Central Grampians Local Learning and Employment Network

28/05/2026

Interested in becoming a MATES mentor?

Nat is hosting a training session next Tuesday at our office in Ararat. If you’re interested in joining the program or learning more about what’s involved, please email [email protected] or call 0432 204 840.

We love gaining feedback from our mentors about their experience in the program. As Jenny has mentioned, the benefits are mutual!

27/05/2026

[ L2P PASS ] It’s been a busy start to the year in our TAC L2P program for licences!

Apsara is our latest learner to gain their P plates. Her mentor, Dave, has been supervising Apsara’s drives since she joined our L2P program almost two years ago and was proud to see her pass her test with a near perfect score! Well done, Apsara 👏

25/05/2026

Is it your year to volunteer?

Karen is one of our MATES mentors in Stawell. We deliver the MATES Mentoring program in twelve schools across Northern Grampians Shire and Ararat Rural City. As Karen says, 'give it a go'.
For more information about becoming a MATES mentor, please visit: https://cgllen.org.au/mates-mentoring/

✨ My Year to Volunteer ✨

Introducing Karen, a Stawell local who donates her time for the MATES mentoring program run by Central Grampians LLEN, a program provides positive role models for young people.

You can learn more about the other volunteers featured in our campaign, locate helpful volunteering resources and find out more about local volunteering opportunities on our website, here - https://ow.ly/JIxp50Z0W5W

Thanks to our campaign partners Central Grampians Local Learning and Employment Network, Grampians Community Health and East Wimmera Health Service.

21/05/2026

Is it your year to volunteer?

Clinton is one of our TAC L2P Program mentors in St Arnaud. We deliver the program across Northern Grampians Shire, Ararat Rural City and Pyrenees Shire and have cars based in St Arnaud, Stawell, Ararat and Beaufort.
For more information about becoming a mentor in our L2P program, please visit: https://cgllen.org.au/l2p/

✨ My Year to Volunteer ✨

Introducing Clinton, a St Arnaud local who volunteers his time for the TAC L2P Program run by Central Grampians LLEN, a program that helps learner drivers gain the 120 hours of driving experience required for their probationary license.

You can learn more about the other volunteers featured in our campaign, locate helpful volunteering resources and find out more about local volunteering opportunities on our website, here - https://ow.ly/Eu1k50Z1ti5

Thanks to our campaign partners Central Grampians Local Learning and Employment Network, Grampians Community Health and East Wimmera Health Service.

21/05/2026

Congratulations to our long-serving mentors, Mal, Calvin, Clinton, Gary and Bert who were recognised at our National Volunteer Week events this week!

Mal, Calvin and Clinton have been volunteering their time to the TAC L2P Program for more than five years, while Gary and Bert recently notched up an incredible 10 years of service.

We thank them all for their ongoing support of our organisation and the young local learners we assist through the L2P Program.

20/05/2026

We’ve had an amazing few days celebrating National Volunteer Week with our wonderful MATES and L2P mentors! On Monday, we hosted an afternoon tea for our Ararat mentors at the CGLLEN office, and yesterday we acknowledged our Northern Grampians mentors during afternoon tea at the Stawell Library.

A huge thank you to our guest speakers, Taylah Jamieson, Student Welfare Officer (Ararat College) & Wellbeing and Behavioural Support Leader (Ararat North Primary) and Karen Ede, Better Futures Development Coach (BGT Jobs & Training). Both guest speakers delivered informative presentation on engaging with young people and provided our volunteers with practical advice they will be able to implement throughout their mentoring journeys.

19/05/2026

Our 2025 Annual Report was adopted at our Annual General Meeting on Thursday. The report features all the highlights from our School to Work, MATES, Resilient Ararat and L2P programs – you may even spot some familiar faces!

You can check it out here:https://cgllen.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/2025-Annual-Report-and-Financials-FINAL_compressed.pdf

18/05/2026

The ‘My Year to Volunteer’ campaign we’ve launched in partnership with Northern Grampians Shire Council, Grampians Community Health & East Wimmera Health Service to celebrate volunteers across the Northern Grampians this National Volunteer Week.

Keep your eyes peeled and you might see some familiar faces from our mentor programs!

A huge thank you to Jackie from JP Creative for putting this video together for us.

18/05/2026

This week is National Volunteer Week and we are celebrating the amazing contributions of our L2P and MATES mentors. In 2025, these generous individuals dedicated a combined 2,213+ hours to supporting young people in our community. Without our wonderful mentors, we wouldn’t be able to do the vital work that we do. Thank you to each and every one of you 🫶

18/05/2026

We had a busy week here at CGLLEN last week!

• On Tuesday, Jessie & Benj worked with Josh from filming content for an exciting new project.
• Benj coordinated two school-industry engagement sessions at Skene Street Specialist School featuring Narelle from Petstock Stawell and Kendra & Ted from Ararat Barks and Bubbles
• On Thursday, we held our AGM which provided an opportunity for staff & board members to reflect on and celebrate our achievements as an organisation in 2025.
• Nat & Mell have been busy preparing for our National Volunteer Week events this week. For more information, check out our story.