School Holiday Activities

It seems like just last week I was preparing for the July school holiday and already now the October Holidays will soon be upon us. This is going to be the 3rd school holiday program i've put together now and already i am quite excited. To me the school holiday activities we run aren't just about having fun; although i must say that i've never seen a kid go home unhappy from anything we have done here. The school holiday activities are a chance for kids to come along and build up confidence aswell as overcome fears they may have while building up new friendships along the way.
So for parents not sure whether to be sending there kids along to Fairbridge for the next school holidays i would highly reccomend it. Not only does it help develop the childs ability but its a great way to get kids off video games and outside for some physical excercise.

Artist-in-Residence

This is the first time I have been into/onto a blog and after the convoluted application process to get the google account--finally I'm here.

I have been at Fairbridge village for three months now and settling in quite well. It really is an idyllic place to be based.

I have just curated the second exhibition in the gallery, containing photographs by Danielle Williams of Dwellingup. The third exhibition is for the benefit of Mental Health Week--which is the first week in October.

With the gallery operating quite smoothly, I am now attending to the other tasks on my list. An updated inventory system for the art/crafts in the gift shop and getting the proposals submitted for future classes and workshops.

I am excited for the future of the Arts Precinct at Fairbridge and am delighted to be part of it's development. JaneMc Artist-in-Residence

Enter our photo competition!

How gorgeous is this pic of the world-famous Fairbridge Chapel, taken by a Halls Head Community College student. Just stunning! Every time I see pics like this it reminds me of why our Fairbridge Village is so popular for weddings, events, conferences, camps and quality budget accommodation. Love it!

Do you have a nice pic of Fairbridge? Maybe you're keen to take one? Well you have until mid August to snap away and enter Fairbridge’s photo contest. All entrants win a prize just by entering the competition and will vie for major prizes. Photographers can visit our Pinjarra-based historical village on South West Highway to take photos.

We're especially looking for interesting compositions and photos that feature Fairbridge visitors, staff and volunteers. For terms and conditions and an entry form visit www.fairbridge.asn.au and go to Downloads or call me on on 0438 338 803!

Can't wait to see what you come up with!!

Kelvin changes his life to provide for his family

When Kelvin came to Fairbridge Western Australia in October 2008 he didn’t know what he wanted to do – only that he wanted to change his life to be an example to his son and provide for his family.

Kelvin says before Fairbridge, he really struggled to find work.

“Fairbridge has helped me turn my life around and now I am doing what I love and have a career,” he said.

He was initially enrolled in the Certificate II Conservation & Land Management and during the course found his passion for maintenance and construction. He was offered a place in the National Pilot Indigenous Building Maintenance Traineeship Initiative launched at Fairbridge in April 2009 by the Training Minister.

In April this year the Minister presented Kelvin with his graduation certificate along with more than 40 other graduates from Fairbridge’s programs. On the same day Kelvin was signed up in a Fairbridge carpentry apprenticeship.

“I felt proud to graduate in front of my partner and family and in a few years I will be graduating as a carpenter thanks to Fairbridge,” Kelvin says. “Fairbridge took the time to help me find a way forward, to succeed and find something I love doing. I want to be able to provide for my family and for my children to be proud of me. Thanks to Fairbridge, this can now happen. Since being at Fairbridge Kelvin’s family continues to grow, with a third child on the way.

Kelvin is being trained by Josh Billing, who was Fairbridge’s first indigenous carpenter. Kelvin says his aim is to one day be doing Josh’s job.

“I have been able to make lots of friends at Fairbridge and seeing other boys get through the program has really helped me on the way.”