program for library

services.

Develop partnered lifelong learning programs that meet the needs of the community.

Partner with relevant organisations to provide programs that build literacy, employability and life skills for adults.

new initiative>> Implement a targeted program to assist the

unemployed to upskill and reskill.

Learning is a great thing.


Partner with relevant organisations to provide programs that encourage a healthy and active lifestyle.

new initiative>> Implement programs quarterly that focus on

a healthy and active lifestyle.

Partner with Integrated Sustainability Services (ISS) to provide programs that focus on environment and sustainability.

new initiative>> Deliver six programs focusing on

environment and sustainability (topics - Water, Energy and Nature) annually.

Through collaborative partnerships provide visual arts and cultural activities for individuals, groups, organisations and subcultures within the Townsville region.

ongoing initiativesContinue to deliver visual arts and cultural programs through:>> Art box programs

>> Art workshops programs

>> Family Fun Day programs

>> Art Escape programs

>> Artist Talks/Guided tours

>> Exhibition launches and functions

>> Townsville Artist Market and Cotters Market

Support the attainment of digital literacy through the provision of training and informal learning programs.

Build digital literacy skills in adults through training that meets their changing needs and skills development.

ongoing initiatives>> Continue to deliver weekly digital literacy

classes both in the libraries and as outreach.

Lifelong learning is valued as essential to a cohesive, self-reliant and aware community.

Advocate for the development of Townsville as a learning city.

ongoing initiatives>> Administer the Learning Communities

Leadership Group.

>> Hold annual Festival of Learning in May.

You are never too old to learn, whether personally or

professionally.


>> TCC staff participate in community and career expos annually.

new initiative>> Develop four learning stories annually to

promote lifelong learning and the Learning Townsville Directory.

>> Hold an annual learning forum of learning providers to share information and network.

>> Undertake three presentations in the community on the learning community initiative.

>> Advocate for the development of a Business Liaison Association in Townsville along the lines of the Cairns initiative that assists young people to meet their goals.

>> Build a self-reliant community through the provision of information on programs and services available in Townsville.

ongoing initiatives>> Produce an annual Seniors Guide to Council

booklet.

>> Provide financial support to the Community Information Centre to provide information that meets the needs of the community.

Build awareness of the environment and sustainability and foster behaviour change to create a reliant and sustainable community.

ongoing initiatives>> Provide 3-4 Open Days at the Rowes Bay

Sustainability Centre.

>> Partner with Townsville Water to provide one tour of the Mt St John Waste Water Treatment Plant during National Water Week.

Promote council as a corporate role model for organisational professional development and support.

ongoing initiatives>> Continue to support council staff by

providing learning opportunities that increase capability and their potential to make a valuable contribution to the organisation and the community.

>> Seek opportunities to engage with the community to promote career opportunities and council as an employer of choice.

For further information on council services or information contained in this booklet, contact the Customer Service Centre:

1300 878 001

[email protected]

www.townsville.qld.com.au

PO Box 1268, Townsville Qld 4810

Lifelong Learning - City of Townsville · Lifelong Learning Strategic Action Plan 2014-2017 11...

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