MDLC ACKNOWLEDGES FUNDING SUPPORT
RECEIVED FROM:
ADULT COMMUNITY AND FURTHER EDUCATION (ACFE)
DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES
DEPARTMENT OF VICTORIAN COMMUNITIES
KNOX CITY COUNCIL

About Us.

In 1974 MDLC was formed by a small group of women from the district who felt there was a need in the community to meet together in a supportive atmosphere and share experiences and skills. Since then we have offered a wide range of programs and support to the local community. We have child care and occasional facilities, a Hi-Rise Garden Group and many special interest groups. We also provide a full range of adult education programs including return to work and skills based training.

The MDLC has qualified and experienced Tutors and trained volunteers who work with participants and students to create a comfortable and safe adult learning environment. Over the years we have provided a pathway to an improved quality of life to literally 1000's of people. Our localised support network can provide for the whole family so that you can achieve your dreams through lifelong learning.

We have a Board of five Directors selected annually by the members of the co op. Membership is open to everyone and information sessions are run regularly for those who are interested in joining.

.................................................................

Are you a past MDLC student?

Mountain District Learning Centre or MDLC (formerly Mountain District Women’s Co-operative – MDWC) has undergone some changes lately. While still delivering quality education and training, in a supportive environment with small class numbers, we now have a new name, new courses, a new website and some new staff.

When we ask people how they found out about MDLC, the most popular response is “word of mouth”, so, if you enjoyed your time at MDLC we would love to hear about it and we would like you to recommend us to your friends.

If you have a story to tell about where your studies or participation have led you, we would love to hear about it. You can write to us, email, or telephone and speak to our friendly staff. Also, if you have a particular learning interest that you would like us to develop into a course, please let us know.

Facilities

The Campus

Library
Our small, well stocked library is available to support courses offered.

Computer Training Room
Our computer room houses twelve computers. Each computer has its own scanner and our software is continually updated. Windows XP is being used at present.

Parking
Ample parking close to the Centre including that for the disabled .

Transport
Public transport is close by. Bus and Train stops two mintues walk from the Centre.

Childcare

TELEPHONE: 9758 9448

  If you are looking for someone to care for your children while you are studying, or maybe you just need to take a break, MDLC offer both childcare and occasional care. Morning and afternoon sessions are available.

Our friendly and qualified staff offer fun-filled sessions for children 0 - 5 yrs, which aim to enhance skills and encourage smiles,while you take a well earned break.

The Centre is registered for thirteen children and operates

Monday and Friday 9.00 am - 12.15 pm.
Tuesday, Wednesday & Thursday 9.00am - 3.00pm

CHILD CARE is provided for parents attending daytime classes and for parents seeking occasional care.   Places can be booked on a permanent basis (in which case missed sessions need to be paid for) or on a casual, week to week basis, which is subject to availability.

CHILD CARE STAFF:

Jenny Oakley

Jacinta McLaren

Sharon Saliba 

Stacie Mairs

REGISTRATION OF YOUR CHILD

This Centre is registered with the Department of Human Servicesand a registration form is required to be filled out for each child. If your child is the subject of a Court or Custody order then a photocopy of the Order must be presented to the co-ordinator.   It is requested that two emergency contact names and phone numbers be given.   We must also have your doctor's name and phone number, Medicare number, concession card number and ambulance membership number.

FEES

A DEPOSIT, equal to one session of childcare, is to be paid on booking.   This will be forfeited if less than one week's notice of cancellation of booking is given.

No CREDIT of REFUND will be given for a session missed, unless the class is cancelled by the teacher or MDLC.

CONDITIONS OF USAGE

1. CANCELLATIONS   - You must give the Centre at least 24 HOURS NOTICE if you do not need your booking, or fees for that day are still required.   If a child is absent for two weeks without notification, the place will be forfeited and offered to others.

2. Children may arrive up to ten minutes before class commences.   Any earlier than this can put the registration in jeopardy, as there may be too many children in the centre. Parents who do arrive early may be asked to wait outside the childcare room with their child.  

3. Children must be collected IMMEDIATELY a class finishes. If you need to see a teacher after class please collect your child first.

CHILD'S REQUIREMENTS

1. Food adequate for the length of stay e.g. fruit and drink for the morning or afternoon tea; sandwich, fruit and drink for lunch.   We ask that lollies not be included as this can cause problems between children at snack time.

2. A complete change of clothes - named.

3. Nappies if needed.

4. SUN HAT AT ALL TIMES.   Your child will not be allowed outside to play without a hat.

5. Outside play is encouraged during winter, as long as it is not raining.   Please send gumboots and coats as required.

6. PLAY IS MESSY! Please dress your child accordingly - changing   facilities are available if necessary.

7. Please make certain that all items are clearly labeled including, lunch boxes, bags and removable clothing

MDLC Garden Project

The Hi-Rise Garden Program began in 1988 with funding from the then, Victorian Department of Community Services and the Department of Sport and Recreation.   The funding for the project now comes from the Home and Community Care Program via the Department of Human Services.

The local APEX Club constructed the hi-rise garden beds and local traders added their support by providing refreshments for the workers involved.

The project also has a room built with funding from the Department of Human Services and the City of Knox .   A large shed (which was constructed by the Knox Kiwanis Club) has been a valuable asset to the project.

The MDWC Garden Project was established to enable members of the community who were unable to participate in traditional gardening, due to physical disability, to be involved in gardening activities.   Over time the program has been extended to include those with intellectual disability and those with an acquired brain injury.   Now, participants from a wide range of age groups and with diverse abilities attend the scheduled sessions.

The garden project provides a quality program of recreational garden and allied crafts in a safe, supportive environment, which is accessible to any person -regardless of age, skill level or disability.

The Garden Project Offers:

Quality recreational gardening, allied crafts, and social activity programs for people who are physically and/or intellectually disabled, frail aged, or have an acquired brain injury.

*Gardening in raised beds for participants who are unable to garden at ground level.
*Craft activity Programs to foster creativity and independence.
*Opportunities for people to interact socially and participate in an outdoor activity.
*A friendly environment where people can be involved and gain personal satisfaction from watching the garden grow.

Sessions are held on:
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesdays and Thursdays each week of term
Garden activities and allied craft projects for people who are unable to garden at ground level.
Wheelchair accessible. New participants welcome.
FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: LIBBIE GUYETT ON :9758 7859

Volunteers

Volunteers are vital to the operation of Centre. The volunteers support the Co-Ordinators and provide encouragement and assistance for all participants.