Forged by History. Reclaimed by Community.
Once, the Old Castlemaine Gaol stood as a symbol of separation, silence, and restriction. A place that locked people away—sometimes for simply being different.
But we see something more. We see a sanctuary waiting to emerge. A place with the bones of the past and the breath of the future.
At Global Village Learning, we believe learning is liberation. That young people—especially those left behind by traditional systems—deserve more than classrooms and compliance. They deserve autonomy, artistry, and authentic connection.
We’re not here to restore.
We’re here to regenerate.
We are planning to open the doors to the next generation at the beginning fo 2026.
Where prisoners once sat in silence, young minds will now rise with purpose.
We acknowledge this land is on Dja Dja Wurrung Country. And we are committed to truth-telling, listening, and designing this future alongside First Nations voices.
Global Village Learning (GVL) is a secular, learner-led, future-focused learning community. With no uniforms, bells, grades, or year levels, we’ve created a model where curiosity leads, adults guide, and every young person learns in the real world.
The Castlemaine Campus—rising from the gaol’s historic stone—brings our vision to life. Here, we’re building:
- A creative ecosystem: 80+ micro-studios, music and media rooms, maker spaces, artisan residencies.
- A hub for storytelling, reflection, and action—with historical tours, civic education, and immersive justice programs.
- A meeting ground where young people, artists, elders, and change-makers collaborate across generations.
- A café and community kitchen that nourish bodies and minds—and train learners in enterprise and hospitality.
- A launchpad for our Unbounded Model, where learners spend 4 days per week in community, engaging with real tools, mentors, and missions.
Regeneration is Happening
The transformation is underway. Walls that once confined will soon echo with music and movement. Corridors that silenced will now pulse with conversation and colour.
This isn’t just a school campus.
It’s a cultural reawakening.
A regenerative act.
A commitment to future generations.
Whether you’re a learner, artist, parent, educator, or community member—your story belongs here.
What’s Happening Inside the Walls?
Studios, Stories, and Sanctuary Spaces
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80+ Artisan Studios: Former cells transformed into creative studios, editing bays, rehearsal rooms, and maker spaces.
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Civic and Justice Education: Themed programs exploring freedom, responsibility, and change-making—built on lived history.
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The Commons Courtyard: A social anchor space for shared meals, markets, reflection, and public events.
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The Regenerative Café: A hospitality training ground and community meeting place, serving stories with every plate.
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Co-Created, Community-Led Workshops and Events: From immersive storytelling to hands-on masterclasses, this is a site for making, sharing, and learning—together.
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Conferences and Music Events: Bold ideas and local soundscapes fill the air as we host seasonal gatherings, artist showcases, and purpose-driven forums in this truly unique venue.
This campus is not just about education. It’s about healing. Creating. Belonging.
A Place Co-Created
This isn’t our project. It’s yours.
We are seeking:
- Artists and Makers to activate studio spaces
- Local Historians and Storytellers to guide our programs
- Elders and Educators to hold space and share wisdom
- Volunteers to help the site thrive
- Supporters and Sponsors to invest in real change
