Language centre supports Katanning residents

Katanning residents for whom English is not their first language are set to benefit after the “much-needed” Katanning Language Learning Centre was officially opened last Friday.

About $26,000 of Royalties for Regions funds were used to transform a room at Katanning Public Library into a free language service to provide support to the Shire’s residents who represent more than 50 nationalities, many who arrive with little or no English skills.

The centre has a classroom set-up, with three computers with internet, learning materials and a play pen for children.

Member for Wagin Terry Waldron, Shire president Alan McFarland, Great Southern Institute representatives and tutors from Read Write Now, who will manage the centre, attended the opening.

Shire councillor and multicultural and Aboriginal engagement and enhancement projects committee chairwoman Leisha Wood said the service was important for Katanning.

“It’s important for the multicultural aspect in town,” she said.

Six business cases were put together by the committee and adopted by council a year ago including the KLLC, an early childhood hub and Katanning park development.

“This is the first one up and running,” she said.

Cr Wood said this was phase one of the centre, with phase two being extension works to the library to expand the centre, likely to cost about $453,000 if funding is secured.

Read Write Now co-ordinator Margaret Renk said her team of volunteers would begin operating from the new building in early February, moving from premises near the railway.

“It will be really good having the new room, it will make a difference being near the library and make it more accessible,” she said.

Ms Renk said there was a “big need” for language support in Katanning.

“I hope more people use the service, there are a lot of people who would benefit,” she said.

“There are four tutors at the moment and they are all flat tack.” Ms Renk said they normally had about 30 students a year, from countries including Afghanistan, Italy, South Africa and Burma, as well as Australian residents who did not learn to read or write, whether through illness or a bad experience at school. The centre aims to also help participants learn life skills such as filling out forms and paying for bills.

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