Learners, practitioners and training providers have been recognised for their incredible work transforming lives through community education at this year’s Learn Local Awards.
Minister for Training and Skills and Higher Education Gayle Tierney announced the award winners at a gala dinner at the Mural Hall, Melbourne on Friday evening.
Presented by the Adult, Community and Further Education Board, the Learn Local Awards celebrate the power of education in meeting the needs of educationally disengaged or disadvantaged Victorians.
The winner of the Ro Allen Award Recognising Pre-accredited Learner Excellence Chithrika Senanayake faced language barriers and challenges finding work after arriving in Australia in 2015.
She enrolled in the Creative Enterprising Women Program through Wellsprings for Women, and since starting the course 12 months ago has established her own business as a reflexology practitioner and is building a client base in aged care and wellbeing.
The Creative Enterprising Women Program, which is designed to help women from diverse backgrounds start their own businesses or microenterprises, was also awarded the Pre-accredited Pathway Program Award, while Wellsprings for Women was named a Learn Local Legend.
Other winners included Rory Madden of the Kew Neighbourhood Learning Centre, who’s determination and commitment to learning saw him recognised as this year’s Young Pre-accredited Learner, and Josie Rose, who after 28 years of significant contribution to the sector won the Practitioner Award.
For more information, including a complete list of winners, visit:
Quote attributable to Minister for Training and Skills and Higher Education Gayle Tierney
“This year’s winners include learners that have harnessed the power of adult community education to turn their lives around by gaining skills and getting jobs, as well as dedicated practitioners, volunteers and Learn Local providers with outstanding track records helping their learners succeed.”
Quote attributable to Adult and Community Further Education Board Chairperson
“Tonight’s Learn Local Awards were a wonderful celebration of the achievements of our learners, the commitment and hard work of practitioners, volunteers and leaders, and recognition of the important role the Learn Local sector plays in the education landscape for our communities across the state.”
Reviewed 19 August 2020