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The vision extends to a creative recycling manufacturing program that runs in conjunction to and in support of the cottage industry developed in the Gippsland and Melbourne centers. There are small pockets of Industry in regional Victoria and connections made with existing rehabilitation and youth programs as well as Bumblebee Farm.
The Farm and surrounds
Bumblebee Farm is located in Diamond Creek.
Bumblebee Farm is the creative powerhouse for Cottage Industry, it is a modest 140 year old property, currently leased by the Crosbie Family, who have established office space with in their home, to administrate the overall industry. At the farm Bumblebee Factory presently offers creative programs for children and youth at risk.
The gardens reflect the many cultures in the community, growing heritage organic vegetables, fruit and caring for animals. The stables, a learning center that provides artistic and educative inspiration for children, children here are encouraged to learn through play, to inquire and to develop a love for learning, Children's artwork and creative invention adorn the space, including sculpture that is in keeping with the historical memory of the farm. The farm is to become self sufficient - Children work with skilled teachers to make it so.-open-ended projects that inspire learning of process and invention. Similar models are being developed to educate the children in Bumblebee villages in India and Africa.
The community we serve
The Farm has piloted all industry, organized many exhibitions of Australian design work made in India, and developed data -base of regional Australian product.
With unemployment and Youth at risk in all Victorian areas Bumblebee Factory has seen its ' challenge is to bring to the fore the talents and skills of others. Working in conjunction with community centers, outreach centers, and religious and church communities on ecumenical scale. It also provides designs for recycling in this area of the industry.
Connecting design and marketing
Children's products are designed and manufactured that help decorate the Bumblebee Factory child care centers, and marketed.
Bumblebee Factory is the heart -space of all Bumblebee cottage industries activities, and it operates as one of the independent communities that network with Bumblebee cottage Industries. It contracts to the industry to provide product, and marketing strategy along with other registered small businesses with in the industry. All children's designs -creative rugs, quilts, leather toys and shoes, fabric bags, felt slippers, clothing, wooden toys and bedding are creatively manufactured. Networking with production in villages in India . Bumblebee factory has over 150 characters ready for exploitation in any number of creative ways in production- all characters are transferable and each product can be unique as the characters are patterned in a kaleidoscope of color.
The future for disadvantaged children with Bumblebee
The farm has become a colorful children's wonderland and the gardens and buildings a tourist attraction. It features a creative play space and the "Honey Pot" that only ever serves food fare - as one of a kind product. - Fruit and produce that is in season will always be used. The factory is renowned for its truffles, chocolates-biscuits, cakes, hand made pies and pasties and confectionary and don't forget its home made honeycomb ice-cream. This is all included in the best of the wider cottage industry products and packaged and distributed through other showcases and outlets.
Apprenticeship Programs to link the community
Skilled artisans are employed to share their skills in apprenticeship programs-Bumblebee Factory interacts in an educational capacity working closely with other farms to support homeless children and children in need. It networks with schools, homes for the elderly and the wider community, disadvantaged groups are included in this program and jobs are being created - networking with wider industry and products and personal development.
See Also:
The Bumblebee Factory in Australia
Administration & Training Centres
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