- Published:
- Monday 26 October 2020
The inspirational efforts of Victoria’s adult community education learners, practitioners, volunteers and providers have been recognised in this year’s Learn Local Awards.
Minister for Training and Skills and Higher Education Gayle Tierney announced the 20 Victorian finalists in the awards, which honour the Learn Local sector and highlight the success of learners and the training providers who support them.
Finalists were announced in 7 categories, recognising learners, providers, practitioners and volunteers.
This year’s Learn Local Awards will be hosted in an innovative virtual format later this year.
The awards are presented by the Adult, Community and Further Education Board.
Award winners have the chance to share in $70,000 in prize money. The three organisation award category winners will each receive $10,000, while individual category winners will be awarded $5,000 and category finalists will receive $1,000. A new People’s Choice Awards has also been created for Program finalists, with winners to receive an Apple MacBook laptop.
Learn Local providers offer a unique, community-based learning option, with a focus on the individual needs of learners. Learn Local is particularly suited to adult learners of all ages looking to develop their digital, literacy, numeracy and employability skills for study, work and life.
There are 270 not-for-profit community organisations registered as Learn Locals across Victoria, which deliver training and programs to nearly 30,000 people each year.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Training and Skills and Higher Education Gayle Tierney
“Although 2020 has been a challenging year for many Learn Local providers across the state, these awards recognise the work Learn Locals are doing transforming lives through community education.”
“Victoria leads Australia in providing accessible and tailored lifelong learning opportunities for adult learners seeking to develop the skills they need for work, further study, and to participate fully in the Victorian community.”
Quotes attributable to ACFE Board Chair Maria Peters
“These awards are a wonderful opportunity for the ACFE Board to recognise the inspirational individuals, programs and providers that are part of the Learn Local sector. Congratulations to all finalists!”
“The Learn Local sector plays a vital role in changing the lives of thousands of Victorians each year. The ACFE Board and the Learn Local providers take great pride in supporting learners to achieve their learning goals and to develop the core skills they need for study, work and life.”
2020 LEARN LOCAL AWARDS FINALISTS
The Ro Allen Award - Recognising Pre-accredited Learner Excellence
• Haylee Mackintosh, Cire Services
• Jason Barbour, Bridge Darebin
• Colleen Forbes, Community College Gippsland
Victorian Learn Local Young Pre-accredited Learner Award
• Georgia Benham, Zoe Support Australia
• Rebecca Cupitt, Zoe Support Australia
• Bryanna Paynter-Harvie, Noweyung
Victorian Learn Local Practitioner Award
• Vivian Della Valle, CAE
• Susan West, Cire Services
• Michelle Harrison, Phillip Island Community & Learning Centre
Victorian Learn Local Volunteer Team Award
• Rosewall Learning and Creative Team, Rosewall Neighbourhood Centre
• Zoe Support Australia - Childcare Volunteer Team, Zoe Support Australia
Victorian Learn Local Pre-accredited Pathway Program Award
• Getting There, The Centre for Continuing Education
• Carpentry Trade Taster, Preston Reservoir Adult Community Education (PRACE)
• Mentoring - A step towards mainstream volunteering or work experience, Sandybeach Centre
Victorian Learn Local Creating Local Solutions Award
• Wyndham Neighbourhood Hubs - meeting diverse needs, Wyndham Community & Education Centre
• Kick Start Your Career in the Health Industry program, Heyfield Community Resource Centre
• Cultural Cuisines, Wellsprings for Women
Victorian Learn Local Collaboration Award
• Cloverdale Community Centre-The Gordon TAFE Collaboration, Cloverdale Community Centre & The Gordon TAFE
• Kew Neighbourhood Learning Centre and Burke and Beyond, Kew Neighbourhood Learning Centre Inc & Burke and Beyond
• Pathways 2 Possibilities, The Centre for Continuing Education & Open Door Neighbourhood House