Hornsby Ku-ring-gai Community College (HKCC) is celebrating its centenary.
Established in 1925, HKCC has been a pillar in the community as a not-for-profit providing the gift of learning. At its inception, the college had 80 pupils and has continued to grow. Last year there were almost 7,000 enrolments.
A common thread throughout its history has been the college’s commitment to community.
‘In an article from 1925, they are talking about the poverty of the students in some classes,’ says Inga Rosenberg, Principal at HKCC. ‘The college handed out free railway passes so the pupils could get to class.’
There is a wide array of courses available. Lifestyle courses include Sewing for Beginners, Bridge for Beginners, and Canine Loss and Grief, among others. Art & Music courses include Acrylic Painting, Watercolour for Beginners, and Guitar Beginner, to name a few. Leisure & Wellbeing courses include ballroom dancing, aqua aerobics, line dancing, pickleball, meditation, Tai Chi, and Rock n Roll.
HKCC offers accredited and subsidised courses, foundational skill classes, senior digital technology training, and languages classes. Fully funded by the NSW Government, HKCC offers the Adult Community Education (ACE) program. Some criteria to qualify for the ACE program include being Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander, living with a disability, experiencing financial hardship, not having completed Year 12 or equivalent, facing domestic violence, recovering from addiction, or dealing with the justice system.
‘It’s the community that keeps us alive,’ says Jay Reddy, Outreach Support Officer at HKCC. ‘The community has evolved, and we have evolved with them.’
Lifestyle Coordinator Nerys Thompson speaks about the value of HKCC, and why it has flourished over its 100 years. ‘One student did mahjong for beginners, and from that the social club started once a week. She has reduced mobility so she can’t go out and about, but she makes sure to come to social club. She said that it’s changed her life… she’s got a friend group, a reason to get out of the house.’
For their 100th Birthday, HKCC are holding a party on the 24th of May. The college is calling out to any alumni, any past staff members, or any person who has been involved in HKCC’s history to contact them. For the birthday, staff are on the hunt for any historical records, images, or information about the school.
Contact the Hornsby Ku-ring-gai Community College at email enquiries@hkcc.nsw.edu.au
