VISTA: Opportunity for PD

Learning Communities - Hume Global Learning Village; Visy Care Learning Hubs
August 26, 2008
OVERVIEWThis event focuses on exploring the nature of learning communities and showcases the developments within the Hume Global Learning Village and Visy Care Learning Hubs. The event provides an overview of the focus, history and structure of the Hume Global Learning Village and showcases the VISY care project as an example of a community collaborative learning project
1. TARGET GROUPThis event is developed for those VET practitioners wishing to learn more about a world leading community collaborative organisation in which schools, community organisations, enterprises, public and private RTOs and Higher education work in a seamless education and training provision to meet the needs of a challenged and diverse community. Target number: Maximum 60
2. EVENT STRUCTURE AND METHODOLOGYPolicy and Management practice contextGeorge Osborne, Manager Learning Communities (Hume City council), explores the policy context under which the Hume City Council provided leadership for the development of a collaborative learning environment to support the learning needs of residents and those working within a defined municipality. The focus is on how the Council drew together the community, community agencies, education and training agencies to provde a seamless connection to learning opportunities for residents of the Hume municipality. The Hume Global learning Village has been highlighted by the Deputy Prime Minister as a world class exemplar of an integrated approach to community learning.
Implementation context - Case study - Sally Anne Wilkinson will present the VISY Care program. This program, conducted by VU, examines the processes to identify needs and bring stakeholders together.
The Case study:In 1999 a group of men who were working in the justice and judiciary system were brought together by a key community liaison worker in the Victoria Police and two lawyers. This group included Victorias most senior Supreme Court judge Justice Frank Vincent (soon to be Chancellor of Victoria University- (VU) and a range of colleagues. Their motivation was to be part of a solution instead of a part of the constant stream of young lives that were coming into the courts.The group sought advice from Dr Robyn Broadbent, a highly regarded youth expert from VU. The success of previous Visy Cares hub in Dandenong and international models was known and the concept of a co located youth service ( a one stop shop model) had appeal as it would leave the physical structure in the community and be accessible to the full community. Victoria University has a long standing commitment to the western region of Melbourne. Encapsulated in the latest policy framework of the University as ; To resource three initiatives for a better life in Melbourne’s western suburbs and to share this knowledge with other communities in Australia or overseas that face similar challenges. (Taken from Visy Cares Hub Report 2007) The Visy Cares hub has been in operation now for 8 months, it provides an entry point for training and support of young people, including lifeskills and recreational programs, legal aid, refugee support, housing, mental health services student support, especially language and literacy, career advice, community links. This presentation will explore the drivers and pitfalls in the set up and discuss how, in a mere 8 months there has been a significant change in retention, training and employment outcomes for youth in the West.
Date: 26th August 2008
Time: 3pm - 5.00pm
Venue: Hume Global Learning Centre, 1093, Pascoe Vale Road, Broadmeadows
Cost: (incl. GST) VISTA members $25; Non members $40
Tea and coffee available on arrival
Parking: Free parking available at the south aspect of the Hume Global Learning Centre (accessible from Dimboola Road, Broadmeadows)
Tour of Hume Global Learning Centre is available following the presentations
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Sent by VISTA, Suite 203 21 Bedford Street, North Melbourne 3051------------------------------------------------------------------------