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BEGINNINGS
The Hume Whittlesea
Local Learning and Employment Network (HWLLEN) was incorporated on
the 16 May, 2001 and the election of the first Committee of
Management took place on June 28th and was attended by 17 members.
Many meetings had been held prior to this date in response to the
Brack's Government call for "Expressions of Interest" to form a
LLEN. Initially the cities of Hume and Whittlesea explored broad
options but eventually formed a successful partnership bid which
was approved in the Phase 1 stage.
Whilst it is always dangerous to single out
individuals at the risk of overlooking others it would be remiss
not to acknowledge the contribution of the Interim Chairperson,
Mark Woodland, the then Manager, Economic Development, City of
Hume. Mark also was a part of the Committee of Management and was a
project workers of the Whittlesea Youth Commitment for their vision
and dedication in developing the early concepts for this LLEN. Mr
Steve Woodland Manager, Community Services, City of Whittlesea was
the inaugural Public Officer. Several representatives attended a
conference in February 2001 held to launch the Phase 1
LLENs.
In the following months, planning meetings
were arranged to expand the membership in the lead up to the first
General Meeting for Members and election of the Committee of
Management. The inaugural Executive office bearers included,
Chairperson Mr John Bennett, (Strategic Training and Employment
Placement Services Pty (STEPS), Deputy Chair Dr John Fry, City of
Whittlesea, Secretary Ms Jane Edwards, Northern Area Consultative
Committee (NACC ) and Treasurer John Catto Smith,
Workforceplus.
Project Officers were appointed to commence
the operational work of establishing the LLEN. Initially, workers
from the Whittlesea Youth Commitment were seconded to this task in
the Whittlesea area based at RMIT, Bundoora and two additional
workers were appointed in Hume. An office was established at
"Workforceplus"in Broadmeadows in October.
THE
STRATEGIC PLAN
Following several public
consultations the Strategic Plan 2001-03 was formulated and
launched in early December. This special members meeting was held
at the Hume City Council and was attended by more than 80 people
who were presented with Membership certificates.
The Strategic plan was
developed in concert with an Environmental Scan which provided
information on key stakeholders and trend demographic and economic
data.
Engagement in post
compulsory education in the region was also a focus of the study.
The intention being that the collection of this data provides a
commencement point and collection and analysis will continue as a
core activity of the HWLLEN.
WORKING
GROUPS
Several working groups
were formed to focus on various activities including; Compliance
Sub-Committee, Finance Sub-Commitee, Committee of Management
& EO Appraisal Sub-Committee & the Inheritance
Sub-Committee.
The working groups are
convened by Members of the Committee of Management and report
regularly to the full Committee. Membership is also open to general
members. This approach successfully builds on the expertise which
the individual members bring to each of the areas of
focus.
INTO
THE FUTURE
The Project Team
continued to oversee the operational tasks until the appointment of
the ongoing staff in April 2002. The appointment of ongoing staff
brought to a close the establishment phase of the HWLLEN. This
phase was characterised by enormous energy and dedication from the
members of the inaugural Committee of Management who in turn were
supported by their member organizations. This context of
collaboration has provided a strong foundation for the future
development of the Hume Whittlelsea LLEN.
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