Hornsby Ku-ring-gai Community College

What Hornsby Ku-ring-gai Community College does

Hornsby Ku-ring-gai Community College (HKCC) is a 100-year-old community college and Registered Training Organisation (RTO 90232) headquartered at Level 1, 45-47 Hunter Street, Hornsby, NSW, Australia, founded in 1925 and celebrating its centennial on 24 May 2025. The college delivers adult and community education across a broad portfolio that includes accredited vocational qualifications (Certificates I-IV in Business, Individual Support, Ageing Support, Foundation Skills), English language courses, ICT and digital literacy, arts, languages, lifestyle and leisure programs, and specialized support programs for people with disability. It serves diverse learner segments — seniors aged 50+ and 60+, adult English language learners from non-English speaking backgrounds, people with disability and their carers, job seekers, small business owners, and youth.

HKCC operates a hybrid revenue model combining fee-for-service course enrollment (course fees ranging from $5 for social clubs to $350 for specialized workshops) with government-subsidized training delivered under NSW Government Smart and Skilled and Adult Community Education (ACE) programs, NDIS Peer Support and Capacity Building grants, Australian Government Be Connected digital literacy funding, NSW Government/Telstra Tech Savvy Seniors funding, and Ku-ring-gai Council funding for Domestic and Family Violence prevention. The college distributes through direct-to-consumer channels: a self-serve website with Stripe-powered enrollment, phone registration, in-person classes at its Hornsby headquarters (Rooms 1-6), partner sports venues in Waitara and Hornsby, community locations including the Edgeworth David Community Garden and Roseville Cinema, and a virtual classroom platform for remote learners. HKCC sits at the center of a dense partnership network spanning government bodies (NDIS, NSW, Federal, Ku-ring-gai Council), corporate partners (Telstra), disability and social service providers (Jigsaw, Breakthru, Reframe Careers, OzHarvest, CatholicCare, Coleman Greig, Microboards Australia), and community organizations (Carers NSW, Special Olympics Upper North Shore, Good Things Foundation).

Name

Hornsby Ku-ring-gai Community College

Legal name

Hornsby Ku-ring-gai Community College

Website

https://hkcc.nsw.edu.au

Company type

Private

Founded year

1925

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

51–100 employees

Short description

Hornsby Ku-ring-gai Community College is a 100-year-old Registered Training Organisation (RTO 90232) in Hornsby, NSW delivering accredited vocational, English language, digital literacy, leisure, and disability support courses to seniors, migrants, job seekers, and people with disability through fee-based and government-subsidized programs.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Headquarters

HQ city

Hornsby

HQ country

Australia

HQ region

Oceania

Offices5 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

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

Revenue model

1. Course Enrollment Fees: Fee-for-service model where students pay per course or class. Pricing varies by course type: leisure classes range from $5-$270, workshops $100-$350, accredited courses from $170-$350. Some courses offer early bird discounts.
2. NSW Government Subsidized Training (Smart and Skilled / ACE): Full NSW Government funding under Adult Community Education (ACE) and Targeted Skills for Small Business (TSB) Programs for eligible participants meeting criteria including Australian citizens, humanitarian visa holders, Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander peoples, people with disabilities, unemployed or part-time workers, and those experiencing financial hardship.
3. NDIS Peer Support and Capacity Building Grant: Grant funding from NDIS to deliver projects under the Peer Support and Capacity Building (PSCB) program, supporting individuals with disability through empowerment programs, peer support, and community participation activities.
4. Be Connected Digital Inclusion Program: Fee-free digital literacy training for learners over 50, fully funded by the Australian Government through the Be Connected Program, covering topics from basic computer skills to online safety.
5. Tech Savvy Seniors Program: Low-fee digital skills courses for seniors aged over 60, funded under the Tech Savvy Seniors Program - a NSW Government initiative in partnership with Telstra.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels7 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

Hornsby Ku-ring-gai Community College is a Registered Training Organisation (RTO 90232) that delivers adult and community education in the Hornsby and Ku-ring-gai region of NSW, Australia. It sells accredited vocational qualifications (Certificates I-IV), English language courses, digital literacy training for seniors, arts, languages, business, ICT, leisure and wellbeing classes, and NDIS-funded disability peer support programs, funded through fee-for-service enrollments, NSW Smart and Skilled/ACE subsidies, Australian Government programs, NDIS grants, and donations.

Product overview

Hornsby Ku-ring-gai Community College is a Registered Training Organisation (RTO 90232) offering a diverse portfolio of educational programs and courses. The college operates as a multi-product educational institution with the HKCC Gift Voucher as a standalone product, complemented by extensive course offerings across Arts (Drawing, Painting, Music, Crafts, Ceramics), Languages (Italian, Mandarin, Spanish, French, Japanese), Business & Professional Development (Targeted Skills for Small Business, XERO, Office Applications, Social Media Marketing), Computers/ICT (Accredited Courses, Computer Basics Levels 1-3, Office Applications), Care qualifications (Certificate III in Individual Support, Certificate IV in Ageing Support), English Language Skills (Beginners through Advanced), Leisure & Wellbeing (Yoga, Meditation, Tennis, Pilates, Pickleball, Dance), Lifestyle (Mahjong, Tarot, Sewing, Bridge), Social Connection Clubs, and Accredited Qualifications. Special programs include Peer Support Program (NDIS-funded empowerment initiatives), Domestic & Family Violence Prevention, Future Ready youth programs (AI Innovators, Social Media Marketing), Tech Savvy Seniors (NSW Government/Telstra funded), and Be Connected (Australian Government funded digital literacy). The college serves as an official AI Literacy Hub through Good Things Foundation.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Accredited Vocational Qualifications Nationally recognized Certificate I-IV qualifications including FSK10119 Certificate I in Access to Vocational Pathways, FSK20119 Certificate II in Skills for Work and Vocational Pathways, BSB20120 Certificate II in Workplace Skills, BSB30120 Certificate III in Business, BSB10120 Certificate I in Workplace Skills, CHC33021 Certificate III in Individual Support, and CHC43015 Certificate IV in Ageing Support. Delivered under NSW Smart and Skilled funding for eligible participants.
• English Language Skills Courses English language courses for non-English speakers including English for Beginners, English Communication (Intermediate/Advanced), English for Employment, Job Seeking Skills, Pronunciation, Everyday English, and Reading and Writing Support. Eligible participants can access full NSW Government funding under ACE/TSB programs.
• Be Connected Digital Literacy Program Fee-free digital literacy training for learners over 50, fully funded by the Australian Government through the Be Connected Program. Includes one-on-one mentoring and group sessions covering computer basics, smartphone use, internet safety, myGov, online shopping, and online banking.
• Tech Savvy Seniors Digital Skills Low-fee digital skills courses for seniors aged 60+ covering smartphones, tablets, internet, email, online shopping/banking, cyber safety, transport apps, myGov, and video calling. Funded under the NSW Government Tech Savvy Seniors Program in partnership with Telstra.
• NDIS Peer Support and Capacity Building Programs NDIS-funded Empowerment Through Leisure project for people with disability, their families, and carers. Includes Thrive Tribe fitness programs, Mindful Photography Walks, garden programs, art therapy, cooking classes, movie events, employment support, digital safety workshops, and future planning workshops.
• Business and Professional Development Courses Business skills training including Targeted Skills for Small Business, XERO accounting software, Office Applications (Outlook, Excel, Word, PowerPoint), Social Media Marketing, and Starting a Business Essentials. Some courses subsidised under TSB program.
• Arts Programs Comprehensive arts education including Drawing, Painting (Morning Painting, Botanical Art in Watercolours), Music, Crafts, Ceramics, and Papertole courses for various skill levels.
• Leisure and Wellbeing Programs Health and fitness programs including Yoga, Meditation, Tennis (Beginner and Intermediate Clinics), Pilates, Aqua, Fitness, Dance, Tai Chi Qigong, and Pickleball (Stage 2 Clinic and Social Games).
• Language Courses (Non-English) Language instruction in Italian, Mandarin, Spanish, French, and Japanese for community members.
• Computers and ICT Courses Computer training including Accredited Computer Courses, Computer Basics (Levels 1-3), and Office Applications covering Outlook, Excel, Word, and PowerPoint.
• Care and Aged Care Qualifications Aged care qualifications including CHC33021 Certificate III in Individual Support and CHC43015 Certificate IV in Ageing Support for students pursuing careers in community care.
• Social Connection Clubs Regular social clubs including Mahjong Social Club ($5/session), Bridge Club ($15/session), Sewcial Sewing Day, and Pickleball Social Games ($8/session) that create friendships and a sense of belonging while supporting wellbeing.
• Lifestyle Courses Hobby and lifestyle courses including Mahjong (Beginners), Tarot/Oracle Card reading, Sewing, and Bridge (Beginners).
• Future Ready Programs Youth-focused programs including Social Media Marketing for Youth and AI Innovators for Youth, designed to build digital and AI skills in younger learners.
• Domestic and Family Violence Prevention Programs Community resilience programs including free Kintsugi workshops and creative workshops focused on domestic and family violence awareness, prevention, and healing. Funded by Ku-ring-gai Council.
• HKCC Gift Voucher Gift vouchers that allow recipients to enroll in any of the college's courses. Can be purchased online or by contacting the office.
• Introduction to AI Literacy Programs Two-hour Introduction to AI session and Introduction to AI Part II, delivered through HKCC's official AI Literacy Hub designation via the Good Things Foundation. Covers AI basics, real-world uses, and responsible AI tool usage using Be Connected learning materials.
• OzHarvest NEST Nutrition Program Six-week NEST (Nutrition Education & Skills Training) Program in partnership with OzHarvest, teaching essential life skills on healthy eating and affordable cooking in a supportive environment.

Quantifiable outcome

• 100 years of continuous community service
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers8 records

Segments8 records

Ideal customer profiles6 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature1 record

Partnerships

13 partnerships are on record, tiered flagship, core and minor.

• Good Things FoundationflagshipStrategic or Co-development PartnerHKCC designated as official AI Literacy Hub through the Good Things Foundation. The Hub supports adults in the community to build confidence using AI safely and practically for everyday life, learning, and work. Programs include Introduction to AI workshops and follow-up sessions.
• Ku-ring-gai CouncilcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerFunding from Ku-ring-gai Council to support Domestic and Family Violence (DFV) prevention and awareness programs. Includes Kintsugi workshop and creative art-based initiatives in St Ives area.
• Roseville CinemaminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership for accessible movie events for people with disability and additional support needs. Venue provides fully accessible theatre and 'crying room' for participants who may need breaks.
• OzHarvestcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerNEST (Nutrition Education & Skills Training) Program - six-week nutrition and health education program teaching essential life skills on healthy eating and easy, affordable cooking in a friendly, supportive environment.
• TelstracoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCorporate partner in the Tech Savvy Seniors Program alongside NSW Government, providing digital skills training for seniors.
• Reframe CareersminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerSpecializing in career counselling for NDIS participants, neurodivergent individuals, and those recovering from severe injury. Speakers at HKCC's Employment Support For All Abilities event.
• JigsawminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerDisability employment provider offering innovative pathway combining skills-based training in real workplace with ongoing support. Speakers at HKCC's Employment Support event. Claims 63% trainee retention rate vs 26% national average.
• BreakthruminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerProvider of School Leaver Employment Support (SLES) and Inclusive Employment Australia (IEA) programs for people with disability. Venue partner for HKCC games nights at Breakthru Hornsby.
• Coleman GreigminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerEstate planning consultancy with expertise in supporting families with loved ones with intellectual disabilities or mental illness. Speaker at Future Planning event covering Special Disability Trusts.
• Microboards AustraliaminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerOrganization providing support structures for people with disability. Speaker at Future Planning event explaining Microboards approach.
• CatholicCareminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCommunity services organization. Speaker at Future Planning event covering NDIS funded accommodation and Supported Independent Living (SIL) home applications.
• Special Olympics Upper North ShoreminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerSports organization for athletes with intellectual disabilities. Partner for Carers Morning Tea event during Carers Week 2025, with support from Carers NW.
• Carers NSWminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPeak body representing carers in NSW. Support partner for Carers Morning Tea event during Carers Week 2025.

Scale indicators4 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Wesley Mission: Christian community organization providing social services, aged care, and accredited training through Wesley Training. Comparable mission to serve vulnerable populations through education, peer support, and community programs - overlapping significantly with HKCC's NDIS and disability programs.
• CAE (Council of Adult Education): Melbourne-based adult education provider offering accredited training, language courses, and leisure programs. Similar mission and operational model to HKCC with comparable RTO-equivalent status and course diversification strategy.
• Sydney Community College: Adult and community education provider in Sydney offering short courses, language classes, and vocational training. Closely mirrors HKCC's model with similar pricing tiers, course categories, and direct-to-consumer delivery approach.
• Macquarie Community College: Community college serving the Hills District and northern Sydney region with accredited vocational training, leisure courses, and English language programs. Comparable scale, geographic context, and course mix to HKCC.
• WEA Sydney: Workers' Educational Association Sydney delivers adult education courses including leisure, language, business, and vocational programs. Closely comparable community education model with similar course diversification across arts, professional development, and personal enrichment.
• Breakthru: Disability employment provider offering School Leaver Employment Support (SLES) and Inclusive Employment Australia (IEA) programs. Operates in the same disability and community participation space as HKCC's NDIS-funded peer support programs and is identified as a HKCC venue partner.

Others

• Good Things Foundation Australia: Digital and AI literacy charity that designates partner organizations as AI Literacy Hubs. HKCC is a designated Hub partner; Good Things Foundation provides the program framework, content, and national reach that enables HKCC's AI literacy course offerings.

Broad incumbents

• TAFE NSW: Government-owned vocational education and training provider in NSW, operating dozens of campuses delivering accredited qualifications including aged care certificates, English language courses, and digital literacy programs - directly overlapping with HKCC's course portfolio at substantially greater scale.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/hornsby-ku-ring-gai-community-college

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

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M&A

Investments

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Frequently asked questions about Hornsby Ku-ring-gai Community College