Our Programs

The OLC’s Art & Creative programs promote individual artistic expression in a shared creative environment.

These programs aim to develop a range of artistic skills and increase self-awareness, independence and self-confidence, while providing a chance for individuals to express themselves and get imaginative through different mediums.

Current Art & Creative Programs:

• Art Classes (Mondays)
• Painting Studio (Tuesdays)
• Pottery Classes (Wednesdays & Thursdays)
• Open Art Studio (Mondays & Fridays)
• Mindful Mending (Thursdays)
• Milkcrate Theatre (Term-based; Tuesdays)

The OLC’s Music programs aim to inspire individuals to further their skills and grow musically, both in one-on-one sessions and group programs.

These programs provide a pathway for beginners through to experienced musicians wishing to build their development, knowledge and love for music.

Current Music Programs:

• Songwriting Development Sessions (One-on-one by appt; Mondays)
• Guitar Lessons (Tuesdays)
• Piano Lessons (Tuesdays)
• Open Jam Sessions (Tuesdays)
• Singing Group (Tuesdays)
• Music to My Ears Performance Band (Thursdays)

The OLC’s Living Skills programs aim to provide a holistic approach to developing practical skills and knowledge that are needed for independent living and growth.

Through learning and building on these skills, individuals can feel more supported, self-reliant and empowered to work through challenges and make informed decisions.

Current Living Skills Programs:

• Gardening (Tuesdays)
• Gardening with Darren (Workshops; Every last Tuesday of the month)
• Community Cook-up (Wednesdays)
• Cooking & Nutrition (Fridays)
• Life Admin Sessions (One-on-one; Available through the week on different days)
• Other Living Skills/Educational One-off Workshops (Subject to availability)

The OLC’s Health, Fitness and Wellbeing Programs aim to provide meaningful, healthy engagement that everyone can benefit from.

These programs focus on building positive mental and physical health, learning self-care strategies, practicing mindfulness, and feeling relaxed while participating in supported programs.

Current Health, Fitness & Wellbeing Programs:

• Yoga (Tuesdays)
• Kundalini Meditation (Thursdays)
• Free Hairdressing (First come, first serve, Fridays)
• Eyes of Hope Clinic (By appt; First Monday of each month)
• Health Checks/Pop-ups (Subject to availability)
• Gym (Available for Independent Use, Monday to Friday)

The OLC’s Education, Training and Employment programs provide a chance to gain and build on knowledge and skills in specific areas of education and trade.

These programs give individuals an opportunity to gain the skills and learning they need for job opportunities in the future, as well as to expand on general personal interest..

Current Education, Training & Employment Programs:

• Tech Support Sessions (One-on-one; Mondays, Thursdays & Fridays)
• TAFE Courses (Statements of attainment; subject to availability annually)
• Training Courses – RSA/RCG, First Aid & White Card Training (Subject to availability)
• Other One-off Trainings and courses (Subject to availability)

The OLC’s Social Engagement activities and programs run within our centre space and outside of the OLC, as well as providing practical, meaningful supports and referrals.

Grab a coffee, play a game in our rec area or hang out with our staff and volunteers for a chat! We have computers for internet access, phones available to make phone calls, a charging station for your devices, and more.

Monthly we also hold fun game competitions, awareness day events, and outings.

Current Social Programs and Activities:

• Walk & Talk with Bren (Fridays)
• Community Events & Awareness Day Activities
• Pool, Ping Pong, Scrabble & Other Games
• Game Competitions (Pool, Chess) (with prizes, monthly)
• Outings (subject to availability)
• Other social activities (subject to availability)

The OLC’s First Nations and Cultural Learning Programs have been developed to broaden the cultural awareness and knowledge around First Nations Australians and their customs and culture.

These programs aim to support First nations peoples in feeling more connected to their community, as well as to help others in the wider community to gain an understanding of First Nations culture.

Current Cultural Learning Programs:

• Yarn Space Open Artmaking (Mob only) (Fridays, starting April 24)
• Aboriginal Rope Making & Adornment (Fridays, starting April 24)
• 2-week Pop-up Workshop: Crowns from Country (May 7 & 14)
• Other workshops and outings (subject to availability)

The Therapeutic and Recovery focused programs and support groups at the OLC aim to support individuals whose lives have been affected by addiction, trauma and/or mental health issues in an open, inclusive and trauma-informed environment.

Current Therapeutic & Recovery Programs:

• Narcotics Anonymous (N.A.) (Wednesdays)
• SMART Recovery (Thursdays)
• Music Therapy (Wednesdays)
• ACAP Counselling Sessions (One-on-one; Tuesdays & Wednesdays)
• Other Counselling Sessions (Thursdays)
• Other Support Groups (Subject to availability)
• Eating the Elephant Decluttering Course and Support Groups for previous participants (Subject to availability)

The OLC’s Women-centric programs and activities aim to provide safe spaces for women and gender-diverse/female identifying individuals to learn, connect and relax.

We have a dedicated women’s space for social activities and information sessions, a weekly women’s circle gathering, and a weekly ladies lunch where women can enjoy a meal and socialise with other gals in the community.

Current Women’s Programs and Activities:

• Women’s Circle (Tuesdays)
• Ladies Lunch (Thursdays)
• Women’s Butterfly Clothing (By appointment)
• Other educational workshops and information sessions (subject to availability)