Anita’s Community College Catchup
Anita’s Community Catch Up | Episode #8 (Final episode for 2025)
In Episode #8, Anita signs off for the year with a heartfelt Community Catch Up, reflecting on the festive season, mental health, community connection, and what’s ahead for 2026.
This episode includes an important reminder for anyone feeling overwhelmed at this time of year: it’s okay to take a breather, but don’t isolate for too long. Anita encourages listeners to reach out to friends, keep checking in on people who may be doing it tough, and to use anonymous supports like Lifeline and Beyond Blue if needed.
Anita also acknowledges a significant loss for the Advance community, sharing condolences following the passing of CEO and Secondary College Principal Steve Wright, and reflects on the changes that come when a major chapter closes.
There’s also plenty of practical community news, including an update from horticulture trainer Paula on course pathways and excursions, plus details about:
This episode includes an important reminder for anyone feeling overwhelmed at this time of year: it’s okay to take a breather, but don’t isolate for too long. Anita encourages listeners to reach out to friends, keep checking in on people who may be doing it tough, and to use anonymous supports like Lifeline and Beyond Blue if needed.
Anita also acknowledges a significant loss for the Advance community, sharing condolences following the passing of CEO and Secondary College Principal Steve Wright, and reflects on the changes that come when a major chapter closes.
There’s also plenty of practical community news, including an update from horticulture trainer Paula on course pathways and excursions, plus details about:
- Certificate II in Horticulture (Mornington campus, starting February 2026, Thursdays)
- Advance College options for young people needing a smaller, more supported learning environment
- Hastings Hub community use, room hire, and the upcoming Wellbeing Wednesdays program
- Reconnect updates and a reminder that it’s never too late to learn, reset, or start again
Episode #7 – Walter’s Journey: From Germany to Hastings
In this episode of Anita’s Community Catch-Up, we meet Walter, one of Anita’s one-to-one English students at Advanced Community College.
Originally from Argentina and raised in Germany, Walter spent the past decade living in Europe before making the bold move to Australia with his partner and their much-loved dog in search of sunshine and a slower pace of life.
Walter talks about the challenges of learning English in a new country, what inspired him to seek help, and the impact that Anita’s classes have had on his confidence and sense of belonging.
Whether you’ve moved countries, started fresh, or simply love a good story about resilience and humour, this episode will leave you smiling.
🎧 Listen now on Radio Western Port
Originally from Argentina and raised in Germany, Walter spent the past decade living in Europe before making the bold move to Australia with his partner and their much-loved dog in search of sunshine and a slower pace of life.
Walter talks about the challenges of learning English in a new country, what inspired him to seek help, and the impact that Anita’s classes have had on his confidence and sense of belonging.
Whether you’ve moved countries, started fresh, or simply love a good story about resilience and humour, this episode will leave you smiling.
🎧 Listen now on Radio Western Port
Episode #6 – Behind the Scenes: Wellbeing & Learning at Advanced College
In this episode of Anita’s Community College Catchup on Radio Western Port, Anita sits down with two inspiring guests who play pivotal roles in education.
This conversation goes beyond textbooks—diving into wellbeing, support, and the future of learning.
🎧 Listen now to discover how dedicated staff shape the student experience and build a culture where every learner can thrive.
- Molly, a member of the Wellbeing Staff at Advanced College, opens up about the crucial support services available to students and what staff really do day-to-day to ensure students feel seen, safe, and supported.
- Rony, from Learning & Development at the Independent College, brings a broader perspective, exploring how structured learning pathways and development programs can set students up for long-term success.
This conversation goes beyond textbooks—diving into wellbeing, support, and the future of learning.
🎧 Listen now to discover how dedicated staff shape the student experience and build a culture where every learner can thrive.
Episode #5 – Anita’s Community Catchup
This episode spotlights Will, a Year 12 student at Advance College, who is taking a different approach to senior schooling. Advance College offers a flexible and supportive environment, and for Will, that means the chance to balance coursework with his love for music.
Will shares his story of discovering music through his dad’s bass guitar and Pro Tools setup, and how this early spark grew into a passion for creating beats and producing tracks. He’s now completing a Certificate III in Sound Production and dreams of building a freelance career in music, collaborating with local hip hop and rap artists along the way.
When he’s not studying or producing tracks, Will works at IGA to fund his music equipment and programs. For him, making music is more than a hobby: it’s satisfying, soulful, and a way to express himself when life gets stressful.
Listeners will also get a special treat: a LIVE demonstration of Will’s music-making process and the chance to hear one of his original productions.
✨ Tune in to be inspired by a young creative who’s carving his own path, chasing his goals, and showing us how alternative education can unlock hidden potential.
Will shares his story of discovering music through his dad’s bass guitar and Pro Tools setup, and how this early spark grew into a passion for creating beats and producing tracks. He’s now completing a Certificate III in Sound Production and dreams of building a freelance career in music, collaborating with local hip hop and rap artists along the way.
When he’s not studying or producing tracks, Will works at IGA to fund his music equipment and programs. For him, making music is more than a hobby: it’s satisfying, soulful, and a way to express himself when life gets stressful.
Listeners will also get a special treat: a LIVE demonstration of Will’s music-making process and the chance to hear one of his original productions.
✨ Tune in to be inspired by a young creative who’s carving his own path, chasing his goals, and showing us how alternative education can unlock hidden potential.
Anita’s Community Catchups – Episode #4
Episode #4 is packed with updates and inspiration from across our community.
We hear from Lisa at the Hastings Community Hub, where the horticulture course at Somerville Community House has proven so popular it’s already booked out! A waiting list has now been set up. Locals can also drop by the Hub for $2 coffees between 10am and 12pm, thanks to the donation of a coffee machine and beans from Hastings Rotary. Plus, the Western Port Writers Club are helping to keep the Hub’s “Book Nook” exchange thriving, and a new Medical Reception Course has just kicked off.
Our special guest this week is Amanda Forsyth. Amanda is a Reconnect student and proud member of the Embroiderers Guild of Victoria. Her story began with art therapy, grew into a passion for embroidery, and has now become a source of calm, creativity, and community. As part of the Guild’s education committee, Amanda helps connect tutors and teachers with members ranging from teenagers to a remarkable 105-year-old embroiderer!
Amanda also shares her artistic journey as a makeup artist, which once took her all the way to New York City before returning home to Australia just before COVID.
👉 Listen in for community highlights, creative sparks, and conversations that remind us why local connections matter.
We hear from Lisa at the Hastings Community Hub, where the horticulture course at Somerville Community House has proven so popular it’s already booked out! A waiting list has now been set up. Locals can also drop by the Hub for $2 coffees between 10am and 12pm, thanks to the donation of a coffee machine and beans from Hastings Rotary. Plus, the Western Port Writers Club are helping to keep the Hub’s “Book Nook” exchange thriving, and a new Medical Reception Course has just kicked off.
Our special guest this week is Amanda Forsyth. Amanda is a Reconnect student and proud member of the Embroiderers Guild of Victoria. Her story began with art therapy, grew into a passion for embroidery, and has now become a source of calm, creativity, and community. As part of the Guild’s education committee, Amanda helps connect tutors and teachers with members ranging from teenagers to a remarkable 105-year-old embroiderer!
Amanda also shares her artistic journey as a makeup artist, which once took her all the way to New York City before returning home to Australia just before COVID.
👉 Listen in for community highlights, creative sparks, and conversations that remind us why local connections matter.
Anita’s Community Catchups – Episode #3 with Paula
🌿 Anita is BACK on Radio Western Port! 🌿
Episode #3 of Anita’s Community Catchups is here, and this week Anita sits down with Paula from Advance Community College to talk about all things hospitality, First Aid & CPR, agricultural skills, and an exciting new horticulture course!
This brand-new 12-week course at Somerville Community House will teach you the basics of plant care, garden planning, sustainable practices, and more. Whether you’re keen to start a hobby, grow your own food, or explore a career in horticulture, this is the perfect next step.
🎧 Listen to the episode now!
📧 For course info: [email protected]
📞 Call: 5986 4623
👉 Tag a friend who’d love this!
Episode #3 of Anita’s Community Catchups is here, and this week Anita sits down with Paula from Advance Community College to talk about all things hospitality, First Aid & CPR, agricultural skills, and an exciting new horticulture course!
This brand-new 12-week course at Somerville Community House will teach you the basics of plant care, garden planning, sustainable practices, and more. Whether you’re keen to start a hobby, grow your own food, or explore a career in horticulture, this is the perfect next step.
🎧 Listen to the episode now!
📧 For course info: [email protected]
📞 Call: 5986 4623
👉 Tag a friend who’d love this!
🎙️ Anita’s Community Catch-Up – This Week’s Episode!
This episode is packed with community updates, inspiring stories, and helpful insights! Broadcasting from the Hastings Hub, Anita dives into the incredible services available right here in Hastings.
💡 Episode Highlights:
💡 Episode Highlights:
- Shoutout to Advanced Community College! Students are taking advantage of the fantastic learning opportunities at the Hastings Hub.
- Pelican Park Refurbishment – Locals are discovering fitness classes they never knew existed after visiting the Hastings Club!
- Digital Literacy Course Success – Helping the community get online and thrive in the digital world.
- Meet Wenzel – A proud Indigenous leader working to reduce incarceration rates. He’s heading to Hawaii on a prestigious Fellowship to bring back valuable insights for Indigenous men and women in Victoria.
- Family Life’s Big Announcement – A Community Market at Crib Point featuring a family zone, sausage sizzle, coffee van, and local stalls. Don’t forget – Advanced Community College also offers Barista Courses!
- Mission Australia & Anita’s Initiative – A program dedicated to helping mums get back to work after having kids.
- WISE Words from Anita – A powerful pep talk on mental health, job support, and financial well-being. If you’re in your 20s and don’t want to be stuck in the same place in your 30s – Hastings Hub can help!
Anita’s Community Catchup – Episode 1 🎙️✨
Welcome to the very first episode of Anita’s Community Catchup on Radio Western Port!
In this exciting debut, Anita sits down with students from Western Port Secondary College who are currently studying Community Services – Certificate II through the Advanced College at The Hastings Hub.
These students are learning hands-on skills that will help them support and strengthen their communities. In this episode, they share their experiences, insights, and personal growth throughout the course. From developing communication and leadership skills to gaining real-world experience in community services, their stories highlight the impact of this program in shaping future changemakers.
🌟 What to Expect in Episode 1:
✅ What drew these students to community services
✅ The challenges and rewards of the Certificate II course
✅ How this program is preparing them for their future
✅ Their hopes for making a difference in the local community
Join us for an inspiring conversation and get to know the passionate students taking their first steps toward a career in community support.
In this exciting debut, Anita sits down with students from Western Port Secondary College who are currently studying Community Services – Certificate II through the Advanced College at The Hastings Hub.
These students are learning hands-on skills that will help them support and strengthen their communities. In this episode, they share their experiences, insights, and personal growth throughout the course. From developing communication and leadership skills to gaining real-world experience in community services, their stories highlight the impact of this program in shaping future changemakers.
🌟 What to Expect in Episode 1:
✅ What drew these students to community services
✅ The challenges and rewards of the Certificate II course
✅ How this program is preparing them for their future
✅ Their hopes for making a difference in the local community
Join us for an inspiring conversation and get to know the passionate students taking their first steps toward a career in community support.