TABLE OF CONTENTS
VISION AND MISSION STATEMENT
PRESIDENT’S REPORT
MANAGER’S REPORT
CAMDEN HEAD PILOT STATION
VISION
Camden Haven Community College will continue to operate as a notfor-profit, community-based Registered Training Organisation (RTO).
It will provide equitable access to education and training through a diverse range of quality, professional, vocational, foundation and general learning opportunities that reflect the changing needs and interests of the Camden Haven and other communities.
The College will be managed in an ethical manner and integrate sustainability into training and facilities.
MISSION
To offer a friendly, supportive and inclusive environment in which individuals can achieve their potential.
To be responsive to the community and provide education opportunities to satisfy its diverse needs and interests.
To provide direct relief of poverty, suffering, distress, misfortune, helplessness or disability in the community through training, education, advice and provision of other services which provide learning and development outcomes to enhance opportunities.
PRESIDENT’S REPORT
BY VAL EVANS
At the 2023 Annual General Meeting the following were elected to the Management Committee.
Val Evans ……………..... President
Cate Potts ……………… Deputy President
Joneen Troup ………….. Secretary
Bruce Dunlop ………….. Treasurer
Merrilyn Cahill …………. Committee Member (to December 2024)
Tony Denzel ……………. Committee Member
Julie Reiss………………. Committee Member
Noni Hades………………. Committee Member (November - May)
The Committee met six times.
CAMDEN HAVEN COMMUNITY COLLEGE
PRESIDENT’S REPORT
BY VAL EVANS
COLLEGE NEWS
As a frequent visitor to the College, I witness the passion and enthusiasm that students, trainers and staff bring to our environment. It is a place of positivity and hope where everyone can learn, discover and reach their full potential. It is a place of teamwork where those with the greatest challenges are supported and achievements celebrated.
This year we have seen record numbers of students embarking on nationally accredited training, leading to meaningful and secure employment. The demand for aged, disability and community care workers has never been higher with many students securing employment during their training. Other students come to us as trainees, being released from work to complete their studies. Whichever path our students take they become vital members of the workforce in our communities.
The cost-of-living crisis is real for our communities. Thanks to government initiatives we continue to deliver much of our accredited training and some of our lifestyle training fee free. We know how important learning and social connectivity are and every effort is made by the College to deliver opportunities that are financially accessible for everyone. The success of our new lifestyle courses is testament to community demand for life wide and lifelong learning. There is something for everyone and everyone belongs.
CAMDEN HAVEN COMMUNITY COLLEGE
PRESIDENT’S REPORT
BY VAL EVANS
STAFF
CONTINUED
YEAR 2024
We have seen a number of staff changes this year. After working in a number of positions, Mikaela left us to move north and we welcomed Diane as a permanent member of the team at Taree coordinating Lifestyle courses. Daniel has effortlessly taken on the role of Outreach Support, focusing primarily on the Manning Valley area and Hayley has moved from her role with the Pilot Station to looking after Lifestyle courses and reception at Laurieton. Both Jennifer and Kylie continue to manage our VET data seamlessly (not always an easy task!).
The next big change for the College comes with the retirement of our Training Manager in October. Veronica has been working with the College since 2016 and has been a leader in our vocational training. With a lifetime working in aged care her knowledge and wisdom have provided the cornerstone to our specialisation in aged and disability care. Veronica will be sorely missed but we wish her every happiness in her retirement.
Noni, previously part of our management committee, has been reqcruited as Veronica’s replacement. She brings exceptional skills to the College and I’m excited to be working with her. Noni has a background in management and disability.
Gilly’s outstanding leadership as Manager with her open communication style and her genuine care for staff and student well-being, is resulting in a positive and harmonious work environment.
When I reflect on staff changes in recent years, I am delighted by the talent the College has been able to attract and I look to the future with great optimism.
CAMDEN HAVEN COMMUNITY COLLEGE
PRESIDENT’S REPORT
BY VAL EVANS
COMMITTEE
CONTINUED
It was a sad year for the Committee with the passing of our only Lifetime member, Joan Otley. Joan passed away in September. She was a major contributor to the College over many years as a guiding figure on our Management Committee. She volunteered as President for ten years and then as Deputy President. We miss her wisdom, her commitment to adult education and her love of life. Joan will always be our exceptional nonagenarian.
Merrilyn Cahill, who had served the Committee for over 17 years, stood down in December. Merrilyn supported us through changes, challenges and opportunities and we miss her warmth and wisdom at each meeting. Merrilyn encouraged us to recruit some young blood to the Committee and we welcomed Julie Reis in September. Julie comes to us with an impressive background in nursing and nursing research. She has quickly become a key member bringing critical thinking and a deep love of community. In November Noni joined us from the disability sector. Whilst we valued her contribution to the Committee she couldn’t resist the opportunity to prepare for the Training Manager role and is now working with the College management team.
I would like to acknowledge all Committee members for their ongoing dedication and hard work. Special thanks to our Vice President, Cate and Treasurer, Bruce. The Committee has been involved in some difficult decisions this year which have been navigated with professionalism and empathy.
One of those decisions was the return of the Pilot Station to Crown Lands. Management of Camden Head Pilot Station reverted to Crown Lands on May 31. After nearly 25 years as the Trustees, the College stepped back from the role. Crown Lands will engage in a process to identify suitable Trustees to guide the Pilot Station through its next chapter. It has been an honour to manage the Pilot Station, maintaining the buildings and surrounds as an important part of the fabric of our community. I would sincerely like to thank the tireless efforts of our volunteers in the maintenance of the Pilot Station.
A WORD FROM THE MANAGER
It has been a wonderful year for the College and the communities we serve.
Our trainers have consistently delivered a variety of vocational and general interest courses that have changed lives.
Each week is like a celebration as we come together and learn about much more than our chosen subject.
Our College belongs to the community and it’s a delight to share the highlights of a year made possible by the Camden Haven and Manning Valley residents.
MANAGER
MANAGER’S REPORT
THE YEAR IN SUMMARY
CONTINUED
Our success comes from a wonderful team or trainers and administration staff who provide student focussed training and wrap around support. There are many highlights for the year including:
New team members who share a passion for adult education and bring exceptional skills to the College.
Recruitment of an Outreach Support Officer to maximise the impact of Adult Community Education (ACE) in our area for those who need it most.
Trainers who invest in their professional development to ensure they deliver best practice training, adapting to the needs of students.
A dedicated Committee who have worked together to manage many challenges throughout the year.
Introduction of new courses that promote active lifestyles including pickleball and chair yoga.
Introduction of additional lifestyle courses on Saturdays, increasing accessibility to training across the community.
Presentation of Introduction to Autism training helping families, professionals and service providers better understand Autism.
Investment in a data collaboration project that will inform our practice and provide additional evidence of our success.
Ongoing support from the Department of Education for both ACE and Smart and Skilled funded training.
Continued high employment outcomes for our VET courses.
Ongoing success of our community garden in Laurieton with outstanding support from local business.
Partnership with PCYC in Taree to assume management of their community garden.
Ongoing financial sustainability.
The NSW Department of Education have recognised the College as a high Performing Provider.
Continuing support from our peak body Community Colleges Australia (CCA).
MANAGER’S REPORT
PARTICIPATION
A day at the college is a joy as we welcome students from all walks of life. They arrive with differing objectives but all share a willingness to learn, a thirst for knowledge. Some are nervous as they take their first steps in adult education but those nerves quickly dissipate.
Nearly 900 students participated in training last financial year. Of the 1588 enrolments 57% were vocational enrolments, each representing an opportunity for the student and our community. Our focus remains on aging, disability, and in-home care. Local industry relies on our quality training to upskill existing staff and create more industry-ready workers.
Many students have completed CHC33021 Certificate III in Individual Support, often securing employment before studies have been completed. We are seeing a growing trend of people who already work in the industry completing qualifications to enhance their skills.
Many former students have gone on to complete a Certificate IV in their chosen specialty making a real difference in the quality of care offered in the area. All students are encouraged to participate in Foundation Skills (language, literacy, and numeracy) which is integrated into their vocational training. Our Foundation Skills training is available as a stand-alone option for many students.
Mental Health First Aid and Aboriginal Mental Health First Aid courses continue to be popular. Many employers are seeing the benefit of such training and encourage their workforce to participate. We were able to offer a refresher course this year ensuring skills are maintained for previous students. All staff at the College are encouraged to participate, a vital component of supporting vulnerable students.
Skills in foot care, medication management, first aid and manual handling have been important features of our vocational training. We are keen to respond to the individual needs of employers and often provide training in the workplace.
Despite a tight fiscal environment, State and Federal Governments have continued their commitment to supporting vocational education with fee-free opportunities for training in many targeted industries, including aged/disability care. There are finite resources with the college working hard to ensure we grasp every opportunity.
Students find our training accessible, informative, and supportive. Our Tech Savvy Seniors program continues to be popular at both Taree and Laurieton. Our Lifestyle training has continued to be popular with new courses added at Taree and Laurieton. We have been successful in adding courses to encourage active lifestyles including pickleball, chair yoga and bowls. We hope to introduce more in future with opportunities across ages and abilities.
MANAGER’S REPORT
NSW GOVERNMENT SUBSIDISED TRAINING
ACE PROGRAM -
CONTINUED
Our ACE program has supported mostly disadvantaged participants in nationally accredited training. Working within the ACE guidelines, we have also supported many regional students with vocational training and provided non-accredited opportunities for both. ACE funding provides a platform for engagement and change in our communities that wouldn’t otherwise exist. We are looking forward to another successful year supporting those in the community who need us most.
Support from the ACE team in the Department continues to be exceptional. They create a platform for collaboration and learning, constantly promoting best practice. Through additional ACE funding, we have been able to recruit an Outreach Support Officer to work with students, encouraging them on their journey. The role is already seeing great results and we look forward to it becoming a fixture of the college team.
SMART AND SKILLED PROGRAM -
The majority of students who participated in the NSW Government Smart & Skilled program through our college qualified for fee-free training. Our highest activity was in CHC33021 Certificate III in Individual Support. We continued to be able to offer a number of CHC Certificate IV courses to students fee free which has enabled many local workers to upskill and provide even better care in their chosen profession. Local facilities and service providers have encouraged and supported staff knowing that additional skills translate to improved care. We are hopeful that access to fee free training will continue, supporting vital services.
Enrolment of Trainees continues to increase particularly in the Manning Valley area. We have worked closely with aged care and disability providers to support their trainees throughout their studies, adapting our training schedules to meet the needs of the industry. Ongoing success with trainees is encouraging service providers to engage additional trainee cohorts and explore options for students seeking Cert IV training opportunities.
The year has seen fiscal tightening for both state and federal governments and we expect this trend to continue. Irrespective of the financial landscape, we continue to experience strong support from the Department and enjoy a close working relationship.
MANAGER’S REPORT CONTINUED
THE TEAM
Our team has a great depth of skills and experience ensuring our communities get the very best from their Community College. Everyone involved with organising and delivering training brings exceptional talent to their role and a passion for community education. The team is nimble, creative and committed to the people they serve. We love helping, we love seeing success for others and I know next year we will strive to do it even better.
I must make special mention of our vocational trainers who bring their vast industry experience to every course we run. They put their all into face to face learning encouraging students throughout their studies. Their stories and energy make the industry real and they are the backbone of our training excellence.
Our lifestyle trainers are equally adaptive and inclusive, enriching the lives of students. Special thanks to Robyn, our IT trainer, who has worked with the College over many years. Her ongoing patience and skill has helped hundreds of students master many aspects of the digital world, gaining in confidence and eager to master their next set of challenges. We are never too old to learn and the Community College provides the warmest and most welcoming environment, whatever your journey.
Next year will see more changes with the retirement of our long time training manager, Veronica. I would like to acknowledge everything she has brought to the college, to aged and disability care and to my personal journey in adult education. I will continue to have her number on speed dial.
“A chain is no stronger than its weakest link”. The team at Camden Haven Community College has no weak links and I am humbled to work with them all.
ROBYN MARTIN TSS & IT TRAINER
CAMDEN HEAD PILOT STATION REPORT
This report comprises a brief synopsis of events and progress at the Pilot Station in the last 12months from July 2023 to June 2024. Our final report as Trustees of the Camden Head Pilot Station.
We would like to give a huge thank you to all those that worked and volunteered over the years to restore, preserve, maintain and truly appreciate the Pilot Station. We have been incredibly lucky to have been entrusted with this beautiful property and hope it is loved, celebrated and well cared for into the future.
MAINTENANCE
Maintenance is ongoing at the Pilot Station. Our new plumbing and Lawn contractors were proven more cost effective and did a wonderful job.
Our volunteers continue to be an important part of keeping the house and grounds well maintained. As they arise, they find solutions to many problems with minimal expense. Volunteers have been a fundamental part of the Pilot Station’s success over many years.
ACCOMMODATION
July 2023 to June 2024 the occupancy rate was as follows
JUL (31) 20
Aug (31) 15
Sep (30) 27
Oct (31) 31
Nov (30) 27
Dec (31) 29
Jan (31) 31
Mar (31) 26
Apr (30) 12
May (31) 15
Feb (31) 25
Jun (30) 0
Total occupancy days 250 as opposed to 287 for the previous year. Figures show the Pilot Station had an occupancy of 74%. With a month closure as we resigned as Trustee on the 31 May 2024.
Bookings have been strong throughout the year with regular guests opting for long stays. We noticed a drop in bookings in late Autumn and into Winter much like pre Covid bookings. Bookings were also effected by the uncertainty of our future tenure and subsequent resignation of Trustee.
CAMDEN HEAD PILOT STATION REPORT
CONTINUED
EDUCATION
Donna Rawlins and Simon French held a wonderful two day children’s workshop in late June at Laurieton Primary School to the delight of all the teachers and students involved.
Our annual art and photography resident Diane Goodman now has a wonderful cohort of local budding artists and photographers that have sold out all her workshops during this year’s stay.
CULTURE AND HERITAGE
Our collaboration with both the Birpai and Bunyah Local Aboriginal Land Councils remain strong. We worked closely with the historical society after their committee shuffle with Pam investigating maritime research for both organisations.
ENVIRONMENT
Landcare activities at the Pilot Station have continued steadily. Two volunteers left the program but we gained three more. Ian continued to lead the team, supported by Max, Dave and Julie. Dave and Julie dedicated an hour each Tuesday to Landcare, while Max and Ian contributed up to three hours per session.
The increased volunteer hours and numbers significantly enhanced our efforts to combat weed infestations. As a result, we have undertaken extensive plantings to promote native vegetation in areas previously cleared of weeds. Additionally, our volunteers successfully completed the natural fence along the headland boundary.
We have actively collaborated with the Council and National Parks to address and prevent the illegal removal of trees, which has been a recurring issue on the Pilot Station easement.
THANKS
In finalising this report I would like to thank volunteers Ian, Pam, Max, Dave, Julie and Peter for their work and support. I would like to acknowledge the support of the Management Committee and my colleagues at the College. Thank you all. It has been an honour to manage the Pilot Station, maintaining the buildings and surrounds as an important part of the fabric of our community.
TESTIMONIALS
Jocelyn - BSB3021 Business Studies Student
This course has been an incredible experience to me. I am so grateful for the opportunity to learn from you and benefit from your extensive knowledge and skills. I truly appreciate the time and effort you put into helping me grow. Your dedication and expertise have been invaluable to me.
Julie - CHC33021 Certificate III in Individual Support Student
I have been blown away with the professionalism of CHCC and how wonderful all the staff, teachers and fellow students have been, thank you for such a wonderful opportunity and allowing me to grow and begin a new career at this stage in my life.
Veronica Peterson & Noni Hardes VET Training Managers