Support Services & Education
Group activities help new migrants and refugees to connect with others, become a part of the local community and learn new skills that will assist with employment.
The types of activities available can vary but may include learning to drive, playgroups, sewing club, English language courses and support of local migrant community groups and not-for-profit groups.
English Language Training
Partnerships with local organisations and Neighbourhood Houses enable the delivery of education, training and English language support. Find out what opportunities are available in your area:
Centre for Participation
The Centre for Participation changes lives and communities through local opportunities in community support, volunteering, learning and partnerships. Find out more about the English Language Classes.
Address: 39 Urquhart St, Horsham
Office Hours: Monday to Friday, 9am to 3pm
Phone: 03 5382 5607
Nhill Learning Centre
The Nhill Learning Centre is proud to be at the heart of the successful re-settlement of the Karen community in Nhill and offers an array of programs and support services to community members from refugee backgrounds.
A bilingual Settlement Support Worker, supported in partnership with WDA, is available to assist with settlement issues. We also support and deliver the Nhill Homework Club, in partnership with WDA.
Address: 80 MacPherson Street Nhill
Office hours: Monday to Thursday, 9am to 3.30pm
Phone: 03 5387 9800
Stawell Neighbourhood House
Stawell Neighbourhood House is a warm, friendly place where people are made to feel welcome. Drop in any time. Find out more about the English language classes.
Address: 42 Sloane St, Stawell
Hours: Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm
Phone: 03 5358 3500
Online Support
Online English Tuition Support is available through the Ballarat Regional Multicultural Council.
TAFE & Free TAFE Courses
A variety of TAFE and Free TAFE are available locally through Federation University Australia, Wimmera campus located in Horsham.
Family & Youth Services
Settlement Services for family and youth are designed to support migrant and refugee background individuals and families to build networks, confidence and capability.
Playgroups
Jellybeans Playgroup in Horsham is for pre-school children and is a great way for families to form friendships, exchange parenting ideas and gain support from other parents. Morning tea is supplied along with a craft activity each week for the cost of a gold coin donation. Jellybeans runs on Tuesdays from 10am to 12 noon at Horsham Neighbourhood House, 13-15 Robin St, Horsham.
The Nhill Early Learning Playgroup offers a fun environment where families can participate in cultural singing, dancing and craft activities. The Playgroup is open to all and includes morning tea for the cost of a gold coin donation. It runs on Fridays from 10am to 12 noon at Nhill Early Learning Centre, 2/20 Whitehead Avenue, Nhill.
Homework Clubs
The Horsham and Nhill homework clubs are free services designed to support students from migrant and refugee background families with their homework, numeracy and literacy
Horsham & Nhill Homework Clubs
The Horsham and Nhill homework clubs are free services designed to support students from migrant and refugee background families with their homework, numeracy and literacy. Children complete their homework with the help of a lead co-ordinator and volunteers, before participating in different crafts and games. Homework clubs also support students to develop their confidence and provide an opportunity for students to meet peers from other schools in the area. All materials and afternoon tea are supplied.
- Homework Club Horsham runs on Tuesdays from 3.45pm to 5.30pm during school terms at the Centre For Participation at 39 Urquart Street, Horsham
- Homework Club Nhill runs on Tuesdays from 3.45pm to 5.30pm during school terms at The Patch, 9 Clarence Street, Nhill
- Stawell tuition is currently at capacity and on hold
- Online homework clubs may be available through the Ballarat Regional Multicultural Council Diversity Homework Club or the Banksia Gardens Study Group
The Young G
The Horsham Young Generation, also known as Young G, is a multi-cultural youth group supporting young people of diverse backgrounds and cultures living in the region. The group aims to create a happy place where young people can come together, share ideas, hatch plans, join events, access training and excursion opportunities. It also provides a venue for migrant youth to talk or seek assistance with homework or finding a job. Materials and refreshments are provided for free.
Young G meets fortnightly at The Station, 16 Pynsent Street, Horsham, during school terms.
Find more information about the group on the Young G Facebook page or contact Jodie Mathews on Young G Messenger or jmathews@wda.org.au
Driver Assistance Program
The WSMD Driver Assistance Program aims to help people participate in community life, reduce social isolation and access employment opportunities. The program supports migrant learner drivers to get their Australian Learner licence, convert International licenses, and gain their full Australian driving licence. This includes private lesson support and testing, and comprehensive road safety training developed by VicRoads and the Transport Accident Commission (TAC). The program is delivered in partnership with Driver Education and Training Services.
Harmony Sewing Group
Harmony Sewing Group is a social group, delivered by expert sewers and crafters at the Maker’s Gallery Horsham. It aims to build skills and encourage social cohesion between the diverse members of Horsham’s community.
Maker’s Gallery membership, materials, machines and refreshments are provided free of charge. Maker’s Gallery Membership also entitles Harmony Group members to access other craft groups based the Maker’s Gallery Studio.
Harmony Sewing Group meets fortnightly on Wednesdays from 10am to 2pm, during school terms, at The Maker’s Gallery Studio, above the Horsham Library at 28 McLachlan Street, Horsham.
