What Djerriwarrh Community and Education Services does

Djerriwarrh Community & Education Services is a not-for-profit community organisation founded in 1989 in Melton, in Melbourne's outer western suburbs. It operates as a dual-credentialed Registered Training Organisation (RTO 3771, registered with the Victorian Registration and Qualifications Authority since 1996) and a Learn Local provider accredited by the Victorian Adult Community & Further Education Board, and is registered as a charity with the ACNC. The organisation delivers four nationally recognised VET qualifications (Certificate III in School Based Education Support; Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care; Certificate II in Community Services; Certificate III in Individual Support/Ageing and Disability), a suite of short courses covering digital literacy, business skills, and English, and a range of community and youth programs including the Adult Migrant English Program (AMEP), Skills for Education and Employment (SEE), Parent Pathways, Better Futures, Reconnect, the TAC L2P Learner Driver Mentor Program, Neighbourhood House activities, No Interest Loans (with Good Shepherd), and the new Melton Suburban University Study Hub.

The organisation serves migrants and humanitarian entrants, job seekers and unemployed adults, asylum seekers, young people in or leaving out-of-home care, parents and carers of young children, learner drivers, and university students in Melbourne's west. Its technology stack is operational rather than product-led: the aXcelerate Student Management System underpins enrolments and student records, with PayPal, Humanitix, and Eventbrite handling payments and event ticketing; there is no proprietary platform or AI-native product. Customer acquisition is sales-led, relying on direct community outreach, partnerships with government agencies (Services Australia/Centrelink, Job Active), referral networks from employers and service providers, pre-training interviews, and word-of-mouth from existing participants.

The revenue model is overwhelmingly government-subsidy-driven across Commonwealth and Victorian Government funding streams (AMEP, SEE, Skills First, Learn Local, Reconnect, Better Futures, Parent Pathways, TAC L2P), supplemented by fee-for-service tuition for full-fee VET students (tuition between approximately $2,287 and $8,505 per course depending on qualification and concession status) and tax-deductible donations processed via PayPal. Djerriwarrh trades as "Learning for Employment" for AMEP delivery and is part of a six-member Learn Local consortium alongside CommUnity Plus, Laverton Community Integrated Services, Opendoor, Wyndham Community & Education Centre, and Yarraville Community Centre. The organisation is governed by an independent board and has been led by CEO Trish Heffernan since 2009, and operates across five physical sites in Melton, Ballarat, and Sunshine plus 17 Parent Pathways locations.

Name

Djerriwarrh Community and Education Services

Legal name

Djerriwarrh Community & Education Services

Website

https://djerriwarrh.org.au

Company type

Private

Founded year

1989

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

101–250 employees

Short description

Djerriwarrh Community & Education Services is a not-for-profit Registered Training Organisation and Learn Local provider founded in 1989 in Melton, Victoria, delivering accredited VET qualifications, English language programs (AMEP/SEE), and community support services to migrants, job seekers, young people, and disadvantaged adults across Melbourne's western suburbs.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Headquarters

HQ city

Melton

HQ country

Australia

HQ region

Oceania

Offices5 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Infrastructure, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Others

Revenue model

1. Government Funded Training - AMEP: The Adult Migrant English Program (AMEP) is funded by the Australian Government Department of Home Affairs, providing English language tuition to eligible migrants and humanitarian entrants at no cost to participants.
2. Government Funded Training - SEE: The Skills for Education and Employment (SEE) Program is funded by the Australian Government Department of Employment and Workplace Relations, offering FREE training in reading, writing, English language, maths and digital skills to eligible participants.
3. Learn Local Funding: Learn Local courses are government subsidised through Victoria's Adult Community & Further Education Board and offered at low or no cost to eligible Victorian adults.
4. Skills First Funding: Government subsidised vocational education and training through the Victorian Skills First program for eligible individuals, with tuition fees ranging from $330.31 (government subsidised) to $66.06 (concession) depending on the course.
5. Course Fees - Full Fee Paying: Full fee paying students pay for accredited courses including CHC30221 Certificate III in School Based Education Support ($5,662.50), CHC30125 Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care ($8,310.00), CHC22015 Certificate II in Community Services ($2,287.50), and CHC33021 Certificate III in Individual Support ($8,505.00).
6. Donations: Tax-deductible donations through PayPal supporting participants and programs. All donations over $2 receive a tax deductible receipt. The organization is registered with the Australian Charities and Not for Profits Commission (ACNC).
7. No Interest Loans Partnership: Partnership with Good Shepherd to offer no interest loans (NILs) of up to $2,000-$3,000 for essential goods and services. Djerriwarrh acts as an intermediary, not directly generating revenue but providing community service.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels7 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

Djerriwarrh Community & Education Services is a not-for-profit Registered Training Organisation (RTO 3771) and Learn Local provider delivering accredited vocational qualifications (Cert III in Education Support, Early Childhood, Community Services, and Individual Support), government-funded English language programs (AMEP, SEE), short courses in digital and business skills, and wraparound community support programs (Parent Pathways, Better Futures, Reconnect, TAC L2P, Neighbourhood House, No Interest Loans, Melton Study Hub) for individuals across Melbourne's western suburbs and regional Victoria.

Product overview

Djerriwarrh Community & Education Services is a not-for-profit registered training organisation (RTO 3771) offering a comprehensive portfolio of education and community services since 1989. The core offerings include four accredited vocational education and training qualifications: Certificate III in School Based Education Support, Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care, Certificate II in Community Services, and Certificate III in Individual Support (Ageing and Disability). These are complemented by short courses covering digital skills (AI & Canva, Back to Work Computer Skills, Computers for Beginners), business skills (Build Your Own Business), and English language courses. English language programs include the government-funded Adult Migrant English Program (AMEP) and Skills for Education and Employment (SEE), along with community-based courses (Gold Class, English for Everyone). Youth and community support programs encompass Parent Pathways, Better Futures, Reconnect, Learn Local, and the TAC L2P Learner Driver Mentor Program. Additional services include the Melton Suburban University Study Hub, Neighbourhood House activities, and No Interest Loans in partnership with Good Shepherd. All services are coordinated through an aXcelerate student management system for enrollment and records.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• CHC30221 Certificate III in School Based Education Support Nationally recognised qualification preparing students to work as education support workers assisting teachers in primary and secondary classroom contexts. Includes 100 hours industry placement for hands-on experience.
• CHC30125 Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care Qualification providing knowledge, skills and experience for employment in the childcare industry, including roles as childcare assistant, playgroup supervisor, family day care worker, nanny, and recreation assistant. Includes 160 hours industry placement working with children from babies to five year olds.
• CHC22015 Certificate II in Community Services Entry-level qualification introducing students to the community services field, providing a pathway to workforce as a community services worker or further study in individual support courses. Includes practical placement component.
• CHC33021 Certificate III in Individual Support (Ageing and Disability) Qualification preparing students for work in aged care and disability support, including roles as aged care worker, community support worker, accommodation support worker, and personal carer. Includes 120 hours industry placement covering personal care, wellbeing and daily activity assistance.
• AI & Canva Course 8-week course teaching artificial intelligence tools and Canva design for entrepreneurs, educators, and digital creators to create visuals and streamline content.
• Back to Work Computer Skills Return to work course covering Microsoft Word, Excel, Open AI, and PowerPoint to help professionals upgrade skills to re-enter the workforce.
• Build Your Own Business: Be Your Own Boss 6-week practical course covering business ownership including planning, securing business name and ABN, legal obligations, marketing strategies, and customer service skills.
• Computers for Beginners Entry-level course teaching email creation using Microsoft Outlook, Word document creation, identifying online scams, and basic internet navigation.
• Adult Migrant English Program (AMEP) Australian Government funded English language tuition for eligible migrants and humanitarian entrants, providing basic English skills for social and economic participation in Australian society. Delivered under the Learning for Employment consortium.
• Skills for Education and Employment (SEE) Free training in reading, writing, English language, maths and digital skills for speakers of English as a second language and native English speakers. May fulfill Centrelink Mutual Obligation requirements.
• Settlement Language Pathways to Employment and Training (SLPET) Part of AMEP providing practical work skills with English language support, including 2 weeks guaranteed work experience in an Australian workplace covering job search, resume writing, and interview skills.
• Gold Class Part-time English class helping migrants improve English, make friends, and participate in excursions around Melbourne. Free for eligible participants.
• Parent Pathways Flexible program offering personal and financial assistance to eligible parents and carers of young children to help balance parenting with educational and employment aspirations. Available at 17 locations in Ballarat and Barwon regions.
• Better Futures Support program for young people aged 16-21 in out of home care, providing flexible tailored support for transition from care to independence including housing, health, education and employment assistance.
• Reconnect Program supporting Victorians experiencing disadvantage, including asylum seekers, mature unemployed participants, out of home care individuals, and young people not engaged in education, to overcome barriers to education and training.
• Learn Local Government subsidised short courses at low or no cost for eligible Victorian adults, covering reading, writing, maths, English language, job search skills, and computer use with small class sizes.
• TAC L2P Learner Driver Mentor Program Community program matching eligible young learner drivers aged 16-21 (up to 23 in special circumstances) without access to a supervising driver or vehicle with volunteer mentors and professional driving instruction.
• Neighbourhood House Community hub offering social, educational and recreational activities, including community gardens, produce swaps, workshops, and social groups for all abilities and backgrounds.
• No Interest Loans No interest loans up to $3,000 available for essential goods and services including household items, car repairs, medical expenses, technology, education expenses, and rental bonds, provided in partnership with Good Shepherd.
• Melton Suburban University Study Hub Free study space for students at Australian universities offering quiet study spaces, fast Wi-Fi, free printing, computers, academic and wellbeing support. Operated by Djerriwarrh in partnership with Victoria University and the Australian Government.

Quantifiable outcome

• Served many thousands of people since 1989
• +2 more outcomes

Segments10 records

Ideal customer profiles9 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration4 records

AI capability2 records

Partnerships

Nine partnerships are on record, tiered core, major and minor.

• Good ShepherdcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerDjerriwarrh offers No Interest Loans in partnership with Good Shepherd. Loans of up to $2,000-$3,000 for essential goods and services including household items, car repairs, medical expenses, technology, education expenses, and rental bonds.
• Learning for Employment Consortium PartnerscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerDjerriwarrh is one of six not-for-profit Learn Local providers in the Learning for Employment consortium, alongside CommUnity Plus Services Ltd, Laverton Community Integrated Services, Opendoor (SEE only), Wyndham Community & Education Centre Inc., and Yarraville Community Centre.
• OpendoorcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerDjerriwarrh works in a Consortium with Opendoor (Lead Provider) to deliver Better Futures program to Melbourne's Western and Brimbank Melton areas, supporting young people aged 16-21 in out-of-home care.
• Services Australia/CentrelinkmajorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorParent Pathways eligibility linked to Centrelink payments including Parenting Payment, Carer Payment, Special Benefit. SEE program may fulfill Mutual Obligation requirements for participants receiving payments from Services Australia/Centrelink.
• Melton City CouncilmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerDjerriwarrh Neighbourhood House works in partnership with Melton City Council's Community Centre Network and Melton South Community Centre. Original support provided in 1989 for establishment of the organisation.
• Holstep Health's Carers Gateway ProgramminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerNew Carer's Group run in partnership with Holstep Health's Carers Gateway program. Monthly Carer's Morning Tea supported by Merri Health's Carers Gateway Program.
• Melton Library and Learning HubmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerMelton Suburban University Study Hub located at Melton Library and Learning Hub, 31 McKenzie St, Melton. Operated/led by Djerriwarrh with support from Australian Government. Partners include Victoria University.
• Victoria UniversityminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner in Melton Suburban University Study Hub initiative. The hub provides support for students studying with any Australian university or tertiary provider.
• Deer Park North Primary School, Quang Minh Temple, St Albans East Primary SchoolminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerLet's Learn English classes delivered at community venues including Deer Park North Primary School, Quang Minh Temple, and St Albans East Primary School, expanding reach into diverse communities.

Scale indicators4 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Broad incumbents

• AMES Australia: Victoria's largest adult migrant English and settlement provider, holding the dominant share of AMEP delivery and serving a comparable migrant/refugee cohort across a broader metro footprint.
• Chisholm Institute: Major Victorian TAFE delivering government-subsidised VET qualifications (including Community Services and Early Childhood streams) that overlap with Djerriwarrh's accredited course portfolio at a larger scale.
• Box Hill Institute: Large Victorian TAFE offering accredited VET qualifications across aged care, community services, and education support — directly overlapping Djerriwarrh's certificate-level offerings at significantly greater scale.
• Melbourne Polytechnic: Multi-campus Victorian TAFE delivering government-subsidised VET and short courses in community services, education support, and English programs, competing for similar funded enrolments.

Direct peers

• Opendoor: Lead provider in the Better Futures consortium with Djerriwarrh and Learning for Employment consortium member; delivers comparable youth-out-of-home-care and SEE programs to overlapping cohorts.
• Wyndham Community & Education Centre Inc. Learn Local provider in Melbourne's western growth corridor and Learning for Employment consortium partner, offering similar VET, English-language, and community programs.
• Laverton Community Integrated Services: Fellow Learn Local provider and Learning for Employment consortium member, delivering accredited vocational training, settlement, and community programs to comparable vulnerable cohorts in Melbourne's western region.
• Yarraville Community Centre: Inner-western Melbourne Learn Local provider and fellow Learning for Employment consortium member delivering accredited training, AMEP/SEE, and neighbourhood-house services.
• CommUnity Plus Services Ltd: Not-for-profit Learn Local provider in Melbourne's western suburbs and fellow Learning for Employment consortium member alongside Djerriwarrh, delivering SEE and AMEP programs to similar migrant and job-seeker cohorts.

Regional players

• The Gordon: TAFE serving regional Victoria (including Ballarat) with accredited VET and English-language programs, overlapping Djerriwarrh's Ballarat-area SEE and VET offerings.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks4 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Facebookfacebook.com/djerriwarrh
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/djerriwarrh-community-and-education-services
• Instagraminstagram.com/djerriwarrhcommedservices

Compliance3 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles15 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Djerriwarrh Community and Education Services