Victorians who have made a significant impact on the lives of others through community education will be recognised at this year’s Victorian Learn Local Awards.
Minister for Training and Skills Gayle Tierney today announced the finalists for the awards, which recognise the contribution of the more than 300 Learn Local organisations offering training in Victoria.
Christie Sinclair, who studied at Banksia Gardens Community Services, Brandylee Muscat, a student in the World of Work program at Berry Street Morwell and Dandenong Neighbourhood House’s Michelle Hood are in the running for the Ro Allen Award, which recognises excellence in pre-accredited learning.
Other finalists include Learn Local teachers Craig Danswan of Campaspe College of Adult Education, Lachlan McKenzie from Jesuit Community College and Leanne Fitzgerald from Coonara Community House.
This year, two acknowledgement categories – the Learn Local Legend and Learn Local Volunteer Champion – will be awarded on top of the five traditional awards categories: Pre-accredited Learners, Outstanding Practitioner, Outstanding Pathways Program, Excellence in Creating Local Solutions and AMES Australia Diversity Innovation.
In total, there is $66,000 to be won across the seven categories, with the winners announced at this year’s Learn Local Awards to be held on 31 August.
The Andrews Labor Government is building a strong training system, ensuring all Victorians – regardless of age, postcode or background – have access to high quality training.
Learn Locals make a huge difference in their communities. They help people who need extra support turn their lives around with programs for people of all ages and from all walks of life.
Learn Locals have also benefited from the Labor Government’s $20 million Reconnect Program, which provides wrap around support to help Victoria’s most disadvantaged learners access training.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Training and Skills Gayle Tierney
“We’re delivering a high-quality training system, with our TAFEs, community and private providers giving Victorians the opportunity to develop the skills they need to get a job.”
“Every Victorian, no matter their background or circumstances, should have access to high quality training and that’s what our Learn Local organisations offer.”
Quote attributable to ACFE Board Chair Sue Christophers
“The Awards provide an opportunity to shine a spotlight on the community training sector in Victoria and celebrate its success.”
2017 LEARN LOCAL AWARDS FINALISTS
Ro Allen Award – Recognising Pre-accredited Learner Excellence
Christie Sinclair – Banksia Gardens Community Services
Brandylee Muscat – Berry Street
Michelle Hood – Dandenong Neighbourhood House
Outstanding Pathways Program
Try a Trade – Diversitat
Prepare for Work in Warehousing – Kensington neighbourhood House
Your Next Step – Paynesville Neighbourhood House
Outstanding Practitioner
Craig Danswan – Campaspe College of Adult Education
Leanne Fitzgerald – Coonara Community House
Lachlan McKenzie – Jesuit Community College
Excellence in Creating Local Solutions
Community Work Partnerships Program – Dandenong Neighbourhood House
Linking Learning to the Land – Paynesville Neighbourhood Centre
Manufacturing Entry Level Worker Program – The Centre for Continuing Education
AMES Australia Diversity Innovation
Paw Po Products Community Enterprise – Nhill Learning Centre
Portland CALD Support Program – Portland Workskills
Learn Local Volunteer Champion
Harry Ashton – Rushworth Community House
Joy Ferguson – Diamond Valley Learning Centre
Melinda Hamilton – Springvale Neighbourhood House
Learn Local Legends
ACFE North Western Metropolitan Regional Council – Banksia Gardens Community Services
ACFE Loddon Mallee Regional Council – Echuca Neighbourhood House
ACFE Southern Metropolitan Regional Council – Dandenong Neighbourhood House
ACFE Gippsland Regional Council – Milpara Community House
ACFE Eastern Metropolitan Regional Council – Mountain District Learning Centre
ACFE Hume Regional Council – The Centre for Continuing Education
ACFE Grampian Regional Council – Wendouree Neighbourhood Centre
ACFE Barwon South Western Regional Council – Rosewall
Reviewed 19 August 2020