The Story Behind
Maisie Kaufmann
Founder & Inspiration
Son & Namesake
Maisie Kaufmann dedicated her life to her son, Raymond, who was diagnosed with an Intellectual Disability at an early age. When Raymond was eight years old, Maisie threw him a birthday party — with balloons and plenty of treats. That heart-wrenching moment of an empty gate changed everything.
"Raymond waited eagerly at the gate for his friends, but none came."
It inspired Maisie to devote herself entirely to supporting her son, and others like him.
Maisie placed an advertisement in the Maryborough newspaper, inviting people with disabilities to play indoor bowls at the Maryborough Pensioner’s Hall. About 40 people attended — and the Peter Pan Sports and Recreation Club Incorporated was born.
After Maisie’s passing, the Peter Pan Literacy Club Inc. was established in her honour — now known as the Maisie Kaufmann Learning Centre
The centre officially opened as a Full-Time Training Centre, celebrating its founders, Maisie and Raymond. It became a community-based Registered Training Organisation
Founding teachers Sylvia Collins (nee Courtney) and her husband Trevor, who had taught together for nearly 49 years, stepped back and passed the torch to the next generation of dedicated volunteers.
Raymond passed away, having benefited from the love and support of the dedicated team throughout the years of the Centre he helped inspire.
Maisie placed an advertisement in the Maryborough newspaper, inviting people with disabilities to play indoor bowls at the Maryborough Pensioner’s Hall. About 40 people attended — and the Peter Pan Sports and Recreation Club Incorporated was born.
After Maisie’s passing, the Peter Pan Literacy Club Inc. was established in her honour — now known as the Maisie Kaufmann Learning Centre
The centre officially opened as a Full-Time Training Centre, celebrating its founders, Maisie and Raymond. It became a community-based Registered Training Organisation
Founding teachers Sylvia Collins (nee Courtney) and her husband Trevor, who had taught together for nearly 49 years, stepped back and passed the torch to the next generation of dedicated volunteers.
Raymond passed away, having benefited from the love and support of the dedicated team throughout the years of the Centre he helped inspire.
Founding Teachers · 49 years
Nearly 49 years ago, Sylvia Collins (nee Courtney) began teaching with her husband Trevor as her backup. Before Covid-19, most original participants attended classes twice a week — a testament to what they built together.
Volunteer · 39 years
Beth volunteered with students for 39 years until the pandemic halted classes. Her bright spirit lives on after her passing — remembered and cherished by students, volunteers, and the Board of Management.
At TESS, we open doors to a world of new opportunities, offering more fulfilling and lucrative employment pathways. We are dedicated to providing exceptional opportunities to our local community and students, regardless of their prior experience or knowledge.
Since 1983, we have been delivering community-focused training courses to the unemployed in the Maisie Kaufmann Learning Center region. Over these 40+ years, we've enabled numerous individuals to make significant, lasting improvements in their lives. If we can do it for them, we can do it for you too.
Having served this region for decades, TESS understands the unique training needs of our local community better than anyone else. We're here to help local people excel and reach their full potential. No matter who you are, where you are, and what you're doing now — you can achieve more.
At TESS, we ensure no one is left behind. Unlike larger institutions, we never lose sight of the individual. We appreciate that everyone has unique challenges, needs, and aspirations. We' will help you uncover and harness your incredible potential.
Our commitment to student-focused training ensures you derive maximum benefit from our courses. With the right support and guidance, anyone can gain qualifications and improve their lives.
