Macquarie Community College has reopened its Blacktown city campus, in the heart of Western Sydney. Stephen Bali, State Member of Parliament (MP) for Blacktown, will host the official opening ceremony later in February, but the doors are now open, with classes starting from today, Monday 1st February.
“Macquarie Community College has been part of the fabric of Blacktown for over 20 years, and I am honoured to be able to welcome them back into the heart of the city,” said Mr Bali.
A Great Range of VET Courses
The College has been working in Blacktown and Mount Druitt for more than 20 years, having established a huge reputation and loyal following for the provision of quality Migrant English language classes and Vocational Education and Training.
Stephen Bali MP with Individual Support class
The College will be offering a range of subsidised and fee-free courses under Smart and Skilled and the JobTrainer/Skilling for Recovery programs to eligible students. Courses include employability skills targeting jobseekers, English language and digital literacy and full qualification Community Services courses for careers in high growth industries such as aged care, disability and child care as well as business.
Attaining skills and qualifications while staying connected to the community are vital in these challenging times. The College has made a difference to tens of thousands of learners in the Western Sydney region providing quality courses and community connections to individuals that face barriers to participation in training or employment.
A Return to Main St, Blacktown
Chief Executive Officer Theresa Collignon said, “we are thrilled to be back where we are needed – on Main Street Blacktown. We are genuinely excited to again have the opportunity to work closely with Blacktown area students at our 125 Main Street campus again.”
CCA’s CEO, Dr Don Perlgut, commented: “The return of Macquarie Community College to Western Sydney is a very important addition to education and training services offered by New South Wales community education providers. A couple of years ago, CCA recognised the importance of Western Sydney, and the major needs of that region, given its rapid population growth that has not been matched by training and skills infrastructure. The Macquarie return to Main Street in Blacktown will assist the region greatly.”
Macquarie Community College is a not-for-profit adult and community education (ACE) provider that has been in continuous operation for over 70 years. The College is committed to creating and providing additional inclusive learning opportunities for the adult learners of Western Sydney. The College has decades of invaluable experience working with adults from diverse cultures, backgrounds and abilities in Blacktown and surrounding areas.
“The College Changed My Life…”
“The College changed my life. When I started at the College soon after immigrating to Australia, I couldn’t speak much English and had no chance of getting a good job. Now I am working in a job I love,” said Julie*, a former Macquarie Community College student who was thrilled to hear the College was reopening in Blacktown.
The College team are also dedicated to working collaboratively with other like-minded organisations and government at all levels to identify and meet community needs.
“Collaboration and working together with others is key to supporting clients on their pathway to better futures – attaining skills for work and life, with a focus on social inclusion and affordability”. The College will be working again with colleagues at SydWest, Relationships Australia, employers, other local educators and all levels of government,” said Ms Collignon.
Check out the range of courses available at the Blacktown campus this term. (Appointments must be made by calling 1300 845 888 prior to visiting the Blacktown Campus.)
(*Name changed to protect privacy.)
