OUR STORY

Established in 2001, Goldfields Local Learning & Employment Network (Goldfields LLEN) is part of a statewide initiative that began in response to a growing need: helping young Victorians stay connected to education and find meaningful pathways into work and training. A total of 31 Local Learning & Employment Networks were created around Victoria to bring communities together, including schools, businesses, and service providers, to support young people.

At Goldfields LLEN, we’ve spent over two decades building those connections across Greater Bendigo, Mount Alexander, and Central Goldfields. From hands-on workplace learning to career exploration programs, we create opportunities to help young people discover what’s possible.

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OUR PURPOSE

As a registered charity, the Goldfields LLEN’s purpose is to improve education and employment outcomes for young people in the City of Greater Bendigo, Mount Alexander and Central Goldfields shires, prioritising the vulnerable and at-risk.

In partnership with government, education, industry and community, we empower young people to actively engage, transition and succeed in education and the world of work.

OUR REGIONS

Goldfields LLEN support schools and industry, developing aspirations of young people across:

  • City of Greater Bendigo

  • Mount Alexander Shire

  • Central Goldfields Shire

2025 PROGRAM ACHIEVEMENTS

School to Work

Passions & Pathways

ANNUAL REPORTS

Explore achievements in our Annual Report, showcasing the impact of our work, outcomes and partnerships across Goldfields LLEN Programs.

MEET OUR TEAM

  • Emma Nielsen is the School to Work & Industry Engagement Manager at Goldfields LLEN, leading initiatives that strengthen connections between education, industry and employment pathways for young people.

    With more than 30 years' experience across local government, manufacturing, banking, health and community sectors, Emma has built extensive expertise in stakeholder engagement, business development, industry partnerships, marketing and project delivery. As Senior Industry and Investment Officer with the City of Greater Bendigo, she worked closely with industry, government and community stakeholders to support workforce development, industry growth and regional prosperity.

    Emma is passionate about building strong partnerships between education and industry that create meaningful opportunities for young people to develop skills, explore career pathways and transition successfully into employment.

Emma Nielsen

School to Work & Industry Engagement Manager

  • Kristen Beever is the Program Manager of Passions & Pathways, leading the delivery of career education initiatives that connect young people with local industry, education providers and their wider community.

    With experience scanning marketing, communications, events, education and the arts, Kristen has worked across the media, local government, education and not-for-profit sectors. She brings expertise in stakeholder engagement, partnership development and project management, creating meaningful opportunities that help young people explore their strengths, interests and future pathways. Kristen is currently completing a Master of Teaching, further strengthening her understanding of education and student engagement.

    Kristen is passionate about building strong connections between schools, industry and community to support positive outcomes for young people across the region.

Kristen Beever

Passions & Pathways Program Manager

  • Jock Seeary is the School to Work Coordinator at Goldfields LLEN, supporting students, schools and employers to create meaningful workplace learning opportunities and successful placement experiences.

    Before joining Goldfields LLEN, Jock worked in employment support, assisting NDIS school leavers to successfully transition into the workforce. He brings valuable experience supporting young people with diverse needs and works closely with schools and employers to coordinate placements, foster positive workplace experiences and help students build confidence, workplace skills and career readiness.

    Jock is passionate about creating positive workplace learning experiences that build confidence, capability and future opportunities for young people.

Jock Seeary

School to Work Coordinator

  • Caitlin Chessell Madu is the Passions & Pathways Program Coordinator at Goldfields LLEN, bringing more than 20 years' experience across cultural event production, community arts, festivals, touring and youth-focused programs.

    Her career spans local government, performing arts and cultural organisations, including roles with the City of Greater Bendigo, Goldfields Arts Centre, Country Arts WA and Monash Performing Arts Centres. Caitlin brings expertise in program coordination, stakeholder engagement, complex logistics and culturally responsive practice.

    Caitlin is passionate about creating inclusive opportunities that amplify young people's voices, encourage participation and strengthen community connections.

Caitlin Chessell Madu

Passions & Pathways Program Coordinator

  • Natasha is the Vocational Education and Training (VET) Cluster Coordinator for the Bendigo region, working with schools, training providers, industry and government stakeholders to strengthen vocational education pathways and improve access for young people.

    With more than 20 years' experience across secondary education, vocational training and applied learning, Natasha brings expertise in curriculum delivery, student engagement, pathway planning, and regional collaboration. She works closely with education and industry partners to support VET Delivered to Secondary Students (VDSS) programs and improve access to high-quality training opportunities.

    Natasha is passionate about creating practical pathways that help young people successfully transition into further education, training and employment.

Natasha Johnson

VET Cluster Coordinator

  • Brian Gould brings more than five decades of experience across local, state and federal government, with a distinguished career in economic development, workforce planning and regional growth.

    As Manager of the Economic Development Unit at the City of Greater Bendigo for more than 23 years, Brian led initiatives that supported business growth, skilled migration, industry development and regional investment. He also played a key role in establishing influential industry networks and fostering innovation across the region.

    A foundation contributor to the Passions & Pathways program, Brian continues to support Goldfields LLEN as a volunteer, sharing his experience and networks to support young people and the wider community.

    Brian is passionate about fostering regional growth and creating opportunities that strengthen communities for future generations.

Brian Gould

Projects Volunteer

  • Lauren Campbell is the Business and Finance Manager at Goldfields LLEN, overseeing finance, governance, human resources and organisational operations.

    With more than 15 years' experience across business management, finance and consulting, Lauren has worked with a diverse range of local and international organisations. She brings expertise in financial management, governance, compliance and strategic operations, supporting the development of sustainable and effective business practices that strengthen organisational performance and impact.

    Lauren is passionate about strengthening organisational capability and building strong foundations that enable Goldfields LLEN and its partners to create lasting impact for young people and communities.

Lauren Campbell

Business & Finance Manager

  • Dave Burton is the Executive Officer of Goldfields LLEN, providing strategic leadership and fostering partnerships that support education, employment and community outcomes for young people across the region.

    With more than 25 years' experience in education and community development, Dave has built strong partnerships across the education, industry, government, arts and cultural sectors. He has led education innovation, curriculum development, teacher capacity building and pathway programs at both national and international levels. Dave also served as Project Manager with the Victorian Department of Education and Training, leading the Bendigo Education Plan and supporting collaborative approaches to education and workforce development.

    Dave is passionate about creating collaborative opportunities that help young people thrive through stronger connections between education, industry and community.

Dave Burton

Executive Officer

COMMITTEE OF MANAGEMENT

The Goldfields LLEN Committee of Management is made up of 15 voluntary members who generously share their experience and skills for the benefit of our organisation and to achieve our strategic goals.

Committee of Management members support Goldfields LLEN by providing ethical leadership, sound governance and strategic oversight in line with our purpose.

COMMITTEE MEMBERS