Local learning providers

Community organisations that offer education or training programs

PRACE

PRACE (Preston Reservoir Adult Community Education) is a registered not-for-profit charitable organisation committed to meeting the language, literacy and numeracy, vocational training and further education needs of the local community.

Their vocational training courses are in areas such as barista work, bookkeeping (MYOB), carpentry and commercial cleaning. PRACE also runs a number of youth programs and is registered as an independent school PRACE College.

Phone: 03 9462 6077
Email: office@prace.vic.edu.au

Bridge Darebin

Bridge Darebin (Preston Neighbourhood House Inc.) is an innovative, not-for-profit community organisation based in Preston and Thornbury.

Their training is focused on getting job-ready, office technology and computer courses, small business beginner courses, arts and wellbeing and learning English.

Phone: 03 9484 5806

Email: connect@bridgedarebin.org.au

SPAN Community House

SPAN Community House holds many creative activities such as “Art for all abilities” and the Thornbury writers’ workshop.

They teach Microsoft Office, online buying and selling, cooking, preserving and horticulture. They also have a range of exercise sessions including Pilates and Tai Chi.

Phone: 03 9480 1364
Email: info@spanhouse.org

Jika Jika Community Centre

Jika Jika Community Centre hold many wellbeing sessions with a range of Yoga styles, Tai Chi and Pilates. They also off cultural music, dance, craft and choir sessions. Jika Jika have a range of basic computer classes.

Phone: 03 9482 5100

Alphington Community Centre

Alphington Community Centre offers a wide range of craft classes including Men in the shed and Women in the shed sessions. Other groups include gardening, travel photography, book clubs and history. During COVID 19 they have been making masks with the Country Women’s Association.

Phone: 03 9499 7227
Email: info@alphingtoncommunitycentre.org.au

Reservoir Neighbourhood House

Reservoir Neighbourhood House offer craft classes, computer classes and a community garden. They have a Japanese playgroup and offer the “wonder learn” program for Pre-school children. During COVID 19 they offer trivia sessions, creative writing, story time videos by community members, free IT support. They offer a food relief support service.

Phone: 03 9462 4611

St Andrews Presbyterian Church

St Andrews Presbyterian Church offer free English class on Thursday mornings at 10:30 am during school term. At the free English classes, they teach new words, practise conversation, listening and grammar. They read bible stories in these sessions.

Phone: 03 9460 9523
Email: info@reservoirpc.org.au

The Salvation Army Thornbury

The Salvation Army Thornbury offers two programs for people with disabilities – Music Access Program (MAPS) and Disability Inclusiveness Disco. They offer social sessions for seniors (Morning Melodies) and adults (710s). The Mainly Music program is a session for pre-schoolers and their parents/caregivers to bond with music. The Community Service Centre provides emergency relief in the form of food parcels and vouchers as a way of assisting people who find themselves in difficult circumstances.

Phone: 03 9480 5696

The Salvation Army Preston

The Salvation Army Preston offers The Mainly Music program which is a session for pre-schoolers and their parents/caregivers to bond with music. The Community Service Centre provides emergency relief in the form of food parcels and vouchers as a way of assisting people who find themselves in difficult circumstances.

Phone: 03 9478 0694

The Salvation Army Employment Plus

The Salvation Army Employment Plus - Preston, provides job seekers with specialised training, work experience and a range of support services, to help them find meaningful employment.

Phone: 03 9468 6000

Lively

Lively connects young people with seniors to help with technology, gardening, and home care. The program offers jobs and training for young people between 18-25 years old.

Phone: 03 9070 4741
Email: anna@lively.org.au

Westside Circus

Westside Circus offers all kinds of classes and workshops for all ages, skill levels and people, from the local community to schools and community groups. As a not-for-profit organisation, each sale they make directly supports vulnerable Victorians to access their circus programs.

Phone: 03 9471 2928
Email: info@westsidecircus.org.au

U3A Darebin

U3A Darebin provides learning opportunities, educational activities and social interaction for retired and semi-retired people who are over 50, helping them to keep mentally and physically active and involved in local communities.

U3A Darebin serves the mature community who are no longer fully employed. Providing a range of courses designed for older adults and available without prior qualifications. There are offerings over different venues offering classes in art and craft, exercise, film, games, history, language learning, literature and music. Please note there is a membership fee.

Phone: 0492 817 478
Email: info@u3adarebin.com.au

Learning and employment opportunities for job seekers

If you are job seeking in Darebin and looking for work or training look at Job seeking in Darebin.

Learning and employment opportunities for business owners

Find out what incentives and support services are available for employers who hire local jobseekers at Employing in Darebin.