Get in Touch
Email Address
info@oellen.org.au
Phone Number
(03) 8578 6844
About Us
We have a vision of improved education, training and employment outcomes for young people in the Outer East of Melbourne.
OELLEN is a community organisation that aims to empower young people disengaged from schooling and employment in the Knox, Maroondah and Yarra Ranges areas. We do this through connecting these young people with educational programs or industry specific training.
Our mission is to broker collaborative partnerships between local agencies, organisations, industry and education and training providers that will result in improved education and training outcomes for young people aged 10-19, in particular those at risk of not making successful transitions.
Partnering with local services is key to how OELLEN operates. We aim to serve the community by working with local services which improve the regions economy and autonomy.
Our Key Strategies
1
Expansion
Broaden the applied learning opportunities available for students.2
Assistance
Support schools with careers-related strategies.3
Engagement
Support schools to engage with business and industry.Our Team
Fiona Purcell
Executive Officer
Fiona has been the Executive Officer of the OELLEN since it was established in 2002. She has had extensive experience working with local schools, TAFE, business and industry and community groups and has developed a wide range of partnerships to improve the education and career pathway options for young people in the Outer East.
Sharon Neal
Structured Workplace Learning Coordinator
Sharon joined the OELLEN team in 2016 and brings with her extensive experience from the employment services industry in training, case management and employer liaison. Possessing a background in Education, Sharon also has a working history in Sales and Marketing.
Pat Johnston
Structured Workplace Learning Coordinator
Patricia joined the OELLEN team in 2017, bringing with her more than ten years of experience working in the education sector. Patricia’s work in secondary schools and with the atEAST group has given her broad industry connections and a strong understanding of Structured Workplace Learning and School Based Apprenticeships and Traineeships.
Cherie Messerle
Project Officer
Cherie has been a member of the OELLEN team since 2008. Prior to this she has worked closely with schools and educators as a Curriculum Consultant and School Development Officer with the Department of Education. She brings many years’ experience in education, management, business and youth work to the role at the OELLEN.
Cheryl Barr
Structured Workplace Learning Coordinator
Cheryl joined the OELLEN in 2016, bringing her knowledge of the Structured Workplace Learning (SWL) Program from her time at SELLEN. Cheryl has a background working in schools and in business and industry as a field officer for Registered Training Organisations.
Jesse Boyd
Communications Officer
Jesse joined OELLEN after completing placement with the organisation. Prior to this he has worked in various roles in the IT sector. Jesse brings significant volunteer experience working in the Not-For-Profit sector and is currently completing a Master in Social Work.
Deb Ceko
Office Manager
Debra joined OELLEN in 2015, bringing with her a broad range of experience in administrative roles in large government departments, before moving into small business office management roles. Before joining the OELLEN Debra worked in the Job Services sector, training groups of long term unemployed jobseekers.
Steve Merry
Structured Workplace Learning Coordinator
Steve has been with the OELLEN team since 2016, helping to connect schools and industry as part of the Structured Workplace Learning program. Steve brings has a strong Education background, having taught in Victorian primary schools since 2007. He is currently completing a Masters in Education.
Jenny Royle
Project Officer
Jenny has a background in education and teaching, with experience in senior program development and building school capacity. Jenny has a particular interest in creating strong and sustainable ties between schools and the community, developing meaningful connections to broaden access and training for all senior school students. She also brings understanding of not-for-profit community organizations and is an active member of local school boards and groups.
