Students, teachers and Learn Local providers will be recognised for their inspirational efforts in Victoria's adult and community education sector at this year's Learn Local Awards.
Minister for Skills and TAFE Gayle Tierney congratulated the 25 finalists for the 17th Annual Learn Local Awards, acknowledging their remarkable contribution to their communities.
The awards recognise Victorians across eight categories, highlighting the achievements of learners, trainers and leaders, as well as programs and partnerships throughout the year.
The breadth of programs and locations represented among the finalists illustrates the significant impact of adult and community education among Victorians.
With 10 of the finalists from regional Victoria, the awards showcase the extensive reach of Learn Locals - from Mildura and Wodonga to Geelong, to Sale and Orbost in the Gippsland region.
Learn Local plays a critical role in Victoria's post-secondary system, offering a unique community-based learning option with a focus on the individual needs of learners. More than 240 not-for-profit community organisations are registered as Learn Locals.
The awards prize pool offers a total of $84,000, with organisation award category winners receiving $10,000, individual category winners $5,000 and category finalists $1,000.
Winners will be announced at the 2023 Learn Local Awards gala ceremony to be held on 24 November. See the finalists and find out more at: vic.gov.au/learn-local-awards.
As stated by Minister for Skills and TAFE Gayle Tierney
"Learn Locals are helping people to transform their lives through community-based education that is focused on the individual needs of learners."
"Congratulations to all the award finalists this year and thank you for going the extra mile to help Victorians access the skills they need to achieve their goals in work and in life."
As stated by Adult, Community and Further Board Chair, Teresa De Fazio
"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 Victorian Learn Local Awards 2023 finalists are:
The Ro Allen Award - Learn Local Pre-accredited Learner (Skills for study and life)
Ayan Daher, Kensington Neighbourhood House
Noor Jan Muhammad Juma, Cultura
Jack Xiao Zhou, Kew Neighbourhood Learning Centre
Chiara Disarno, Orbost Education Centre
Victorian Learn Local Pre-accredited Learner (Skills for work) Award
Jayce Collett, WCIG
Jordan Gellie, Workforce Plus
Daria Iurissevich, Cultura
Isabella O'Hara, Cire Services
Victorian Learn Local Pre-accredited Trainer Award
Katrina Lambert, WCIG
Renee Cook, Cire Services Incorporated
Zohra Hasib, Hampton Park Community House
Laurie Niven, Pines Learning
Victorian Learn Local Leadership Award
Jenny Carson, Pines Learning
Heather McTaggart, The Basin Community House
Victorian Learn Local Pre-accredited Program Award (For small providers)
Sew & Grow, Kensington Neighbourhood House
Introduction to Floristry, Orbost Education Centre
Victorian Learn Local Pre-accredited Program Award (For large providers)
Cooking Without Borders, Cultura
Future4me, Cire Services
Starting work as a cleaner - Collaboration with Spotless and Loddon Campaspe Multicultural Services
Victorian Learn Local Innovation Award
Baptcare, Carringbush Adult Education
Introduction to Disability Support Work, Christie Centre Inc.
Just in Time Garden and Maintenance Enterprise, Kew Neighbourhood Learning Centre
Bridges of Understanding: Ukrainian Conversation Class, Cheltenham Community Centre
Victorian Learn Local Partnership Award
Albury Wodonga Volunteer Resource Bureau "Albury Wodonga Volunteer Resource Bureau & Wodonga TAFE"
Just in Time Industry Grant Project "Hungry 4 Success - Training" "Glen Park Community Centre Inc. Eastland Shopping Centre & Glad Group"
