The Opening the Gate course is an innovative learning model that uses arts and horticultural processes to create pathways into the community. Our aim is to offer people residing in Disability Service Commissions Accommodation Services Directorate with greater options in education and give them opportunities to contribute to their community in a meaningful way through events and projects.

Opening the GATE - PEEL

Opening the GATE Peel is delivered at Challenger TAFE's Rockingham campus and community venues in the Peel region.
This course has a strong focus on participation in project-based work in the arts and horticulture, as well as identifying pathways into other areas of education and enterprise for students.

The Opening the GATE course has developed successful relationships with:

• Baldivis Children's Forest (BCF)
• Men of the Trees Rockingham Nursery
• City of Rockingham
• Mandurah Performing Arts Centre
• Community First Inc.

In 2006 and 2007, students propagated 3500 native plants for regeneration projects at the Children's Forest and worked with the community on site-specific sculpture projects.

Through the course, students have exhibited and sold work at the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre and Rockingham Regional Art Awards. This has provided opportunities for professional development, communication and areas for enterprise.

Opening the GATE - SWAN

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Opening the GATE Swan course has been delivered at Swan TAFE and community venues in 2007 and 2008. Supported by ATE providers, students have had the opportunity to develop new skills in music, technology, visual arts and fostering community participation.

The course has focused on individual skills development and collaborative projects. Students have been contributing to the Lost Generation Project by constructing sculptural works for Whole of Community Arts event in June 2008.

Training alongside other members of their community, twelve core project participants will be invited to complete the Opening the GATE (Gaining Access to Training and Education) course in partnership with Swan TAFE and participating City of Swan community groups.

Using arts and horticulture, participants will gain competencies whilst connecting to other members of their community and creating gardens and artworks that contribute to the Lost Generation community project.