Students in Kew are getting hands-on horticulture experience at the Boroondara General Cemetery, in an innovative course tailored to students with a disability supported by the Andrews Labor Government.
Minister for Training and Skills and Higher Education Gayle Tierney and Member for Southern Metropolitan Region Nina Taylor today visited Kew Neighbourhood Learning Centre to meet students and staff involved in the Transformation Through Partnership initiative, which is led by the Learn Local organisation.
The program builds skills in horticulture for young people with a disability, who are then given practical experience by restoring an historical memorial garden in an overgrown part of the adjacent Boroondara General Cemetery.
The course – which received a $50,000 investment from the Labor Government – is delivered by an experienced horticulturalist to a cohort that often misses out on specific training opportunities.
The Transformation Through Partnership initiative is a collaboration between lead partner Kew Neighbourhood Learning Centre, Swinburne University, Burke & Beyond, and Greater Metropolitan Cemeteries Trust.
Learn Local providers make a huge difference in their communities by delivering adult community education programs. They help people who need extra support to turn their lives around with programs for people of all ages and from all walks of life.
The Labor Government has committed $5 million for a new Language, Literacy and Numeracy Initiative to enable registered Learn Local providers to build their capacity, broaden their offerings, and provide greater support to more learners.
“Learn Locals offer such important hands on training. But perhaps more importantly, they offer greater connections with the community and they empower vulnerable people.”
—Minister for Training and Skills and Higher Education Gayle Tierney
“The Victorian Government is funding Learn Locals like the Kew Neighbourhood Learning Centre to help these providers to transform lives and support incredible programs.”
—Minister for Training and Skills and Higher Education Gayle Tierney
“This training doesn’t just give skills to locals, it creates confidence and builds connections with the community.”