C.E.A.C.A.'s History Home   Current Brochure   Our Courses   Events   About Us   Contact Us   The Web Links   C.E.A.C.A.'s History   How C.E.A.C.A. came to be what we are and where we are today. CEACA's history began in 1983 with a vision.....   In 1983 two women, namely Virginia Linton-Smith and Joan Broughan had a vision. They saw an empty building and a need: to introduce Adult Education to Alexandra.   In June 1983, a public meeting was held and a steering committee formed to introduce the concept to the community. Alex Younger chaired that meeting and was to become the first Chairman of CEACA. On July 6th about 60 people gathered to listen to the ideas of the Steering Committee and discuss plans to use the “Frontier House” of the Dame Pattie Menzies Centre and from this meeting CEACA was born.   Family and Community Services (FACS) was approached for funding and an initial grant of $2500 was given on the understanding that CEACA include programs in line with FACS’ overall objectives of supporting families. During the first year CEACA secured establishment funding from a variety of sources and commenced with Virginia Linton-Smith as a volunteer Co-ordinator. CEACA’s first classes began in October 1983 and included Aerobics, Oil Painting, Paper Making, Spinning, Leather Craft, Everyday Law, Gardening, Bread Baking, Microwave Cookery and Patchwork & Quilting.   During 1984 CEACA became registered as a Community Based Provider and was partly funded by TAFE, this allowing for a paid part time Co-ordinator and Margaret McAlpin was employed. Now Typing was taught at the High School, the CAE Book Club commenced and Public Speaking was on the agenda. June 1985 saw Barbara Greenwood as Co-ordinator and with increasing enrolments by 1987 the position was full-time and CEACA open Monday to Friday.   It was 1988 when CEACA began to deliver computer courses using the High School and this proved to be very popular. Computer based courses now play a very big part in enrolments.   In 1990 CEACA shifted to the Court House, which proved to be a very positive step, bringing the learning centre closer to the heart of town and making access easier for participants. First term at the Court House saw a queue of eager people spilling out on to the verandah, waiting to make their bookings.   To meet the changing needs of our community over the years CEACA has been required to change direction and now offers more in the way of vocational and accredited courses. In 2000 we offered the accredited Certificate 11 in Business (Office Administration) for the first time and it was very successful. We are now accredited to offer Certificate 11 in Information Technology, Follow workplace hygiene procedures and Implement food safety procedures. We are very excited to be offering Certificate 111 in aged Care and Accredited Chainsaw courses in 2005 as well as Certificate IV in Assessment & Training, the replacement for Certificate IV in Assessment and Workplace Training.   We aim to expand and change our offerings each year to ensure that we best meet the needs of our community. We must keep Adult Education accessible locally. CEACA takes pride in its contribution to the local community, injecting over $100,000 to the local economy through employing local tutors, and using local products and services wherever possible. CEACA is open 9.00am - 5.00pm, Monday to Friday and we look forward to your inquiries. Phone Frances and Rowena on 57721238     Ceaca, Downey Street, Alexandra, Victoria, 3714 - Australia       Phone:   03 5772 1238       -       Ceaca is open 5 days per week from 9am - 5pm