We Will Miss You, Silvana!
After almost 30 years of dedication, service, and friendship, we say farewell to Silvana as she begins an exciting new chapter.
Silvana’s journey with Lalor Living and Learning Centre (LLLC) began as a volunteer. After spending 12 years as a stay-at-home mum and working at a wine company before having children, she became involved with LLLC and quickly fell in love with the organisation and its manager at the time. Her commitment and passion were recognised, and on 8 July 1996, she was offered full-time employment.
When Silvana first started, LLLC operated from a small house that once stood where a parking lot is today. The building was rented from a local store in the shopping strip. From those humble beginnings, she witnessed incredible growth and transformation.
One of the most significant milestones came in 2004, when LLLC received a $290,000 Federal Community Education Grant. This funding enabled the move to the council-owned building we occupy today and supported major renovations over the years. During her time at LLLC, Silvana watched the organisation grow into a Registered Training Organisation (RTO), with vibrant, well-attended English classes and expanding opportunities for the local community.
Among her favourite memories are the many friendships and connections she built over the years. She speaks fondly of the teachers she worked alongside and the strong relationships she developed with colleagues, including Carmela, who joined the organisation in 1999.
Silvana enjoyed working with managers and staff across different roles and departments, helping to create a positive and supportive workplace culture.
As systems and technology evolved, Silvana embraced every challenge. Many of the systems were introduced with little formal training, requiring staff to learn on the job. Through determination, adaptability, and the support of her colleagues, she mastered new student management systems and processes and became an invaluable source of knowledge for others.
One of Silvana’s proudest achievements was her substantial contribution to obtaining Child Care Subsidy (CCS) approval for the childcare services. Under the leadership of Manager Kevin Vivian, who was the primary driver of the CCS approval process, Silvana was heavily involved in the work required to achieve this outcome. Their efforts helped ensure that families in the community, particularly those on low incomes, could access more affordable childcare services.
Silvana also loved seeing the organisation evolve over the years, both physically and as a community hub. She witnessed the transformation of the centre through renovations, improvements, and the addition of beautiful murals that brought colour and life to the space. She was also proud to see the organisation transition from Lalor Living and Learning Centre (LLLC) to Lalor Neighbourhood House (LNH), reflecting its continued growth and commitment to serving the local community.
Reflecting on her time at LNH, Silvana says:
“It meant a lot to me. I’ve had so many experiences, met so many people, and been part of some wonderful achievements.”
One of Silvana’s treasured memories, is one that perfectly reflects the impact she has had on the lives of others.
A family who arrived from Albania attended English classes at Lalor Living and Learning Centre. Years later, after welcoming a daughter, they named her Silvana in honour of the support and kindness they received. By chance, Silvana later met the young girl at a local optometrist a moment she will never forget.
As she begins retirement, Silvana is looking forward to travelling, learning a new language, enjoying her own company and downtime, and most importantly, spending more precious time with her grandchildren.
Thank you, Silvana, for your dedication, kindness, and nearly three decades of service to LNH and the wider community. Your contribution has left a lasting impact on countless students, families, colleagues, and community members.
We wish you every happiness, good health, and adventure in this next chapter.
You will be greatly missed, but your legacy and laugh at LNH will never be forgotten.