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Category: News

  • Preparing for the workforce

    Preparing for the workforce

    Students in Harriet’s Employable Me class have been working diligently on developing their resumes and cover letters as they prepare for future employment opportunities.

    A significant milestone was recently achieved when all students successfully completed their First Aid qualification, an essential requirement for many of the career pathways they are pursuing.

    Pharrin is currently applying to undertake a Certificate III in Individual Support at TAFE Gippsland. While NOC is keen to enter the domestic support sector, helping older people with everyday tasks such as cooking and shopping.

    Phani is being supported by Steve Lester from Gippsland Jobs and Skills Centre to secure a local Early Childhood Education and Care traineeship, providing a valuable pathway into the childcare industry.

    The Employment Me program continues to help students build the skills, qualifications and confidence needed to achieve their career goals.

  • Learning, nature and community at Annie’s Angus farm

    Learning, nature and community at Annie’s Angus farm

    Our English as an Additional Language students recently enjoyed a wonderful excursion to the Annie’s Angus farm, combining hands-on learning, environmental stewardship and plenty of fun.

    The day began with a spectacular welcome as two wedge-tailed eagles soared overhead, setting the scene for a memorable visit. Students walked through paddocks to inspect trees planted during previous visits and were delighted to see them thriving and growing strong. The group then made their way to the dam area, where Annie demonstrated how to use post-hole diggers before students planted new trees around the waterway.

    The activity provided valuable practical learning while contributing to local conservation efforts. The day also included opportunities to enjoy the farm’s natural abundance. Collecting mallow plants and picking fresh lemons proved especially popular, with students enthusiastically exploring the property and learning about local plants.

    No farm visit would be complete without sharing food and conversation. Students cooked damper together, enjoyed lunch outdoors and spent time singing and connecting with one another. Excursions such as these provide valuable opportunities for language development, community connection and environmental learning. We are grateful to Annie and Paul for their ongoing generosity and support of our students and look forward to returning again in the future.

  • Real-world beauty industry advice

    Real-world beauty industry advice

    Salon Assistant students recently gained valuable industry insights from guest speaker Andrea Linn, from the Gippsland Jobs and Skills Centre. She is also a successful beauty business owner, international trainer and founder of Del Luna Tans.

    Drawing on her own experiences in the beauty industry, Andrea shared practical advice about starting and running a successful business. Students learned about the importance of registering a business, obtaining the right insurance, setting up business accounts and understanding pricing structures.

    Andrea spoke openly about the learning curve involved in becoming self-employed and the importance of establishing systems that are compliant and certified in Australia.

    A key focus of the session was building a strong personal brand. Andrea encouraged students to think carefully about who they are, what they stand for and the type of clients they want to attract. She emphasised that success in the beauty industry is not just about technical skills, but also about building relationships, developing trust and creating a positive client experience. Students were encouraged to make the most of social media by regularly reviewing their content, showcasing their work and engaging with potential clients. Andrea discussed the value of word-of-mouth referrals, offering service packages and setting clear payment expectations, including taking payments upfront where appropriate.

  • Celebrating Vanessa’s Artistic Achievement

    Celebrating Vanessa’s Artistic Achievement

    Congratulations to BCAL Capacity Building participant Vanessa Redgen, who recently received a Highly Commended award for her artwork at the Corinella Community District Centre Art Exhibition, held over the King’s Birthday weekend.

    Vanessa has been a valued participant in BCAL’s Exploring Art sessions, where she has continued to develop her artistic skills, confidence and creative expression. Working alongside art facilitator Camille, Vanessa has embraced opportunities to experiment with different techniques, develop her unique style and build confidence in sharing her work with others. Camille’s encouragement, guidance and belief in her participants have helped create an environment where creativity can flourish.

    Vanessa’s recognition at the exhibition is a wonderful achievement and a testament to her dedication, talent and willingness to challenge herself creatively.

    The award highlights the importance of providing opportunities for people to explore their creativity, share their work with the wider community and celebrate their accomplishments. Through our Capacity Building program, participants are encouraged to develop new skills, express themselves and pursue their interests in a supportive and inclusive environment.

    We are incredibly proud of Vanessa and all that she has achieved. Her success is an inspiration to others and demonstrates the positive impact that creativity, mentorship and community participation can have on confidence and personal growth.

    Well done, Vanessa, on this well-deserved recognition!

  • Looking ahead: Term 2 at BCAL

    Looking ahead: Term 2 at BCAL

    Our hair students have also enjoyed a fantastic hands-on term, gaining practical experience and valuable tips in the BCAL hair salon. As we head into a new term, we’re excited to share what’s coming up at BCAL for Term 2.

    Our upcoming courses offer a range of options to suit different interests and goals. From employment-focused programs like Job Readiness, Be Work Ready and Employable Me, to hands-on learning in areas such as Hospitality, Computers and Horticulture, there’s something for everyone.

    We’re also continuing our popular NDIS Capacity Building sessions, supporting participants to develop life skills, independence and social connections in a safe and welcoming environment. Whether you’re looking to gain new skills, return to study, build confidence, or simply try something new, our supportive team is here to help you every step of the way. Enrolments are now open, and places fill quickly — we encourage you to get in touch to find the right course for you. We can’t wait to see both new and familiar faces in Term 2!

  • Planning Day for a strong year ahead

    Planning Day for a strong year ahead

    Learn Local Industry Practice Networks (IPNs) were created to build stronger connections with industry and help learners step into entry-level jobs. BCAL is proud to coordinate the Care and Support IPN.

    Recently, coordinators from across the networks came together for a planning day to reflect, collaborate and map out the year ahead. It was a great chance to align priorities, share ideas and plan what’s next.

    It was also exciting to see the Retail, Hospitality and Warehousing IPN now fully up and running — a big milestone for the program. With a shared sense of purpose and fresh energy, everyone is feeling positive about the year ahead.

  • Living Cultures – Harmony Day

    Living Cultures – Harmony Day

    We proudly hosted Living Cultures as part of Harmony Week — a vibrant celebration of cultural diversity. It was a sea of orange, symbolising inclusiveness, respect and belonging.

    The event brought people together through music, dance, storytelling, art and food, creating a warm and welcoming space to share cultures and experiences. There was a Welcome to Country by Aunty Melissa McDevitt-Weston, Bunurong/Boonwurrung/Yorta Yorta woman who said ‘It’s really important that everybody knows they are loved and needed in this community.’ There was Deep Listening with Lisa Kennedy — an Indigenous practice of connecting with each other and with Country.

    From interactive performances to shared meals and creative activities, the day showcased the rich traditions and stories of our diverse community. Thanks to Emma Bowditch and the BCAL English as an Additional Language (EAL) students for the beautiful multicultural lunch.

    A big thank you to our incredible contributors and performers: BCAL Art Teacher Camille Monet for the colour, costumes and lanterns, Invy Horn Jam, Mal Webb, Kylie Morrigan, Lisa and Miguel Ovejero, and the BCAL Music Group, Wonthaggi Circle Dancers, Matua (Uncle) Arnold Tihema, Wonthaggi Drumming Circle, Tracey Miller and the Archies Creek District Choir and Wonthaggi Neighbourhood Centre at Mitchell House

    Thank you also to Bass Coast Shire Council for the grant support and to Mayor Rochelle Halstead and Councillor Mat Morgan for attending. And finally, a special thank you to Laura Brearley for the dedication and organisation that brought this beautiful event to life.

    Here is a video of the day by Terry Melvin – TLC 21

  • Long Journeys Project

    Long Journeys Project

    Long Journeys is a creative project involving students from BCAL’s English as an Additional Language (EAL) program. Our EAL learners come from countries including Syria, Afghanistan, Iraq, Myanmar, Thailand, Malaysia and Timor Leste, bringing rich cultural experiences to the work.

    The project is inspired by Maree Clarke’s glass canoe, Yawa — meaning ‘Long Journey’ in Boonwurrung language — which is installed at Berninneit, Cowes. Guided by Dr Laura Brearley and teachers Daryl Pellizzer and Anny Bevan, and volunteers, students wrote poetry on the theme of long journeys, which was then developed into musical and rhythmic pieces. Their work explores themes of Migration & New Beginnings, Connection to Place (Country), Nature’s Rhythms & Cycles, Hidden Worlds & Discovery and Storytelling & Expression.

    A special thank you to the photographers and to film-maker Terry Melvin for documenting the Long Journeys experience. This project is proudly funded through a Community Grant from Bass Coast Shire Council.

  • Students behind-the-scene hospital tour

    Students behind-the-scene hospital tour

    Our Health Support Services learners recently enjoyed a fantastic behind-the-scenes tour at Bass Coast Hospital. They were grateful for the time given by busy hospital staff. This course, provides knowledge and skills for entry level roles at the hospital.

    The tour gave great insight into the work of the Environmental Services Manager, who looks after Food Services (including Meals on Wheels and Tea Trolley Service), Linen Services, Waste Management, and Cleaning Services. The size of the food pantry, and the many lists of how to clean all the equipment at the hospital was remarkable. We also learnt about the volunteering opportunities and hope some of our learners take that step to add their names to the roster.

    This program, organised and delivered by Harriet Pellizzer, has been a significant success. A big shout out to Olivia Hurrell, our ACFE IPN Coordinator, for initiating this vital course in 2024 and for her ongoing support. The dedication shown by Olivia and Harriet is exceptional. All 10 learners attended the hospital tour right on time and were ready to engage.

    This fantastic group of prospective hospital employees and/or volunteers came to us via our wonderful referral partners: JobFind, Employment Plus, VELCI, Interact, and Headspace. Thank you to our gracious partners at BCH—Wendy, Carrie, Vicki, Gabby, Snezana, Rakesh and Kerry — were appreciative of the large, engaged group on the tour. The positive feedback and commitment on both sides leave us feeling very optimistic about running this type course again in 2026.

    Thank you to everyone who makes this collaboration a success: the learners, the staff at BCAL, our referral partners, and the wonderful team at Bass Coast Health.

  • Stef’s next step in hairdressing

    Stef’s next step in hairdressing

    Stef has officially graduated from her Certificate II in Salon Assistant — an amazing achievement made even more impressive by the fact that she completed the course while juggling Year 11 studies at Bass Coast College.

    Her proud teacher Cathy describes her as “very focused, dedicated, passionate, and already planning for the future,” and it’s clear Stef is well on her way.

    In 2026, Stef will take the next big step by beginning a School-Based Apprenticeship. She’ll complete Year 12 while starting the first six months of her apprenticeship at a Corinella salon, continuing to build her skills and confidence as she works toward her Certificate III in Hairdressing through Chisholm Institute.

    We’re excited to see where her talent and determination take her next!