The BGK LLEN is part of a network of 31 Victorian LLENs funded by the Australian and Victorian Governments to support their objective that 92.6% of all Victorian young people achieve Year 12 or its equivalent by 2015. Established in 2002, the pivotal role of the BGK LLEN is to act as a regional strategic and facilitation body, bringing the entire Bayside, Glen Eira and Kingston local government regions together to contribute to enhancing the education, training, employment and wellbeing outcomes of local young people aged 10 – 19 years.

Where do we work?
Across the Bayside, Glen Eira and Kingston local government areas in the southern region of Melbourne.

How do we create partnerships?
By undertaking research, building relationships with local organisations and listening to the needs of our community stakeholders.  We can then collaboratively identify gaps in services or the need for new ones. Once needs are identified we work with our stakeholders to better resource existing programs and services or pilot new ones. The BGK LLEN doesn't deliver services - instead we support those organisations that have the right expertise to provide a program or service.

Who do we work with?
We build mutually beneficial relationships and partnerships with a range of local stakeholders who can be categorised into four main groups – 'education and training providers', 'parents and family members', 'community groups' and 'business and industry'.  Some of these partners include primary and secondary schools, community education providers, training providers, social and welfare organisations, youth agencies, local and state government, industry bodies, employers and community members.

Why do we do this?
Because it is well documented that cross-sector partnerships can address social issues by bringing together diverse stakeholders with a broad range of skills and experience. In our case the key social challenge we are focused on is 'enhancing young people's potential' through positive education, training and employment outcomes. This is important because research shows that good outcomes early in life greatly increase social, economic and wellbeing outcomes later in life.

What types of partnerships do we build?
We aim to build partnerships focused on: enhancing young people's passage through school; enhancing young people's engagement with learning; expanding the education and career pathways available to young people; and, retaining young people in meaningful education, training and employment. These partnerships aim to foster a strategic, whole-of-community approach to addressing the key social issue of 'enhancing young people's potential' so they can achieve successful education, training, employment and wellbeing outcomes.

How are we governed?
The BGK LLEN is governed by a voluntary Committee of Management representing our key community partners and stakeholders.

How are we funded?
Since January 2010, the BGK LLEN has been contracted to deliver the 'School Business Partnership Brokers Program' for the period 2010 – 2013. This program is a national one that is part of the Australian Government's 'National Partnership on Youth Attainment and Transitions' with an objective to facilitate stakeholder engagement, build community capacity and infrastructure and drive the government's education reform and social inclusion agendas.