Gippsland East Learn Local Alliance (GELLA), an alliance of Noweyung, Paynesville Neighbourhood Centre, Buchan Neighbourhood House and SNAP Gippsland, was officially launched today by Member for Gippsland East, Tim Bull.

Mr Bull said the formation of GELLA is a culmination of a journey that started in 2012 with the closure of Community College East Gippsland.

“With the closure came a gap in the provision of adult education and in particular pre-accredited course training and it is very pleasing to see, that in a relatively short time, there is a training presence again operating back at this site.

“I would like to thank Gippsland East Local Learning and Employment Network (GELLEN) and East Gippsland Shire Council for working together to document the impact of the closure of Community College East Gippsland and providing advice on how to best address the resulting gaps in adult education.

“GELLA will offer courses at the former Community College East Gippsland site and from the start of term two, there will be at least six new pre-accredited courses on offer,” he said

Mr Bull said small providers at times find it hard to deliver Adult Community and Further Education (ACFE) funded services and by forming this alliance GELLA will be able to share resources, ideas and expenses to improve service outcomes.

GELLEN Executive Officer, Jacqui Bramwell, said “by forming an alliance we are hoping to look at ways in which we can offer coordinated courses, raise the profile of learn Local in East Gippsland and increase participation in pre-accredited training”.