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Dana Dunstan - Co-ordinator
The first voice you hear when you call us, belongs to Dana, the co-ordinator of the Learning Centre. She will take your class bookings, discuss your class needs, and answer any queries or concerns you may have.

“I love dealing with people,” said Dana “it's definitely the best part of my job. We have lots of ideas for new programs, and new goals to achieve”.

We try to offer as many courses as we can, to appeal to the largest number of people in our community.”

Dana has been the co-ordinator for 10 years this year, and has contributed to the growth of the Centre from a small Neighbourhood House, to a Learning Centre boasting three venues with excellent facilities, and such innovative programs as The Men's Shed.

So come on in and see Dana at the old Union Bank, or give her a call, and let her help you with your learning needs.

Mark Binding – Workshop Supervisor

Mark is a welcome addition to the YCLC Family. Since his appointment as the Workshop Supervisor, Mark has made a large and very positive improvement in the Workshop. Mark has encouraged more men to attend Wednesday's Men's Shed days, and has supported the men in developing their shed, as well as doing community work to help purchase new tools on the “wish” list.

One of many successes that Mark and the participants of the Men's Shed have achieved is the Youth Mentoring program. This is made possible by the volunteer mentors to Secondary College boys – giving the boys a positive male influence and teaching them new practical skills. The results have been very beneficial and enjoyable to all parties.

Geoffrey Hore - Treasurer and Tax Help Agent

Geoffrey was born in Yarram – one of the many babies Doc Martin brought into the world. He moved away in later years, and has recently come back to Yarram to “retire”.

Yarram is fortunate to have such an active retiree. Geoffrey is a tireless volunteer for our community, where he is a volunteer driver for the Red Cross, a member of several local committees, including the Holy Trinity Parish council.

Geoffrey became the Centre’s Treasurer in 2005 and has been kept busy introducing a new upgraded financial system to streamline financial reporting to Committee as well as funding bodies.

He first became involved in volunteering for Tax Help in Geelong, and decided to extend the benefits to Yarram.

“I found it a very worthwhile experience, and contributing this way helps people, as well as adding another service to our community.”

Geoffrey begins his Tax Help Service in the Old Union Bank building on 20th July, by appointment.

We can't do without our Tutors

Michelle Travers - Patchwork

It is obvious that Michelle enjoys patchwork by the prolific range of beautiful quilts that she has produced. Michelle has not only made and taught patchwork from patterns, but has also designed her own pieces - so it is not surprising that she is a brilliant and popular patchwork tutor.

Her students appreciate her “of course you can” attitude, and with her patience, creativity, and encouraging teaching techniques, her classes are not only highly productive, but lots of fun as well.

Merril Lees – Paper Tole, Glass Slumping, Stumpwork, China Painting, etc

People are constantly amazed at the amount of natural talent that Merril displays in her many and varied art & craft projects, including her own designs in Stumpwork Embroidery.

As well as producing beautiful pieces herself, Merril teaches a variety of crafts and welcomes new students who wish to create their own projects in a friendly and creative environment.

Astara Rose - Jewellery, Mandalas, Needlefelting, etc.

Only new in town, Astara has been keen to share her love of arts and crafts with our community.

“I dabble in a wide range of arts and crafts and believe passionately in empowering people by bringing body, heart, mind and spirit together in creative projects.”

Trained as an art therapist, Astara has worked with both adults and children, especially those with learning difficulties.

“I love gardening, animals, walking in nature, listening to music, writing poetry and being with warm, gentle, compassionate people.

Janice Timmins – Folk and Decorative Art

Janice has been with us for a number of years. Janice, a highly talented artist, travels to the USA and NZ to teach, and to attend workshops and learn new painting techniques that she brings back and shares with her students here.

Janice is a very popular and highly respected tutor. She tells great stories and jokes while teaching, and her classes are always punctuated by bursts of laughter. Her students, consistently produce beautiful work and many have won prizes for their pieces.

David Hoare – Art – all mediums

David has had an involvement with the Yarram district over many years including several years as an art teacher at Yarram Secondary College .

After leaving College teaching 13 years ago, he has been exclusively coaching adult students in painting and drawing, and taking them on gallery tours and trips to New Zealand Galleries and art locations. He is an accomplished painter and has exhibited widely in Australia and New Zealand .

It is because David enjoys working with people, and encouraging the best out of his adult students, that his classes are so popular.

Joe Dundon - Computers

We are most fortunate to have Joe on our team. He has been teaching computer classes in the Adult Education System since 1996 and those who have taken classes with him, can attest to his relaxed teaching style - and ability to impart a wealth of information that is easily understood by all students.

Joe has had many interesting jobs in his career, but is very busy with computer work these days. Joe expertly manages the Computer Training Room, where he writes his own teaching materials, teaches classes, and generously (and patiently) comes to the rescue of those of us who need his vast computer experience.

Anne - Centrelink Agent

Anne has lived and worked in Yarram for over 20 years. She has had an active involvement within the community.

As a mum of five she was a member of several school councils and sporting clubs, as well as working in several Yarram businesses, meant Anne pursued a hectic schedule for many years.

Her experience and desire to assist locals with their Centrelink enquiries, drew her to her current position. She has been the local rural agent for Centrelink for 6 years, and has seen a lot of changes in that time.

If you have any Centrelink enquiries, you can see Anne on Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays, from 10 am to 2 pm at The Old Union Bank.