We work hard to make Sandybeach Centre a great place to learn,grow and enjoy life. One of our clients has been kind enough to let us know how we’re doing, and here is her experience.
A big thank you to Sandybeach Centre
It is not easy to emigrate when you are a woman of a certain age. Leaving my home, a busy job,a place in a close knit community and a wonderful group of close friends in the UK to follow my husband’s career path,left me lonely and with time on my hands. Having grown up children meant that I wasn’t part of the ‘playground scene’,which so often provides the opportunity to make new friends and acquaintances. We arrived into a rental property with rental furniture. My husband and children were out all day and my cat was in quarantine. Nothing was familiar to me. As my goods and chattels were adrift on the high seas,so I felt adrift in Sandringham,somewhat isolated and very homesick. So,what to do about it?
I took myself out for a walk to the beach one day to gather my thoughts and make a plan. On my way,I walked passed the Sandybeach Centre. I knew nothing about the centre or its purpose,but I spotted brochures outside and took one with me to read on the foreshore bench. The variety of courses and activities available was very impressive. This was a way for me to fill my time,I thought. The next day,I gathered myself together and ventured inside. Immediately,I was welcomed into this wonderful community of friendly faces. The staff behind the counter were most welcoming and helpful. They took the time to talk to me about our move,about the centre and wider the community. I came out feeling a whole lot lighter. I quickly signed up for a Writing Skills course,something I have always wanted to do. This proved to be excellent. I am now coming up for my third year of studying with Claire and have gone on to further study of poetry and literature, using the confidence the Writing Skills course has given me. I have met some wonderful friends and gone on to join other community organisations that these lovely people have invited me to.
I quickly became a Sandybeach addict,feeling at home in the centre,meeting my friends and new faces each week. I have now completed two computer courses,a meditation course and the Certificate IV in Training and Assessment and of course, I continue with my Writing Skills,which I love. All of these courses have been of a very high standard and thoroughly enjoyable. The tutors are excellent and truly understand the concept of adult learning and the challenges it can present. Every effort is made to accommodate individual study needs and personal situations. Nothing seems to be too much trouble for the staff and tutors. I have had the opportunity to become involved with the Armchair Travel sessions,I have listened to and met fascinating authors at Meet the Author sessions. I have shared in the Bayside Literary Festival for the last two years and this year,I even presented a piece of my own work.
The Sandybeach Centre is an amazing organisation which is so much more than just a place to teach and learn. It is,without doubt,a lifeline to people in all sorts of situations who otherwise,may not have the opportunity to feel part of this wonderful community. I have become completely hooked on adult learning because the centre makes it so accessible. I would not have had the confidence to approach a large education establishment in the city,but the concept of Learn Local has given me that confidence and allowed me to achieve things I wouldn’t have dreamed of when I first arrived. Because of the Sandybeach Centre,I have pursued my life long hobby,gained valuable qualifications and secured a part time job that is really suited to my new life. But more importantly than anything else,because of Sandybeach,I have made some wonderful friends. These days, it takes me much longer to run my errands in the village because I know so many lovely people to stop and talk to. The Sandybeach Centre has been vital in smoothing my transition into Australia and Bayside and in making me feel so at home in Sandringham. I thank all the staff and tutors from my heart.
- Stephanie
