TIERNEY (Western Victoria – Minister for Skills and TAFE, Minister for Regional Development) (12:32): I rise to inform the house that nominations are open for the 2024 Learn Local Awards. Our Learn Local providers are truly incredible. Over 200 grassroots community organisations right across Victoria are delivering essential pre-accredited training. From English to maths, digital skills and workplace skills, Learn Locals teach fundamental foundation skills so that every Victorian has the opportunity to reach their goals and move on to a job or further study. Providers are ingrained in local communities, delivering flexible, adaptable courses tailored to local community needs – from the 2023 winner Loddon Campaspe Multicultural Services, who partnered with Spotless cleaning to teach foundation and workplace skills for cleaning in the Bendigo Hospital, supporting graduates to seamlessly move into jobs, to the Ro Allen Award winner Ayan Daher, who I had the pleasure of meeting at the Kensington Neighbourhood House recently. Ayan is remarkable, going from Learn Local student to co-designing Learn Local classes for her community to securing employment as a Learn Local teacher.
This is just a fraction of the incredible work that is happening daily in adult and community education. The Learn Local sector is ensuring every Victorian, especially those who have experienced disadvantages and barriers to education, can get the skills they need to thrive. The Learn Local Awards shine a much-deserved spotlight on this sector and make sure that the teachers, students and providers get the recognition they deserve. Nominations close on 31 May, so get out there and nominate your Learn Local heroes.
