“We have a vision of improved education, training and employment outcomes for young people in the Outer East of Melbourne.”
Who we are and what we do.
The Outer Eastern Local Learning & Employment Network (OELLEN) is a community organisation funded by the Victorian Government that initiates partnerships with schools, employers, community and families to support young people to make positive choices and further engage them in education, training and employment pathways in the local government areas of Knox, Maroondah and Yarra Ranges.
OELLEN also delivers the Structured Workplace Learning (SWL) program in those three local government areas, engaging with local employers to provide placements tailored to local priorities and employment opportunities.
Partnering with local services is key to how OELLEN operates and we seek to serve the community by working with local services which improve the Region’s economy and autonomy.
Our key strategies
Expansion.
Broaden the applied learning opportunities available for students.
Assistance.
Support schools with careers-related strategies.
Engagement.
Support schools to engage with business and industry.
Our team
Fiona Purcell
Chief 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.
E: fpurcell@oellen.org.au
M: 0438304851
Chloe Williams
Community Engagement Advisor
Chloe joined OELLEN in 2024. Chloe has a background in communications, brand and marketing in the non-for-profit sector. Chloe brings with her skills in communications, digital and stakeholder engagement supporting the team to bring together our networks and provide pathway connections focused on improving outcomes for the young people in Melbourne's outer east.
E: cwilliams@oellen.org.au
M: 0423 486 856
Carmel Shaw
Office Manager
Carmel joined OELLEN in 2022, bringing with her a broad range of experience in accounts roles across a variety of industries
E: cshaw@oellen.org.au
Sharon Neal
Structured Workplace Learning Team Leader
Sharon joined the OELLEN team in 2016 and has 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.
E: sneal@oellen.org.au
M: 0409219326
Matthew Tench
Structured Workplace Learning Coordinator
Matthew joined OELLEN in 2021. Having a comprehensive background in the business and retail sector, Matthew has well over a decade of experience in management and partnership programs through multiple industries. Bridging the gap between business and youth employment has always been a focus and a passion for Matthew.
E: mtench@oellen.org.au
M: 0400 206 843
Antoinette Burfurd
Structured Workplace Learning Coordinator
Antoinette joined the OELLEN team in the first quarter of 2022. She has a varied background, including sales and marketing and in hospitality having been a small business owner for 7 years. She has a passion for careers and helping young people find their path.
E: aburfurd@oellen.org.au
M: 0498 226 781
OELLEN Annual Reports
OELLEN 2021 Annual Report
OELLEN 2019 Annual Report
OELLEN 2018 Annual Report
OELLEN 2017 Annual Report
OELLEN 2023 Annual Report
OELLEN 2020 Annual Report
OELLEN 2015 Annual Report
OELLEN 2022 Annual Report
What People Are Saying
“It’s a great opportunity for them but it is a great opportunity for us too. We have bridged the gap between education and the workforce.”
— Employer
“Not only have I learnt new things, but it has connected up with my TAFE course AND I have been offered a casual job. This has let me experience more opportunities for my future.”
— Bree , SWL Placement student
“I was so nervous and the interviewer made me feel so comfortable”
— Mock Interview Student
“This was a fantastic, real-life opportunity to prepare students to seek employment.”
— VCAL Teacher talking about mock interviews