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Learning all about the health industry

The Health Support Services course is progressing exceptionally well, with our cohort of 14 students demonstrating impressive enthusiasm and engagement. This course aims to provide insights into career paths within the health support sector.

Our students are not only deepening their understanding of potential career opportunities but are also actively shaping their professional journeys. The inclusion of guest speakers and site visits has proven to be highly beneficial. These real-world interactions equip students with practical knowledge and help them in making informed decisions about their future roles.

We are also offering personalised support in resume building and interview skills, thanks to the expertise of job professionals. This tailored assistance is helping students enhance their applications and prepare effectively for interviews.

The course will be offered again in 2025. Additionally, BCAL provides similar pathway programs in the Care and Support sector, including Childcare, Aged Care, and Disability Support. For further information head to

Industry Tasters

Join us for our Hairdressing and Horticulture Taster Days. For only $50 over two informative and engaging days, you’ll receive a sneak peek into both the Certificate courses launching in 2025.

In Hairdressing, you’ll have the opportunity to practice on fellow classmates, friends, family, and manikin heads—perfect for trying out different hairstyles and techniques.

The Horticulture interactive, hands-on taster sessions will include propagation, pruning, plant selection, garden design and soil testing.

If you’re considering a future in these fields, come along on Wed 13 & 20 November for both Horticulture and Salon Assistant and take the first step towards a new career!

Find out more:

Adult Learners Week

BCAL marked Adult Learners Week with an emphasis on the significance of lifelong learning, highlighting that it is not only important but also enjoyable. Each class had the opportunity to demonstrate their learning to fellow students and participants. Migrant English students shared a quote about themselves in their native language and then translated it to English.

Spider plant workshops were presented by Horticulture students, an AI demonstration by the IT class, hair braiding, a captivating original song performed by music students that had the entire audience singing along, portraits showcased by the Photography class, mouth-watering traditional dishes prepared by the Migrant English class, and delicious desserts created by the Capacity Building participants.

Science Fair Winners

When the Bass Coast Community Foundation hosted a Science Expo at the Town Hall, the Reading, Writing and Maths class decided to enter. Their participation paid off as they won the Post Secondary section! Each student received a t-shirt with science logos or a cap, along with a share of $200, while BCAL was awarded a $100 prize.

The literacy and numeracy class is filled with enquiring minds! Science is often described as being about asking questions rather than knowing all the answers, and these students embody that spirit. One day, they noticed a puddle caused by a teabag string hanging out of a cup. Instead of simply cleaning it up, they were curious to understand why it happened. They connected this observation with other surface tension experiments they had conducted. Spectators at the Expo enjoyed interacting with Jaide's volcano experiment, adding baking soda, vinegar, and red food dye to create an eruption. They also learned about how 'germs' can be destroyed by products like Morning Fresh, with colourful posters illustrating diseases caused by germs, such as measles and anthrax.

To join this great course head to...

Winter Fantasy Festival

The inaugural Winter Fantasy Festival at BCAL was a creative and community-driven event, led by art teacher Camille Monet. The festival aimed to foster community connections and offer a fun and creative experience.

Participants from Camille's art classes showcased intricate costumes made from repurposed materials, embodying fantasy versions of fairy tale characters. One participant, Shelley, honoured her late brother by dressing as Groot, appreciating how the art class fosters her creativity.

The event featured collaboration among various BCAL groups, with hairdressing students crafting bold styles and photography and art students exhibiting their fantasy-themed works.

Dr. James Chong emphasised the festival's theme of living in the moment in his speech. Attendees enjoyed a variety of delicious foods, and the band Eagles and Snakes provided entertainment, with BCAL participant Jade captivating the audience with her singing.

Camille Monet plans to expand the festival to the public next year, promising an even larger and more exciting event.

Edible Gardens - February 2025

Hibernating gardeners, it’s time to emerge and start planning and planting now for a harvest of fabulous summer and autumn food. BCAL's Bass Coast Edible Gardens team is starting the hunt for 15 inspiring gardens and gardeners, across Bass Coast, to participate in our showcase event on 8 and 9 February 2025.

Growing food gardens requires hard work and planning. Producing an open gardens event requires recruiting gardens, promoting the event, organising volunteers, and more. Bass Coast Edible Gardens is our major fundraiser and the working group is looking for people to lend a hand in these tasks. If you’re interested in helping out or want to showcase your garden email bceg@bcal.vic.edu.au

New Course Offers Pathways into Health Services Employment

Bass Coast Adult Learning is launching an exciting new course aimed at preparing adults for entry-level positions within the health services sector. Titled "Get Ready to Work in Health Services," the course promises to equip participants with essential skills and knowledge required for various non-clinical roles in hospitals and healthcare centres.

Scheduled to commence on Friday August 23rd, the 10-week program will run every Friday from 10am to 3pm. Designed to cater to individuals seeking employment opportunities without formal qualifications, the course will cover a wide range of topics crucial to succeeding in roles such as food services, cleaning, facilities maintenance, medical reception, hospital attendants, and environmental services.

Participants will delve into practical subjects including safe food handling, infection control measures, and effective workplace communication specific to healthcare environments. The curriculum also includes sessions dedicated to understanding job descriptions, improving application processes, and networking with local health service professionals to enhance job prospects.

"Get Ready to Work in Health Services" goes beyond basic job readiness by exploring potential career pathways within the sector, such as advancing into roles like theatre technician through further education and training opportunities. Guest speakers, seasoned in various aspects of health services employment, will share insights and tips to provide participants with a comprehensive understanding of the industry.

"This course is an excellent opportunity for anyone interested in starting a career in the health services field," said Olivia Hurrell, Course Coordinator at Bass Coast Adult Learning. "Whether you're looking for part-time, casual, or flexible employment options, this program will equip you with the skills and connections needed to succeed."

Enrolment for the course is currently open, and interested individuals are encouraged to secure their place early due to limited availability. To enrol or for more information, prospective participants can https://www.bcal.vic.edu.au or contact the office on 5672 3115.

By offering practical training, industry insights, and networking opportunities, "Get Ready to Work in Health Services" aims to empower local adults with the tools needed to embark on a rewarding career path in the thriving healthcare sector.

Garden Gems

We are thrilled to see the 2024 Garden Gems workshop series going so well. Proudly brought to you by Bass Coast Shire Council in partnership with Bass Coast Adult Learning, this exciting program aims to cultivate a culture of sustainability, health, and community connection through the joy of gardening. The feedback from our inaugural workshops has been overwhelmingly positive, exceeding participants' expectations across the board. Attendees have praised the workshops for being enjoyable, entertaining, and highly educational, with a focus on practical, low-cost solutions to establish diverse and healthy garden systems. Many expressed newfound confidence in composting and worm farming, areas often clouded by conflicting advice. Here are just a few of the glowing remarks we've received: · "Really enjoyable, entertaining and educational - with emphasis on easy, low-cost solutions and establishing diversity and health in a garden system. Thanks Rick!" · "Thanks so much. This workshop demystified composting and worm farming - I now feel confident to have a go!" · "The workshop was very well organised at PICO with relevant materials to support the activity and education on the day. Rick Coleman presented in a very down-to-earth manner with a practical demonstration." · "This workshop was so informative and interesting; delivered in an easy-to-understand way with encouragement every step of the way. It instilled a strong desire to extend my own attempts at keeping a worm farm and creating compost. Rick has a delightful way of sharing his wealth of knowledge." · "Excellent workshop with very interesting information and a very knowledgeable speaker. Entertaining, informative and fun. Highly recommend." It's not too late to join us for future Garden Gems workshops! Whether you're a seasoned gardener or just starting out, there's something for everyone. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to enrich your gardening skills and connect with fellow community members. Click the link below to register for upcoming workshops and embark on your journey with Garden Gems.

Begin your horticulture career this July

A certificate in horticulture offers skills beyond gardening, including garden design and plant advice, propagation, sustainable practices, and research skills. Student Shaye says she's become obsessed with seed collecting and planting them wherever she goes.

There is a large outdoor classroom (as well as an indoor one) with raised garden beds, where they grow produce and plants to attract pollinators. There's also a pond, a native plant garden and a polyhouse. Students engage in practical learning with outdoor gardens and a polyhouse. “I'm a keen gardener already,” says horticulture student Diana, “but I have been astonished by how much more I've learned.”

Migrant English excursion

Recently the Migrant English students went on an excursion to the National Gallery of Victoria. The students loved the social experience of travelling together on the mini bus to Melbourne and chatted and laughed all the way. They saw works from China, India, Korea, and South-East Asia as well as Japanese Art and works from Britain and Europe of the 13th-16th Century. They were lucky to have a beautiful Autumn day. It was fun to see the students fitting in so well with all the Melbourne folk. Lots to see!

Partnership for success

We are excited to announce a recent partnership project with Coldon Homes and Capeview Building Products. Together, we delivered workplace communication and leadership training. This collaboration was developed to enhance the skills and effectiveness of employees within the local building industry, fostering better communication, teamwork, and leadership within the workplace. BCAL has a longstanding commitment to providing high-quality adult education and training programs to the community. With a focus on lifelong learning and professional development, BCAL offers a range of courses designed to meet the diverse needs of learners across various industries. Coldon Homes and Capeview Building Products are respected names in the local building sector, known for their commitment to excellence and innovation. Recognising the importance of investing in the development of its workforce, Coldon Homes and Capeview Building Products sought out opportunities to enhance employee skills and capabilities.

English & Maths

Reading, Writing and Maths for Life Teacher, Annie Chisholm, takes our reading, writing and maths for life classes. She likes to write an email to each student when at home. Recently, Annie asked students to reply, outlining the topic that they enjoyed the most. Here are some of the answers: • My favourite class was when I got introduced to Free Rice. My favourite thing about Free Rice is that you can learn different types of languages. My favourite language is German because my Aunty Connie is German and my cousin Axel is starting to learn more words in German. I like that I can do my schoolwork at home. The best bit of class is Show and Tell and News. (Jaide) • One class I really remember is when Annie showed us how to do a science experiment using a bowl filled with water and pepper sprinkled on top. Then you put washing detergent on your index finger and touch the water. The chemical reaction (surface tension) causes the pepper to spread outwards, it is very interesting to watch. (Pece) • One class I really remember is the egg experiment class where we put an egg into a glass of water and covered them over with vinegar and food colouring and then let them sit for a week to see what would happen to them. After the week the result was the shell of the eggs went slightly soft and transparent and had taken on a pinky-red colour from the food colouring. (Vael) • I’m new to your class, so I wasn’t here for all these activities. So I’d like to share that in year 9, my favourite activity was the play. It was about the history of dinosaurs and volcanoes. We choreographed a dance and sang songs about volcanoes and dinosaurs. (Summer)

Harmony Day Celebrations

Bass Coast celebrated its cultural diversity with a successful turnout for Harmony Day in Wonthaggi. The event saw a diverse mix of local organisations, schools, migrant and refugee groups, and community members in attendance. Steve Parker performed a Welcome to Country and a smoking ceremony before the group paraded down the main street to Wonthaggi Neighbourhood Centre at Mitchell House.

Attendees provided a variety of multicultural foods representing different cultural backgrounds. Mayor Clare Le Serve of Bass Coast Shire expressed gratitude to everyone for being part of such a significant day.

Moo Kyi, a migrant from Thailand, shared her experience of the warm welcome she received from the local community. She is a former BCAL Migrant English student and is currently an employee at Rose Lodge. The ABC Back Roads program captured the event, and we eagerly anticipate watching their coverage on television soon.

Climate Collaboration meeting

Energy Innovation Co-operative Ltd recently hosted its first Climate Collaboration gathering, bringing together 16 organisations from various sectors such as manufacturing, environmental groups, education, renewable energy, government, and tourism.

Leaders from diverse fields united to envision a more sustainable future for the Gippsland region.

The event highlighted talks on community resilience, energy education, and emerging innovative technologies in Gippsland. Special focus was given to educational initiatives reaching all community members, from older individuals to primary and secondary school students.

Rhyll excursion

The Migrant English class went to Rhyll Wetlands and participated in an art work entitled INSCRIPTION. Students worked with artist Carmel Wallace on a 100m long canvas ‘path’ that is used to provide a pathway to contemplate of aspects of local environments.

Each time the INSCRIPTION 'path' is unrolled and walked upon, markings, memories, and stories of the particular place are embedded in it, enriching the previous layers and forming a palimpsest.

For exhibition it is hung in the form of a heartbeat-reading in acknowledgment of the essential role of natural environments for personal, community and climate health. It was a magical experience for all involved.

Successful Edible Gardens Weekend

Over 700 individuals visited 17 gardens supported by 70 volunteers during the third annual Bass Coast Edible Garden Weekend, making a total of 3,550 visits. Navigating all the gardens was a challenge, but some determined visitors managed to see them all.

Attendees came from Bass Coast, South Gippsland, and Baw Baw shires, as well as an increasing number from Melbourne and its suburbs, highlighting the event's expanding popularity.

Gardeners dedicated months of effort to make their gardens beautiful and were very generous in sharing tips and tricks with visitors on growing delicious, healthy produce.

The event organisers strived for diversity in garden size, type, and gardening methods, ensuring there was something for everyone to enjoy. One of the event's goals is to promote home gardening, as everyone agrees that the taste of homegrown fruits and vegetables is unmatched, not to mention the cost savings.

Local gardener Heather was thrilled to win the raffle, sponsored by Bunnings, which included a wheelbarrow filled with gardening supplies. Generous sponsors, Bass Coast Shire Council and Westernport Water also contributed to the success of the weekend.

If you're interested in opening your garden next year or volunteering, stay tuned for the call for expressions of interest in a few months.

Summer Sessions

Capacity Building Summer Sessions were a hit once again! The day out started with a visit to Caldermeade farm for morning tea, then ten-pin bowling followed by an all you can eat feast at Lynbrook Hotel.

The animals were a highlight at Caldermeade, feeding the goats was a hoot! They are funny critters.

Next we jumped on-board the VIP Van with Marcus from Chauffeur So Good for a trip to the South Melbourne Market with a guided foodies tour. We were able to taste so many foods, from oysters to chocolate, breads and pastries. Our guide was fantastic, very knowledgeable and entertaining. We could not leave without having a famous South Melbourne Market Dim Sim, no matter how full we were.

Lastly, we enjoyed a day out in Fountain Gate and enjoyed watching Wonka on the big screen, in the comfort of Gold Class. Every day out was jam-packed and full of fun!

Horticulture Landscaping

The Certificate lll in Horticulture students have completed their beautiful Indigenous Gardens, which they hope becomes a quiet space for students and staff to reflect and appreciate the plants and wildlife of the area. After many delays and an in-depth design process, the garden has taken most of the year to complete. Students created and followed a comprehensive plan including budget, time frame and WHS considerations. After the hard work of clearing the site was complete, students were able to dig out a pond and level the site, all by hand. Students individual expertise contributed to the amazing outcome. It is extremely satisfying to see the birds taking a dip in the ponds and birdbath, lizards, lounging, and BCAL's resident snakes’ home is respected.

Cowes' Berninneit cultural centre performance

Migrant English students were invited to the lively opening of the new Cowes Cultural Centre, Berninneit. They participated in the The Living Circle Concert Parade, by singing a song ‘Everyone is Welcome’ by Dr Laura Brearley. The students joined audience members in a procession through centre, singing the song in different places. Exploring Art class teacher, Camille Monet assisted her students to make banners and headbands of shearwaters, whales and other marine animals to carry in the parade.

Check out the video by Terry Melvin

Celebrating International Day of People with Disability

Exploring Arts students, unveiled its' exhibition, ‘Looking in the Mirror,’ to an enthusiastic audience. The exhibition is a vibrant collection of various mediums, photography and colours, each piece reflecting the participants’ unique talents. The arts program is led by talented local artist Camille Monet.
“The participants were asked what they feel and think about themselves and express it on a painting. I think they have done a wonderful job.”
Following the exhibition, was the BCAL annual event, titled ‘CelebrateAbility,’ which is a laid-back celebration of the participants’ achievements and hard work throughout the
year.

As part of the festivities, participants and their supports were treated to a delightful lunch prepared by the staff.
Local rock duo Alysha &
Duffy provided lively entertainment, and participants were even given the chance to
paint their own t-shirts.

Salon Assistant excursion

Students had an excellent opportunity to explore career pathways after completing their course with a recent excursion to Melbourne.

Elly Lukas Beauty Therapy College, one of the stops on the excursion, offers courses in beauty, massage, and spa therapy. Owner Alex Zotos, gave the students a tour of the modern campus, which boasts well-equipped classrooms with makeup room mirrors, dry and wet spa areas, and manicure and
pedicure rooms. The rooftop lounge area with stunning high-rise views was a highlight.

The second stop was BIBA Academy Fitzroy, a Registered Training Organisation with vibrant, hands-on learning opportunities in hairdressing and barbering. Students gained valuable insights and had the
chance to ask lots of questions.
BCAL is now taking enrolments for the 2024 intake of Certificate II in Salon Assistant.

Capacity building parties hard

One of our Capacity Building school holiday sessions included a disco with an amazing local DJ. DJ Rach rocked her turntables and participants, staff and supports danced until they could no longer. Participants played limbo between music sets and requested their favourite hits. We even had some dance battles and choreographed numbers. Participants left exhausted but elated, asking when DJ Rach would return. You can find her on socials at Bass Coast Entertainment.

Statewide leadership opportunity

The Adult, Community and Further Education (ACFE) Board is funding three Learn Local Industry Practice Networks in 2023; Aged Care, Building and Construction and Health Support Services. BCAL’s Partnerships Coordinator, Olivia Hurrell, was recently allocated the Health Support Services Network. She will lead a group of adult learning centres across the state to deliver quality training programs for entry levels jobs in hospitals, community health centres and private practices. The aim of the Health Support Services Network is to engage and involve employers in the design and delivery of training. According to the current Victorian Skills Plan, the healthcare and community services sector, the ‘care economy’, is one of the fastest growing sectors in Victoria. We look forward to sharing the outcomes of the project in mid-2024.

Horticulture students create new pond

Horticulture students have been working hard to prepare a pond in their garden. As part of the Certificate III in Horticulture, Landscape Design and Plant Establishment module, students have designed the pond to provide a habitat for frogs, lizards and birds and to create a space for recreation and education. The pond was dug out according to safety standards, lined with sand to protect the polyurethane liner and secured with some temporary paving around the edge. The day after filling the pond with water, students were ecstatic to discover a duck swimming in the pond. The pond is a great start to the planned landscaping and students look forward to fine tuning the pond in the coming weeks.

75th Anniversary of AMEP

This year is the 75th anniversary of the Adult Migrant English Program. It is a program that started in the 1940s in Australia. Both sides of the government supported having more migrants coming to live and work in Australia. They understood that there needed to be an English language program to help people settle into our country. The BCAL Migrant English class decided to celebrate this occasion during Adult Learners Week. We shared a cake and presented the class’s learning story and collage to students, staff and guests of the BCAL community.