Due to staffing changes and re-establishment of our offices after the February Bushfires in Victoria, the offices of the Central Ranges LLEN will be temporarily closed from Thursday 25th of June until Monday 13th of July.

If you have contacted our office, we will endeavour to reply to your email or voicemail as soon as we can, but we would encourage you to make contact with us again when our office re-opens on July 13th.

Updates regarding our association's activities can be found here on our web site or on ;

Twitter at twitter.com/crllen [If you follow us on Twitter, you might win one of our mystery prizes!] or Flickr at http://www.flickr.com/photos/crllen/

We apologise for any inconvenience our temporary closure may cause.

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The Department of Planning & Community Development under Aboriginal Affairs Victoria is committed to establishing a new partnership with Indigenous Victorians. The new arrangements will involve the development of the Local Indigenous Networks (LIN). LINs are providing communities with an opportunity to identify aspirations, local challenges and issues.

The LINs will provide a local Indigenous voice direct to Government, help build the skills of community members, and deliver concrete plans about practical improvements in local communities.

Wannik – Learning Together - Journey to Our Future, an Education Strategy for Koorie Students is a Victorian Government initiative in partnership with the Victorian Aboriginal Education Association Incorporated (VAEAI) and the Department of Education and Early Childhood Development (DEECD).

The focus of the Wannik strategy is to improve educational outcomes for all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students across the whole of Victoria’s government schools through targeted improvement strategies and actions.

DPCD/AAV and DEECD would like to invite community people to an informal meeting to hear more about these new arrangements.

Date: Tuesday 23rd June 2009

Time: 5:30pm- 7:30pm (Light meal provided)

Where: Seymour Community Arts Centre (Seymour Technical High School) - Google Map
Corner of Anglesey and Loco Street, Seymour

For catering purposes can you please let Jacqueline Martyn or Deb Kiley know how many will be in attendance and if there are any special dietary requirements.

RSVP: Thursday 18th June 2009

Deb Kiley Ph: (03) 5761 2114 or email: Kiley.Debra.b@edumail.vic.gov.au
Jacqueline Martyn Ph: (03)57 22 7118 or email: jacqueline.martyn@dpcd.vic.gov.au

What an incredible month has just passed for the members and stakeholders of the Central Ranges LLEN.

There is considerable strategic activity happening across all sectors and local government areas served by the Central Ranges LLEN. Here is a snapshot.

• Trade Training Centre Application - After twelve months of planning, 400 hours of project work and over 20 meetings including all the Principals, many senior staff and the school councils of the 10 Government Secondary and Catholic Secondary Schools in the shires of Mitchell, Murrindindi, Strathobogie and City of Whittlesea, collaborated on a 15Million dollar, region-wide capital investment strategy [co-ordinated across all partners schools] for enhanced Trades Training Facilities covering all 3,500 year 9-12 students in Government and Catholic schools. The application was submitted to the Commonwealth Government on June 9th.

• Prime Minister visits bushfire reconstruction - The Prime Minister, The Hon. Kevin Rudd and Parliamentary Secretary for the Victorian Bushfires, Mr. Bill Shorten made low-key personal visits to Flowerdale and Kinglake this week to review the status of the recovery and reconstruction effort. Winter is now upon us and condition across many of the worst affected areas will begin to deteriorate rapidly as mud, slush sleet and snow increase across the region. The Bushfire-assistance fund established by the Board of the Central Ranges LLEN is still operating and has assisted many students and families with the purchase of new equipment, transport and other items to assist with education and training needs.

• A Skills and Training Dividend - The Board of the Central Ranges LLEN is corresponding directly with both the Chair of the Victorian Bushfire Reconstruction and Recovery Authority Ms. Christine Nixon and the Federal Parliamentary Secretary for Victorian Bushfires, Mr. Bill Shorten. The purpose of this dialogue is to ensure that both the immediate and longer-term reconstruction efforts include planning that will encourage and stimulate the creation of higher level training, apprenticeships and pathways opportunities for local people. Within this dialogue, the Department of Education, Employment & Workplace Relations [DEEWR] invited the CEO of the CRLLEN to make one of the three presentations at a region-wide meeting for Employment Services Providers, Centrelink, Australian and State Government departments and the Victorian Bushfire Reconstruction and Recovery Authority, in South Morang today, Friday 29th May 2009.

• Marysville Triangle Reconstruction - As part of this very important work, the Central Ranges LLEN is also contributing detailed social, economic and youth labour market data to a study being conducted by the Boston Consulting Group on behalf of VBRRA to develop a planning framework and strategy for the reconstruction of the Marysville triangle.

• Members may not be aware that the VBRRA has also released its first report on activity to date. The 100 Day Report was presented to the Premier of Victoria, John Brumby, and Parliamentary Secretary for Bushfires, Bill Shorten, at the official opening of the Marysville Temporary Village on May 17th.

• Award Honours Local Business Trailblazer - The Hon. Jacinta Allan made the presentation of our "Trailblazers Award" to Ellamber Homes at our Annual General Meeting in Flowerdale. The Minister spoke of the importance of the work of the Local Learning and Employment Networks in coordination of education and employment pathways for young people making the transition from school to work. The Minister complimented the work of the many volunteers and stakeholders that come together to provide local, but strategically important planning decision that involve business and industry.

• Kyneton Education Plan - The school councils of Kyneton Primary School and Kyneton Secondary College met and approve the the basis of the new "Kyneton Education Plan". The two schools will join with the kindergarten and create a school of about 1,100 students. The Kyneton Education Plan, involves the proposed merger of Kyneton Primary School, Kyneton Secondary College and Lady Brooks Kindergarten in a K-12 school (that also includes early childhood and allied health services)

Note: Have you caught us on Twitter yet? Our Twitter ID is CRLLEN

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Bushfire Employment Network Meeting - A great start!

At the invitation of the Department of Employment, Education and Workplace Relations [DEEWR], the Board of the Central Ranges LLEN was represented by its CEO at a meeting of Employment Services Providers, Centrelink, Australian and State Government departments and the Victorian Bushfire Reconstruction and Recovery Authority, in South Morang today, Friday 29th May 2009.

The CRLLEN was pleased to be invited to make a presentation to the assembled groups, highlighting the challenges and opportunities created by the bushfires for employment, education, training and skills development across the region.

The Board has been represented in meetings and corresponded with both the Federal Parliamentary Secretary for Bushfire Recovery, Mr. Bill Shorten MP and the Chair of the Victorian Bushfire Reconstruction and Recovery Authority, Ms. Christine Nixon. The board is advocating a view that identifies a real opportunity to establish a skills and training dividend from reconstruction activity that will support the affected communities long after the visible and physical re-construction efforts have finished.

DEEWR is looking to engage with communities affected by the Victorian bushfires and to work in partnership with other agencies to ensure that all available resources are used effectively to promote local employment opportunities and support those who have been affected by these tragic events.

We commend this approach and look to actively support such networks.

The meeting today brought together a number of key stakeholders to ensure that all available resources will be used effectively to promote local employment and support those affected by the Victorian Bushfires.

Presentations focused around both the immediate tactical and the longer term strategic challenges and opportunities facing the skills and employment sectors.

The aim of the meeting was to:

• identify existing and emerging opportunities for employment and skills development
• support existing initiatives such as the Community Service Hubs
• facilitate connections between service providers, employers, councils and Local Recovery Committees
• contribute to the development of an ongoing, locally driven employment strategy

Although in the early stages, it appears the aims of the meeting were well and truly achieved. We look forward to briefing members further as developments occur.

Bushfire Authority Reports On Progress 100 Days On

Members may not be aware that the VBRRA has also released its first report on activity to date. The 100 Day Report was presented to the Premier of Victoria, John Brumby, and Parliamentary Secretary for Bushfires, Bill Shorten, at the official opening of the Marysville Temporary Village on May 17th.

We highly recommend all members and stakeholders take the opportunity to review this report.

Download

The 100 Day Report

Related Links:

Victorian Bushfire Reconstruction and Recovery Authority

Department of Employment, Education and Workplace Relations

• Central Ranges Environmental Scan

• CentralRanges LLEN Bushfire Support Fund

• Rising from the Ashes Concert - Tonight, Yea May 29th!

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Dear Members and Subscribers,

Our new web facility is up and running and our transfer is complete.

We now have our new mapping and data applications running!

We apologise for any inconvenience caused by the website being offline.

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The ABC News reported today that the "end of the beginning" for the Kyneton Education Plan, [a project that the Central Ranges LLEN has been supporting and participating in since 2007], occured last night, with the primary and secondary schools of Kyneton in central Victoria voting in favour of merging. The ABC reports that;

Both school councils met last night and decided to approve the change.

The two schools will join with the kindergarten and create a school of about 1,100 students.

Architects will now draw up a master plan for a site next to the high school.

The high school's principal, Glenn Davey, says the new school will be better for students.

"It's very important for us in terms of teaching and learning," he said.

"We're aiming for what we call a stages of learning model, where it's kindergarten to grade four, years five to nine, and years 10 to 12."

[Source: ABC News]

Related Links:

Kyneton Primary School

Kyneton Secondary College

• "KEP 2007"

• Kyenton Education Plan 2009

Bendigo Regional Institute of TAFE

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Annual General Meeting 2009

The Board of Directors of the Central Ranges Local Learning and Employment Network Inc. [CRLLEN] advises that it held its Annual General Meeting on Friday May 15th 2009 at the Flowerdale Estate Retreat between 10:00am–12:00 Noon.

2009 also marks the beginning of the current 2009-2011 contract with the Victorian Government and members were updated on developments relating to the new contract and the impact of the recent bushfires on key projects and planning.

Minister Allan presents Keynote and Trailblazer Award

The Board was honoured to host the Honourable Jacinta Allan MP, Minister for Skills and Workforce Participation as our Keynote presenter.

The Minister spoke of the importance of the work of the Local Learning and Employment Networks in coordination of education and employment pathways for young people making the transition from school to work. The Minister complimented the work of the many volunteers and stakeholders that come together to provide local, but strategically important planning decision that involve business and industry.

Minister Allan also presented the 2nd "Trailblazer" award.

This award recognises and honours a local business that demonstrates leadership in the commitment to the education and training of young people.

Ellamber Homes was selected because of its commitment to young apprentices and the skilled pathways it provides to training and employment opportunities, even during difficult economic times.

Mr. Mark Denton, owner and proprietor of Ellamber Homes was pleased to accept the award and noted the importance of ensuring young people are given high-skilled opportunities to that lead to long-term employment.

Minister Allan commented how appropriate it was that the nomination for the Trailblazer award came from one of Mark Denton's existing employees, a fully qualified Tradesman that completed his own apprenticeship with Ellamber Homes.

Full details and a full report on the 2009 Annual General Meeting can be found by following the link below:

www.centralrangesllen.org.au/agmreport2009

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The Victorian State Budget for 2009-2010 was presented to Parliament today Tuesday May 5th 2009 by the Hon. John Lenders MP.

According to the Treasurer, John Lenders, the 2009-2010 Budget is focussed on "securing up to 35,000 jobs next financial year to fight the impact of the Global Financial Crisis... the focus of a record infrastructure investment in the 2009 State Budget.

This budget has a number of significant implications for LLEN Members and stakeholders.

As a service to members we have provided a set of focused links to key budget areas and included YouTube presentations from key Ministers.

Included are links to full budget documentation as well as summarised Press Releases from a range of Ministerial Portfolios relevant to the work of the LLEN.

This list is not intended to be exhaustive, nor is it an assessment of the details of the announcements.

We encourage LLEN members and stakeholders to review, digest and comment on areas relevant to their specific field[s].

Victorians will be able to put their questions about the 2009-10 Victorian State Budget directly to Treasurer John Lenders in an online chat forum to be hosted on the Premier of Victoria's website – www.premier.vic.gov.au

Treasurer Lenders will be online Wednesday night between 8:00pm and 9:00pm, Wednesday 6 May, answering questions about the Victorian State Budget.

To assist members and stakeholders digest the elements of the state budget, we have provided a summary of some of the key features of the budget.

www.centralrangesllen.org.au/vicbudget0910

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The Central Ranges Local Learning and Employment Network was pleased to be a guest of long-time partner Transfield Services to witness the Deputy Prime Minister, The Hon. Julia Gillard, launch the Transfield Services’ Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) today.

The Reconciliation Action Plan aims to significantly increase Indigenous employment in its Australian business and increase engagement with Indigenous communities and culture.

The plan, which was created in conjunction with Reconciliation Australia, is the 11th corporate RAP and the first in the Australian Services market.

Launching the plan today at RAAF Base Laverton, Victoria, Ms Gillard congratulated Transfield Services on their commitment to improving employment and training opportunities available to Indigenous people.

“Reconciliation is about building relationships, understanding cultural differences and taking action that will make a positive difference to Indigenous people. A good job and training opportunities can make a big difference in a person’s life and their family’s life,” she said.

Transfield Services is the 11th company in Australia to develop a RAP, joining with companies such as BHP Billiton, Qantas and National Australia Bank.

Transfield Services Chief Executive Officer, Australia and New Zealand, Mr Bruce James, said today: “Our plan aims to increase the number of Indigenous people we employ and to increase engagement with Indigenous communities and our employees’ understanding of Indigenous culture through company-wide training programs.”

Co-Chair of Reconciliation Australia, Professor Mick Dodson, said: “Transfield Services joins some 100 RAP organisations across Australia working towards closing the gaps between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians and this RAP is an excellent example of how both business and the community can benefit.”

In July 2007, Transfield Services launched its Indigenous Participation Strategy. Since then, the company has implemented a range of initiatives, including setting up an Indigenous Advisory Board, implementing online cultural awareness training for all employees and engaging an Indigenous Development Manager.

We congratulate Transfield Services and Reconciliation Australia on their leadership and initiative in this area and encourage all our members and stakeholders to consider similar initiatives in their own organisations.

Related Links

Transfield Services Indigenous Participation Strategy 

Transfield Reconciliation Action Plan  

Reconciliation Australia 

Reconciliation Action Plans 

Transfield Services 

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Dear members, friends and colleagues of the Central Ranges LLEN.

Our bushfire relief fund is closing on the 30th of April, so if you wish to contribute in some small way, you can do so online up until close of business on Thursday 30th of April.

To date, we have raised in excess of Ten Thousand Dollars, every cent of which is being circulated across our region. Our board thanks every contributor for their generosity, it has been truly overwhelming.

Our goal for this small fund is simple, we want to ensure the impact of the worst Bush-Fires in the State's history have as minimal an impact on a young person's education, training or employment [as is possible] in such circumstances.

We will work personally with leaders in Schools, TAFEs, Neighbourhood Houses and partner agencies across the Mitchell and Murrindindi Shires to identify those in direct need of additional financial support for replacement tools, transport to courses, books, materials or whatever is deemed necessary and assist them directly on your behalf.

http://www.centralrangesllen.org.au/bushfirefund2009

Posted by Bill Coppinger on 28 April 2009; 8:47:47 AM from the The CRLLEN Board of Directors dept.

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The Kyneton Education Plan, involving the proposed merger of Kyneton Primary School, Kyneton Secondary College and Lady Brooks Kindergarten in a K-12 school (that also includes early childhood and allied health services) took another step closer to fruition last night with the delivery of a detailed report into the feasibility of the proposed sites and buildings.

SCA Facilities Management Consultant, Russell Collier, was requested by the Department of Education and Early Childhood Development to conduct a feasibility study with options for the provision of facilities associated with the recommendations in the plan. Following investigation of existing buildings, site sizes, proposed school and kindergarten developments, existing facilities and their current condition and the potential cost of redevelopment, Mr Collier has recommended that the three campuses (K-4, 5-9 and 10-12 as proposed in the Education Plan) be co-located on the existing secondary school site and vacant DEECD land immediately adjacent to the secondary college and adjacent to the community sporting facilities.

While the respective primary and secondary school councils are yet to accept the recommendations there are plans for a community forum to be held on Tuesday 12th May at 7:30pm at the Kyneton Primary School, to enable community members to hear more of the detail of the report and contribute opinions and ideas.

Should the recommendations be accepted the plan will then progress to the engagement of architects to create a master plan of the proposed K-12 school with the view to seeking funding in either the 2010-2011 or 2011-12 budgets.

Related Links:

Kyneton Primary School

Kyneton Secondary College

• "KEP 2007"

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Annual General Meeting 2009

The Board of Directors of the Central Ranges Local Learning and Employment Network Inc. [CRLLEN] wishes to advise all members that its Annual General Meeting will be held on Friday May 15th 2009.

• Where: The Flowerdale Estate Retreat

• When: Friday 15th May 2009

• Time 10:00am till 12:00 Noon

The 2009 Annual General Meeting will brief members in person about the results of the work of the LLEN in 2008 and the trends we have seen developing over the last seven years.

2009 also marks the beginning of the current 2009-2011 contract with the Victorian Government and members will be updated on developments relating to the new contract and the impact of the recent bushfires on key projects and planning.

We are pleased to announce that the Honourable Jacinta Allan MP, Minister for Skills and Workforce Participation will be presenting the 2nd Annual "Trailblazer" award. This award recognises and honours a local business that demonstrates leadership in the commitment to the education and training of young people.

A morning-tea/light-lunch will be provided for all members. As space is limited, we ask that members book and reserve places early to avoid disappointment.

This is free of charge for all full members of the association.

For full details, including nomination forms and association rules, please follow the link below:

http://www.centralrangesllen.org.au/agmreport2009

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The student leaders of Yea High School were particularly busy this morning, gratefully accepting a generous offer from Transfield Services [ASX: TSE].

Mr. Terry Collins, the Garrison Services Manager at Puckapunyal Army Base, provided the loan of a Mini Bus that will support a number of students to travel to and from vocational training and employment commitments across the district.

Industry and School members of the Central Ranges LLEN came together at Yea High School this morning to make a number of presentations to the students and school community of Yea, in support of those affected by the recent bush fires across the district.

This is in recognition of the serious disruption to families caused by the fires and is provided to ensure students can maintain some continuity in their education and training during the early stages of recovery from such a major event.

Mr. John O'Meara, Principal of Yea High School said :

The idea for an appeal for a mini bus came from an activity we ran where students answered a number of quiz questions. One of the questions was ‘What would make Yea High School even better?’ Answers included;

Could Mr. O’Meara make it rain?, Can we get some green grass for our oval?, Improved playground facilities, A pool, Shorter classes, Longer breaks, A green hockey field, A mini bus

The mini bus seemed the best option – we do have an immediate need for one and it would add to our curriculum options for the future.

Transfield Services has been a long-term partner of the Central Ranges LLEN and we are pleased to see their willingness to support students and families in times of difficulty. We thank Mr. Terry Collins and Mr. Neil Birtchnell for their ongoing support of our communities.

While the loan of the mini-bus will assist with immediate short-term needs, Yea High School has also set a target for local fund-raising to purchase a permanent mini-bus.

Leanne Pleash, Board member and Treasurer of the Central Ranges LLEN was also on hand to make two additional presentations on behalf of the Board and members of the association to the students of Yea High School.

These presentations included a donation of Two Thousand dollars [$2000.00] towards the Yea High School Mini-Bus Appeal and a further five hundred dollars [$500.00] provided directly to the High School to assist some families directly affected by the fires.

Ms. Pleash said;

..our association has received generous donations to our Bushfire Relief Fund from across the region, state and country and it allows us, in a small way, to assist young people and their families to stay connected to the opportunities that education and training can offer.

The student leadership team are seen here accepting these donations on behalf of the school community.

In thanking all of the donors who had contributed , Mr. O'Meara pointed out that the motto that has been adopted since the school reopened on February 16th has been ‘Better Together’, this was born out of the conversations Mr. O’Meara had had with many students and families as he visited them in their homes or in the relief centres during the week immediately after the dreadful fires of February 7th.

Related Links:

Yea High School - Better Together

• Central Ranges LLEN Bushfire Fund

Transfield Services

Victorian State Schools Relief Committee - BushFire Appeal 2009

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Community consultation sessions

Community Consultations Sessions will occur in:

Registration is essential.

The purpose of the consultations is for individuals from fire-affected communities to discuss their views about key issues in relation to the inquiry to be conducted by the Victorian Bushfires Royal Commission.

The consultation sessions are open to those Victorians who live or work in the communities directly affected by the bushfires which the Royal Commission is visiting.

Seating is limited so you are encouraged to register promptly. Please tell us if you require accessibility assistance.

Details can be found at:

www.centralrangesllen.org.au/bushfireconsultations09

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