By Tanya Faulkner
The goal of one local who has dedicated her life to the improvement of others is to shape the community, one opportunity at a time.
The Basin Community House manager Heather McTaggart has been recognised as a finalist in the 2023 Learn Local Awards.
Ms McTaggart said it’s been a real privilege for her to receive this recognition, after being in her current role for the past 16 years.
“We don’t do this work looking for any accolades, but it’s lovely when someone recognises your work,” she said.
Ms McTaggart has had a long history working with community houses in the Hills, after a personal tragedy led her into the industry.
“Many years ago I ended up widowed and pregnant, and had no connections to my local community.
“I was working in the city when my husband passed away suddenly, and it was a week later when I found out I was pregnant.
“When you work in town and you’re young, you don’t have much contact in your community until you have kids,” she said.
After putting her son through the former Morrison House when she went back to work part-time, Ms McTaggart realised the impact that can be felt through being connected to the community.
“The connection to the community house changed my life.
“I felt a sense of purpose in the community, got to know people through education, short courses and social events.
“They identified what happened with me, and invited me to go on the committee and into management.
“The neighbourhood house sector changed my life in a positive way, so I knew I wanted to go into that kind of work,” she said.
Ms McTaggart came to The Basin Community House 16 years ago, taking big strides in her management role to bring new life to the centre, and the wider community in The Basin.
She said neighbourhood houses are an integral part of the community, a safe place for locals to come, and have the opportunity to learn new skills or follow their passions.
“It’s a lovely place to be.
“These houses are especially safe for women who need somewhere to go and make new connections,” she said.
The Learn Local Awards, Ms McTaggart said, are mostly focused around leadership and adult education, which she believes they do very well in The Basin.
“It’s an honour to be recognised individually, but it’s a whole team effort and I am incredibly blessed.
“It is a privilege leading a wonderful team supporting my vision, and helping implement our programs to some of the most vulnerable learners in our communities. We have been fortunate in recent years to win Best Program Award and last year, the Trainer award.
“We have a large ‘Department of Justice’ online program helping those who have been incarcerated or undertaking community work orders to learn employability skills and integrate back into the community.
“We also have strong partnerships with Mullum Mullum Indigenous Gathering Place and Tasty Az catering who support young people with a disability to gain skills for employment and further study.”
The Basin Community House provides over 40 courses at the house, which Ms McTaggart said is a lot for a smaller community house.
“We’re not a TAFE or an RTO, but we provide a lot of diverse learning and socialising programs for the community.
“This is what the Learn Local awards focus on,” she said.
Looking back on the last five years with The Basin, Ms McTaggart said one particular milestone stood out for her in her career at the house.
“The main thing I’ve been able to achieve in the last five years is getting our new purpose-built Community House developed.
“It’s something I’d been working on for over 10 years to get into fruition,” she said.
The Basin Community House managed to secure State Government funding for the project, resulting in their brand new premise allowing more space and opportunities for growth for the house.
Ms McTaggart said it’s a vast change from where the house originally was.
“We used to be in an old cottage that used to be the principal’s residence at the school around 60 years ago.
“We’ve gone from this tiny three-bedroom house to our beautiful, fit for purpose, multi million dollar Community House,” she said.
For Ms McTaggart, however, it’s all about community empowerment and providing them a safe space to gather, grow and socialise.
“We’re providing low-cost courses for locals to upskill, and a place to come together and socialise, especially after Covid19.
“For example, we have a colour and chat program that around 17 women come to, and it’s just about connecting and being with friends, more than the colouring itself,” she said.
Learn Local plays a critical role in Victoria’s post-secondary system, offering a unique community-based learning option with a focus on the individual needs of learners.
More than 240 not-for-profit community organisations are registered as Learn Locals.
Member for Monbulk Daniela de Martino said the program is helping people to transform their lives through community-based education that is focused on the individual needs of learners.
“Congratulations to all the award finalists this year, particularly local legend Heather McTaggart, and thank you for going the extra mile to help Victorians access the skills they need to achieve their goals in work and in life,” she said.
An awards night will be held on Friday 24 November to announce the official winners of the Learn Local Awards for 2023.
