Learn Locals in communities affected by last summer's bushfires will receive grants to help provide urgent training, thanks to the Victorian Government.
Minister for Training and Skills and Higher Education Gayle Tierney announced a Learn Local Bushfire Recovery Grants package worth a total of $200,000 - to help providers adapt programs to address the training needs of communities most impacted by bushfires and support the engagement of local learners.
The announcement during a virtual visit today to Mount Beauty Neighbourhood Centre in north-eastern Victoria - one of seven Learn Local providers across Victoria that were directly affected by the bushfires.
It will receive a grant of $25,000 along with Buchan District Outreach, Mallacoota District Health and Support Service, Orbost Education Centre, Corryong Neighbourhood House, King Valley Learning Exchange and Myrtleford Neighbourhood Centre.
The remaining $25,000 will be used to support Learn Locals in their administration of the grants.
Learn Local providers make a huge difference in their communities, helping people who need extra support turn their lives around with programs for people of all ages and from all walks of life.
This latest funding is in addition to $1.25 million in funding recently announced by the Government to enhance new literacy, numeracy and digital skills to support vulnerable cohorts to progress to further study or employment.
As stated by Minister for Training and Skills and Higher Education Gayle Tierney
"The Learn Local sector makes an invaluable contribution to the Victorian community and this funding will help providers give their communities the skills they need to rebuild from the double blow of bushfires and coronavirus."
As stated by Minister for Police and Emergency Services Lisa Neville
"This grant will help community members access training tailored to their needs to help them recover following the impact of bushfires."
As stated by Member for Northern Victoria Jaclyn Symes
"Adult education is so important, and this funding will ensure communities like Mount Beauty, get the training they want and need."
As stated by the Chairperson, Adult Community and Further Education Board, Maria Peters
"The ACFE board is well aware that Learn Locals were at the forefront in supporting local communities in the immediate response to the bushfires, and moving forward, their provision of adult community education will be critical in meeting the evolving training needs of learners as these communities recover and strengthen".
