Our Vision, Our Mission, Our History

Our Vision

Kyabram Community and Learning Centre will operate as a financially viable and friendly, personalised yet professional model of integrated service delivery, providing a benchmark for community development and service outcomes in both the Human Service and Adult Education field.

Our Mission

"The Kyabram Community and Learning Centre is committed to the provision of integrated services (educational, recreational, social and psychological) to meet the needs of people in the district in a friendly, caring and respectful environment."

Our History

Like most good things, Kyabram Community & Learning Centre started in a small way. Following a meeting convened by Community Services Victoria (CSV), the Town Council and local churches in 1982 to examine community needs, a steering committee was established. On October 17th 1983, the Kyabram Community Centre opened in a room at the theatre, with a coordinator employed through State Adult Education funds for 12 hours a week. Within 2 years, the organisation had moved to the Bradley St end of the Town Hall with CSV funds employing a Neighbourhood House coordinator for 15 hours per week.

Committee and staff were proactive and successful in accessing state and commonwealth funds, to provide additional services to meet community needs. As new services were added lack of space became a major problem. Rooms were leased and, by 1997, KCLC was providing services for 800 people a week in four different venues. This became five venues, when contracted to provide Skillshare services in 1997. The scattered facilities made it difficult for clients and staff and limited service delivery.

The committee modified the name to Kyabram Community and Learning Centre in 1998 to more clearly indicate to the community the scope of the services.

After extensive consultation with the community, the Shire of Campaspe, regional funding bodies and politicians, the committee's vision of providing integrated services in a one-stop shop became a reality. In January 1999 the new Kyabram Community and Learning Centre in Lake Rd was opened by the Premier of Victoria, Jeff Kennett. The government provided $500,000 (Community Support Fund) the Shire of Campaspe, $150,000 and Kyabram Community and Learning Centre $350,000 for this project. A Centrelink outpost, touchscreen, offices for job network members and outreach services were then possible.

The Centre's community planning forum in October 2000 recommended an extension and this was completed for 2002. This $400,000 project was funded jointly by the Bracks State government (CSF Adult Community and Further Education Building Fund), and the Kyabram Community and Learning Centre. Mr Bill Carrolan's services, as project manager, were provided by the Shire of Campaspe.

Working bees by staff, committee, volunteers, Friends Of The Centre and the Kyabram Lions Club were critical in meeting budgets.

2002 saw West Goulburn Community Health Service staff based at Lake Road to utilise the integrated service model to increase their services to customers.

2003 was an eventful year. In addition to celebrating its 20th birthday, the Centre was named Outstanding Provider of the Year in the Adult Learner’s Week award as well as a student, Lesley Bell, being named Learner Of the Year. I September the Centre also received the award for Small Training Provider of the Year in the Victorian State Training awards. This was followed in October by the Australian National Training Authority (ANTA) awards in which the Centre received the national Small Training Provider of the Year award.

The State government funds the Neighbourhood House and Family Support programs and they also subsidise Childcare. They also fund through Adult Community and Further Education some training programs and Learning Towns. Other programs have to be fee for service.

The committee and staff continue to work to access state and commonwealth funds to improve and expand services so the community is not disadvantaged by living in the Kyabram area. The Centre also encourages other agencies to provide services from the Centre. This benefits the community directly but also indirectly through staff sharing ideas.

Latest News and Events

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