About – History

Russell Kerr Founder & CEO of HOL Australia

Russell Kerr founded the program in October 1999 at Frankston High School in Victoria. The idea was conceived when Russell took 12 students into the Warburton Forest with a friend, skilled artisan Frank Wimmer and two support staff. The students were taught how to find the right sticks, and on returning to Frank’s backyard, were shown how to build a chair from their sticks.

There were no long instructions, no complicated technologies, just an opportunity to start doing—under skilled supervision. So a valuable lesson was learnt: approach tasks that are “doable” and readily achievable— tasks that will lead to building self confidence and self esteem.

Fresh from this experience Russell proposed to Ken Rowe, then Principal of FHS, that a program, known as “Hands on Learning” commence with the building of a strawbale hut. John Eldridge a multi-skilled artisan and alternative builder was engaged for two days per week and remained working with Russell for the next five years.

During that time, a wide range of projects were completed—from another strawbale hut, to steps, bridges, seats, walls and fences. Old buildings in the community have been revitalised, sculptures formed, mosaics laid, artworks painted inspired by indigenous artists and boats built under the direction of professional boat builders.

Russell is an imaginative and innovative teacher with a desire to make a difference in the educational opportunities offered to students. He continues to coordinate the program, with a determination to bring about substantial change in the education community. Russell is passionate about giving students—who are at an educational disadvantage—life skills, self esteem, and the best opportunity in life. In addition to his teaching skills, Russell is a counsellor, facilitator, listener and confidante. He is always seeking to introduce a range of community members to work alongside students.

In 2003 Russell was awarded the Westfield Premier’s Education Scholarship. This allowed him to visit educational programs designed to address the issues of students at risk of disconnecting with traditional education systems and the wider community in New Zealand, the UK and Italy. Inspired by the experience Russell was keen to seek a way to expand the program to other schools. Although the program was already operating successfully in three other schools—Rosebud, La Trobe, and Lakeside Secondary—it was struggling to grow with very limited funding arrangements.

New possibilities arose when in 2004 The Hands on Learning Program was one of 10 successful finalists in the AMP Youth Boost Funding. More than $40,000 was directed to the program and effectively managed by Social Ventures Australia. This funding was renewed in 2006 and assisted the establishment of a new model pilot scheme with three other schools in the Frankston cluster—Mt Erin, Monterey and Carrum Downs.

During 2005 Frankston City Council further strengthened their relationship with Hands on Learning demonstrating the immense value of councils and local schools working closely together. Enhancing the local community with the refurbishment of some tired buildings, while at the same time making a handsome investment in the building of young lives. (See links to Frankston City council http:/www.frankston.vic.gov.au/doc services Graffiti Management Plan.)