Centre for Adult Education marks 75 years’ community service

Thousands of Melburnians continue to enjoy the benefits of lifelong learning through the much-loved Centre for Adult Education (CAE), which celebrates its 75^th anniversary this week.

Minister for Training and Skills and Higher Education Gayle Tierney Melbourne congratulated current and former learners at the city-based institution for pursuing their passions through adult education.

The centre was founded by the Victorian Government in 1947, as a place to increase community education in the aftermath of World War II.

The wider Melbourne community has directly shaped the evolving offerings of the CAE from humble beginnings and while community tastes have come and gone, book groups and arts courses have remained a popular constant since inception.

A little-known fact is that the CAE is the leading Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) provider for young and older academic students, and that the institute offers a suite of about 200 short courses.

Owned today by Box Hill Institute (BHI), which operates as a Victorian Government education provider, the CAE's art collection is a local treasure trove.

The CAE is hosting a series of free and low-cost public activities on Thursday 15 September to mark 75 years of community service. Public activities can be found here including drawing workshops, gentle exercise classes, language lessons, photography walking tours and a bargain book sale.

Art lovers will have a special ‘behind-the-scenes’ chance to view the CAE’s culturally significant art collection. Many pieces will be brought from the CAE’s basement for a Hidden Art Tour at 6pm.

They include works by long-time CAE teacher and iconic artist Mirka Mora, Ola Cohn, Brett Whitely, Charles Blackman and John Olsen.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Training and Skills Gayle Tierney

"The CAE is ingrained into Melbourne's cultural and educational heritage, and I congratulate the centre and its staff for 75 years of community service through lifelong learning. Over its history, the CAE has engaged with artists, photographers, musicians and writers to teach courses and formed partnerships with the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra, the State Film Centre, and the National Gallery and others to enrich the lives of Victorians.”

Quotes attributable to BHI Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director, Grant Radford

"The CAE remains a vital part of Melbourne's cultural landscape and our courses will continue to align with people’s changing needs and interests to provide high quality adult education.”

Media enquiries/interviews/photos: James O’Loan, 0481067557, james.oloan@boxhill.edu.au