June 16th, 2023Learn Local nominations now open

Victorians across the state are invited to celebrate excellence in the adult and community
education sector, with nominations now open for the 17th Annual Victorian Learn Local
Awards – which are backed by the state government.

Parliamentary Secretary for Training and Skills Nina Taylor officially opened award
nominations in recent days, encouraging people to nominate Victorians whose personal stories
illustrate the life-changing impact of adult and community education.
Categories at this year’s event celebrate trainers, leaders, learners, and Learn Local programs
– including the Ro Allen Award for Pre-accredited Learner (Skills for study and life).
The prize pool totals $84,000, with organisation award category winners each receiving
$10,000, individual category winners receiving $5,000 and all category finalists receiving
$1,000.
Last year, Felimon Asel from Prace received the Victorian pre-accredited Learner (Skills for
Work) Award. A leader and education advocate in Melbourne’s Sudanese community,
Felimon learnt crucial English language skills through Prace’s English certificate programs
before enrolling in Prace’s Civil Construction Labourer course.
Sunraysia Mallee Ethnic Communities Council’s Conversation and Reading Café classes were
awarded a Learn Local Innovation Award for helping to lead the sector. Danielle Hren, who
pioneered the program, was awarded the prestigious Learn Local Leadership Award, in
recognition of her work with asylum seekers and refugees.
These awards are annually presented by the Adult, Community and Further Education Board,
which plans and promotes community adult education in Victoria.
More than 240 Learn Local providers across Victoria offer unique, community-based learning
to almost 30,000 people each year, with a focus on supporting learners with their individual
needs.
Learn Local providers are suited to adult learners of all ages who are looking to develop their
digital, literacy, numeracy and employability skills for study, work and life. To explore the
categories and make a nomination, visit vic.gov.au/learn-local-awards.
Member for Macedon, Mary-Anne Thomas:“ I encourage the community to nominate their friends and family members, whose lives have been changed by adult education and I thank our local providers for their hard work across the sector.”
Acting ACFE Board Chair John Maddock: “My Board colleagues and I are very keen that the sector receives the recognition it so deserves by celebrating our outstanding Learn Local leaders, trainers, programs, partnerships and learners that will be showcased at this year’s gala ceremony