English language support
Due to the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, Council services are changing.
Information about Council's response to Coronavirus and the effect on services can be found here.
There are different classes and support groups locally for people who want to improve or practice their English language skills.
English language courses
Looking to undertake a course or program to improve on your English language skills? Contact one of the local community centres listed below. These courses are delivered across Hobsons Bay – in Williamstown, Spotswood, Altona North, Altona Meadows and Laverton.
Courses may be government funded or subsidised. Both centres are Registered Training Organisations (RTOs) offering accredited courses such as Skills for Education and Employment (SEE) and the Adult Migrant English Program (AMEP), and Conversational English and Life Skills groups, plus many other courses to support people settling into Hobsons Bay and Australia.
For more information visit their websites or call on the details below:
Williamstown Community Education Centre contact Lynne on 03 9397 6168
Laverton Community Education Centre contact 03 9369 2726
Conversational English
Looking to practice your English language skills? Try joining a local conversation class or club. Hobsons Bay Learning Communities in partnership with local community groups coordinate free, small and friendly classes for people to practice their conversational skills and make new friends. Here are a few options:
- English Conversation Club
Would you like to practice your English in a relaxed setting and make new friends? Join our English Conversation Club. It is a great way to meet people and enjoy conversations on a range of topics. Sessions are free, morning tea is provided, and everyone is welcome including children.
Where: Laverton Community Hub, 95-100 Railway Avenue
When: Mondays, 10am to 11.30am (excluding school and public holidays)
Contact: Laverton Community Hub, 8368 0100. Bookings not required.
- English Conversation Class
Is English your new language? Come and improve your speaking at the weekly Conversation Class hosted by the Hobsons Bay Refugee Network. If you would like to volunteer as a tutor please contact Jill below.
This is a free class, with tea, coffee and biscuits provided.
Where: Altona Library
When: Mondays, 1pm to 3pm (excluding school and public holidays)
Contact: Jill MacKenzie 0439 994 705 vintage@esc.net.au or Derek Leather 0402 747 422 derekleathe@gmail.com
- In home English tutoring for people seeking asylum
West Welcome Wagon is a volunteer run not-for-profit dedicated to providing material aid and support to asylum seekers in the Melbourne’s West. West Welcome Wagon may be able to source and match a volunteer in home English tutor for people seeking asylum.
Where: Melbourne’s western suburbs and as per arrangement with West Welcome Wagon
When: as per arrangement with West Welcome Wagon
Contact: referrals@westwelcomewagon.org.au, or to volunteer contact volunteer@westwelcomewagon.org.au