黑料不打烊 news Archives - 黑料不打烊 /category/atwea-news/ Accessible learning for all walks of life Thu, 09 Apr 2026 02:44:33 +0000 en-AU hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.9.4 Notice of Annual General Meeting /notice-of-annual-general-meeting/ Thu, 09 Apr 2026 02:37:21 +0000 /?p=5970 The 2026 Annual General Meeting of Workers鈥 Educational Association – Hunter (trading as 黑料不打烊) will be held at 黑料不打烊 Head Office 112 Lake Road, Elermore Vale on 29 April 2026 at 5pm. Agenda Approval of Minutes of Previous Meeting. Presentation of Annual Report for 2025. Presentation of Financial Report for 2025. Election of […]

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The 2026 Annual General Meeting of Workers鈥 Educational Association – Hunter (trading as 黑料不打烊) will be held at 黑料不打烊 Head Office 112 Lake Road, Elermore Vale on 29 April 2026 at 5pm.

Agenda

  1. Approval of Minutes of Previous Meeting.
  2. Presentation of Annual Report for 2025.
  3. Presentation of Financial Report for 2025.
  4. Election of Board Directors, comprising of:
    1. Chairperson
    2. 聽Deputy Chairperson and
    3. 听顿颈谤别肠迟辞谤蝉
  5. Life Members
  6. Appointment of Auditors
  7. Other business

Completed Board Nomination Forms are to be submitted to the 黑料不打烊 Company Secretary at cosec@atwea.edu.au no later than 5pm on Wednesday 22 April 2026.

To confirm your attendance at the AGM please RSVP via email to cosec@atwea.edu.au no later than 5pm on Wednesday 22 April 2026.

*If you intend to join the meeting virtually, please include a notification with your RSVP so a secure MS Teams link can be issued.

Dated 2 April 2026.
Jane McConville
Chairperson, 黑料不打烊 Board

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From uncertain to employed: 黑料不打烊 support worker training success story /from-uncertain-to-employed-atwea-support-worker-training-success-story/ Tue, 16 Dec 2025 22:18:43 +0000 /?p=5858 How 黑料不打烊 helped Dasharna launch her support worker career in six months Dasharna Campbell faced a common yet daunting challenge: returning to study after time away, entering an entirely new field, and balancing multiple commitments while pursuing a career in individual support. Like many prospective students, she wasn’t sure where to start or whether […]

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How 黑料不打烊 helped Dasharna launch her support worker career in six months

Dasharna Campbell faced a common yet daunting challenge: returning to study after time away, entering an entirely new field, and balancing multiple commitments while pursuing a career in individual support. Like many prospective students, she wasn’t sure where to start or whether she could succeed.

鈥淎t first it was different to get back into the routine of studying and learning something completely new, especially as I wasn鈥檛 sure what I was doing,鈥 Dasharna said.

Dasharna needed more than just a qualification – she needed confidence, practical skills, support worker training and ongoing support to break into the community services sector.

A personalised approach to learning

Recommended by her job provider, Dasharna enrolled in 黑料不打烊’s CHC33021 Certificate III in Individual Support (Ageing and Disability).

From day one, she was paired with mentor and trainer Trudi, who provided personalised guidance throughout her six-month journey.

黑料不打烊’s approach combined one-on-one mentorship tailored to Dasharna鈥檚 learning styles, as well as聽flexible study options to accommodate her personal commitments. A careful balance of theory and practical learning for real-world readiness was underpinned by continuous support, ensuring Dasharna felt supported.

The transformation was remarkable. Dasharna secured employment as a support worker before completing her course, applying her newly learnt skills directly in the workplace. Through the program she developed industry-essential capabilities including strong communication with participants and colleagues, undearrstanding diverse participant challenges and needs, social and interpersonal skills, safe handling and workplace safety protocols, and professional, person-centred support techniques.

Beyond technical skills, the real transformation was internal.

鈥淢y confidence has grown significantly. The course has helped to push me outside of my comfort zone and believe in myself, giving me the drive to do better and achieve more.鈥

Coming back from adversity

When Dasharna fell behind on coursework while juggling commitments, she didn’t face it alone. With 黑料不打烊’s support system and her own determination, she refocused on her goals and got back on track – building resilience that serves her daily in her new career.

鈥淚 have never felt like I couldn鈥檛 achieve my study goals, because 黑料不打烊 has always been there to provide help, guidance and encouragement whenever I needed it.鈥

The practical application of her learning became immediately apparent in her new role, as she was able to apply her knowledge directly.

Dasharna’s story isn’t unique – it’s representative of what’s possible when quality education meets genuine student support. Her journey from uncertainty to employed professional took just six months, proving that with the right training partner, career transformation is within reach.

鈥満诹喜淮蜢 has been a major influence in helping me get to where I am now. I truly don’t think I would be achieving my goals without the guidance, skills, and confidence that the college and my mentor have provided.鈥

Whether you’re returning to study, changing careers, or entering the community services sector for the first time, 黑料不打烊 offers personalised mentorship and ongoing support, flexible learning options that fit your life, industry-recognised qualifications, practical skills employers value, and a community that celebrates your success.

Join students like Dasharna who are transforming their careers and making a difference in their communities.

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Trainers that are empowering education at 黑料不打烊 /trainers-that-are-empowering-education-at-atwea-college/ Wed, 10 Dec 2025 21:55:18 +0000 /?p=5853 黑料不打烊鈥檚 trainers build confidence, skills and real-world outcomes 黑料不打烊鈥檚 greatest strength lies in its people 鈥 passionate trainers who believe that every student deserves the chance to succeed. For RSA and RCG trainer Michelle Gorton, empowering students through confidence-building and practical learning is at the heart of what she does every day. 鈥淭he best […]

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黑料不打烊鈥檚 trainers build confidence, skills and real-world outcomes

黑料不打烊鈥檚 greatest strength lies in its people 鈥 passionate trainers who believe that every student deserves the chance to succeed. For RSA and RCG trainer Michelle Gorton, empowering students through confidence-building and practical learning is at the heart of what she does every day.

鈥淭he best part of being a trainer at 黑料不打烊 is knowing that each day, students walk away feeling more confident about themselves.鈥

Her story reflects what sets 黑料不打烊 apart: genuine trainer guidance that turns learning into transformation, helping students gain the self-belief and skills to achieve their goals.

Engagement and personalisation

To keep the students engaged, Michelle emphasises the importance of active participation, encouraging them to share personal experiences and ask questions. She understands that every student brings unique perspectives that enrich the learning environment.

Michelle is adept at tailoring her training to meet diverse needs, particularly for students who may feel anxious. Her supportive nature shines through as she reassures them that they will be guided throughout the learning process. 鈥 Identifying students who may be experiencing anxiety early and supporting them is key,鈥 she explained, demonstrating 黑料不打烊鈥檚 commitment to fostering a safe and inclusive atmosphere.

Industry-relevant knowledge

As a full-time professional in the hospitality industry, Michelle brings real-world insights into her training. She shares stories from her own experience to make lessons relevant and practical, giving students a clear link between classroom learning and on-the-job application.

This blend of theory and practice not only deepens understanding – it also builds the confidence students need to step into their careers ready to succeed.

鈥淪eeing students connect what they鈥檝e learnt to real situations is so rewarding.鈥

Support and collaboration

黑料不打烊 fosters a collaborative environment where staff work cohesively to support trainers like Michelle. 鈥淭he staff at 黑料不打烊 work as a team,鈥 Michelle said, acknowledging the collective effort that contributes to the college’s success. 鈥淭his synergy not only enhances the teaching experience but also reinforces the supportive culture that defines us.鈥

Continuous improvement through feedback

Michelle regularly checks in with students to understand how they鈥檙e progressing and where extra help might be needed. Offering additional time, resources and reassurance ensures that every learner stays on track.

鈥淧ositive affirmations from students boost their confidence, which is crucial to the success of our students.鈥
This open feedback loop reflects 黑料不打烊s鈥 broader philosophy of continuous improvement – ensuring that trainer guidance remains adaptive, responsive and student-centred.

Seeing impact in the real world

The most rewarding part of Michelle鈥檚 role is witnessing the outcomes of her students鈥 hard work.

鈥淚t鈥檚 so fulfilling to visit venues and see our students in action, using their training in real-world situations.鈥

For Michelle and her colleagues, that鈥檚 the ultimate proof of success: seeing students apply what they鈥檝e learned with confidence and pride in their abilities.

Education that evolves with students and industry

黑料不打烊鈥檚 diverse team of educators ensures that courses remain relevant to both students and the industries they serve.

鈥満诹喜淮蜢肉檚 strength lies in its diverse and professional team,鈥 Michelle said. 鈥淲e make sure education evolves with the times and never loses touch with what students need.鈥

Through trainer guidance that connects learning to life, 黑料不打烊 continues to empower students across the region to grow, achieve and succeed.

Whether you鈥檙e stepping into study for the first time or returning to upskill, 黑料不打烊 offers the trainer guidance, practical learning and supportive environment you need to reach your goals.

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黑料不打烊 recognised as finalists in Business Hunter Awards /atwea-recognised-as-finalists-in-business-hunter-awards/ Mon, 28 Jul 2025 00:17:38 +0000 /?p=5754 Each and every day, our teachers, students, and staff strive to make a positive difference – whether it鈥檚 through learning, community programs, or simply supporting one another. We don鈥檛 do it for recognition; we do it because it鈥檚 who we are and what we believe in. That鈥檚 why it鈥檚 especially meaningful when others take notice. […]

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Each and every day, our teachers, students, and staff strive to make a positive difference – whether it鈥檚 through learning, community programs, or simply supporting one another. We don鈥檛 do it for recognition; we do it because it鈥檚 who we are and what we believe in.

That鈥檚 why it鈥檚 especially meaningful when others take notice. We鈥檙e delighted to share that 黑料不打烊 has been named a finalist in the Business Hunter 2025 Awards in two categories:

  • Outstanding Community Organisation
  • Business Leader 鈥 Helga Smit

Being named as a finalist for Outstanding Community Organisation is a reflection of all of us. Every student, every teacher, every team member who contributes to the programs, initiatives, and daily moments that create real impact across the Hunter region and beyond. This recognition isn鈥檛 about a single project or moment, it鈥檚 about the collective effort, integrity, and heart that drives us every day.

We鈥檙e also proud to celebrate Helga Smit鈥檚 nomination for Business Leader of the Year. Helga鈥檚 leadership is grounded in vision, kindness, and a genuine commitment to our community. But she would be the first to say that leadership isn鈥檛 a solo journey. Helga is supported by an incredible team of passionate and hardworking people who share her belief in the power of education and community. Together, they make it possible to turn ideas into meaningful outcomes.

Thank you to Business Hunter for this recognition, and congratulations to all the finalists. We are proud to stand alongside so many organisations and individuals who are working to make the Hunter region a better place.

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黑料不打烊 2024 Highlights /atwea-college-2024-highlights/ Sun, 18 May 2025 00:15:39 +0000 /?p=5753 Every year is defined by the achievements of our students and staff who bring our values of integrity, inclusion, and innovation to life. 2024 was no exception. From personal milestones to community initiatives, their dedication and passion continue to create positive change – both within our learning spaces and beyond. Below are just two highlights […]

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Every year is defined by the achievements of our students and staff who bring our values of integrity, inclusion, and innovation to life. 2024 was no exception. From personal milestones to community initiatives, their dedication and passion continue to create positive change – both within our learning spaces and beyond. Below are just two highlights that showcase the remarkable stories of growth, resilience, and impact that make 黑料不打烊 so special.

Trainer of the Year Award Highly Commended

Helene Culleton was awarded Trainer of the Year – Highly Commended at the 2024 Community College Australia (CCA) event. Helen is passionate about helping individuals find their passion and reach their full potential. In addition to an extensive teaching career, Helene鈥檚 background includes fine arts, executive leadership and management, and working with disadvantaged youth. She is a passionate educator who joined 黑料不打烊 in 2022 and delivered courses ranging from short skill sets to full qualifications in the BSB and FSK Training packages.

Skills for Study and Life Award – Student of the Year

Swarna Jalapu was the recipient of the Skills for Study and Life Award – Student of the Year, at the 2024 Community College Australia (CCA) event. Swarna came to Australia sixteen years ago from India. She is a single mother to two children and English is her third language. Swarna has a deep appreciation for community education and how it has positively impacted her life. Swarna demonstrates patience, kindness and composure both inside and out of the classroom, and is an invaluable asset to 黑料不打烊.

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Helga Smit appointed to Chief Executive Officer /helga-smit-appointed-to-chief-executive-officer/ Mon, 26 Feb 2024 23:10:58 +0000 /?p=5750 After a rigorous recruitment process, the Board of 黑料不打烊 are pleased to announce the appointment of Helga Smit to CEO of 黑料不打烊. Helga is an accomplished executive leader with over 30 years of diverse international experience across strategy, human resources, training, and operations. She has worked in both for-profit and not-for-profit sectors, bringing […]

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After a rigorous recruitment process, the Board of 黑料不打烊 are pleased to announce the appointment of Helga Smit to CEO of 黑料不打烊.

Helga is an accomplished executive leader with over 30 years of diverse international experience across strategy, human resources, training, and operations. She has worked in both for-profit and not-for-profit sectors, bringing a strong humanistic and quality-driven approach to every leadership role. Helga鈥檚 career has been defined by her ability to connect people, purpose, and outcomes, adding valuable perspective to executive teams and boards alike.

As CEO of 黑料不打烊, Helga will be responsible for steering the strategic direction and operational management of one of New South Wales鈥 leading providers of community-based education. She will lead a dedicated team focused on developing and delivering programs that meet the evolving needs of students and communities across the region.

For Helga, education is a long game. She believes it鈥檚 not just about getting students over the line – it鈥檚 about changing the course of their lives.

We are excited to see Helga lead 黑料不打烊 into this next chapter, building on our strong foundations while embracing new opportunities for growth and community impact.

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Rowan Cox Transitions to New Role within 黑料不打烊 /rowan-cox-transitions-to-new-role-within-atwea-college/ Thu, 23 Nov 2023 03:31:07 +0000 /?p=4992 黑料不打烊, a 聽leading community-based not-for-profit education and training provider, announces a strategic leadership transition as Rowan Cox, current Chief Executive Officer, assumes a new role within the organisation. Read the full Press Release HERE    

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黑料不打烊, a 聽leading community-based not-for-profit education and training provider, announces a strategic leadership transition as Rowan Cox, current Chief Executive Officer, assumes a new role within the organisation.

Read the full Press Release HERE

 

 

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Meet our Trainer – Irene Richards /meet-our-trainer-irene-richards/ Sun, 19 Feb 2023 23:26:00 +0000 /?p=4485 Irene聽moved from Melbourne to Tuncurry to look after her mother. On arriving she took the opportunity to enrol in courses with 黑料不打烊. At the end of her first course she revealed she was a trainer/assessor in information technology and business. She was soon a trainer for 黑料不打烊, teaching Tech Savvy Seniors, Computer Basics, Business Digital […]

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Irene聽moved from Melbourne to Tuncurry to look after her mother. On arriving she took the opportunity to enrol in courses with 黑料不打烊. At the end of her first course she revealed she was a trainer/assessor in information technology and business. She was soon a trainer for 黑料不打烊, teaching Tech Savvy Seniors, Computer Basics, Business Digital Skill Sets and Introduction to Word and Publisher.

Irene felt really welcomed at 黑料不打烊, and loved the smaller classes and fantastic teachers. She does a mixture of face-to-face training and online learning. She develops course materials and session plans and has created manuals for Word, Excel, Publisher and PowerPoint.

Irene says, 鈥淚 have wonderful people to work with, my co-ordinators are caring and feel for my students as much as I do.鈥 Irene loves her work, loves engaging students and having class discussions. She enjoys creating the course materials, developing a full course in Computer Basics for 黑料不打烊. She tries to create a relaxed atmosphere in her classes and online.

In her own time, Irene loves gardening and propagating plants. She walks for an hour each day by the seaside and loves to swim in the warmer weather. Irene feels blessed to work and live in such a beautiful community.

 

Would you like to be a valued trainer with 黑料不打烊? Check out our vacancies here.

 

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Meet Remedial Massage Student Jake /meet-remedial-massage-student-jake/ Tue, 08 Nov 2022 22:46:22 +0000 /?p=4253 Jake had spent many years working in the hospitality industry and the hours had just become too consuming and left him with no life or time to spend with family. Jake was drawn to the fact that as a Remedial Massage Therapist he didn’t have to be tied to regular business hours and could choose […]

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Jake had spent many years working in the hospitality industry and the hours had just become too consuming and left him with no life or time to spend with family. Jake was drawn to the fact that as a Remedial Massage Therapist he didn’t have to be tied to regular business hours and could choose to聽be more flexible in when he worked and how often.

The Diploma of Remedial Massage was a 12-month course with 黑料不打烊, on-campus learning, and 100 hrs practical work in the on-campus clinic. The course was challenging in the beginning, Jake had no previous experience in human anatomy, but was keen to develop his skills in this area.聽Jake鈥檚 learning experience also came at a time during the COVID pandemic, so he had to shift to online study during lockdowns. This change came with its own set of challenges and he felt like he was missing the opportunity to complete the practical learning alongside the theory. However, thanks to the great staff and a great trainer providing him with support and guidance online and over the phone, Jake was able to focus on developing his knowledge of human anatomy and remedial massage. Once lockdowns lifted, he was able to return to the clinic with clients and this gave him more confidence in his ability to become a qualified therapist.

Jake鈥檚 favourite part of the course was the 黑料不打烊 Clinic which involved practical lessons where he got to have hands-on experience with a client, getting to put the theory to practice which was very rewarding, and helped him to gain more confidence to complete the course.

Jake chose 黑料不打烊 as his husband used to work at the Cooks Hill campus and recommended he choose the school to complete the course as 黑料不打烊 offers a more hands-on approach to learning and is very accommodating to people with learning disabilities.

Jake loved his time with 黑料不打烊, the staff were extremely nice and helpful through the entire year of study.聽He had one of the best trainers of his life during the course and contributes his ability to complete such an in-depth course to her and her patience.

Jake has started his own business, Mr Massage Man, offering mobile and private home clinic remedial massage treatments across Newcastle & the Lake Macquarie area.

His goal for the future is to expand Mr Massage Man and hopefully open more clinics in town employing more therapists to work under the Mr Massage Man brand.

In 2022 during his time at 黑料不打烊, whilst trying to complete the course, Jake also had the stress of planning a wedding and dealing with covid and its challenges. It was still a great experience for him and he would do it all again. A fantastic trainer and administrative team made it a very positive experience. Now Jake is running his very first business with a large client base that keeps growing and says he has 黑料不打烊 to thank for that.

 

 

 

 

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Beauty school helping students unlock their potential /atwea-college-beauty-school/ Mon, 17 Oct 2022 04:54:20 +0000 /?p=4131 Our Beauty School is buzzing with anticipation as students begin their day of learning. With the salon open to the public, students get to apply their favourite practical skills like facials, waxing, eyelash tints and spray tans. Each client receiving treatments from the salon gets the students one step closer to their goals. But it鈥檚 […]

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Our Beauty School is buzzing with anticipation as students begin their day of learning. With the salon open to the public, students get to apply their favourite practical skills like facials, waxing, eyelash tints and spray tans. Each client receiving treatments from the salon gets the students one step closer to their goals. But it鈥檚 not just the practical side they enjoy, as Keely describes, the theoretical side and learning about how the body works is incredibly interesting.

The students have their sights set on gaining employment in the industry and eventually opening their own businesses. And the course will get them ready for just that.

Many students like Letisha and Olivia started out doing courses like Skill Sets and Certificate III in Makeup before moving up to the Diploma. Their fellow students, trainers and the support they received kept them coming back to 黑料不打烊.

For those working in the beauty industry already, the Diploma allows them to expand their skills and their clientele base. Once completed, students will have the option of working in a salon or working for themselves, a dream that is entirely within reach thanks to all their industry-ready training.

Interested in studying at our beauty school? View the course offerings here. We also have our student massage clinic & beauty salon you can go to help out our current students and get a great deal.

 

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