Celebrating and supporting Victoria's Learn Local Awards

The Victorian Skills Authority recently hosted the Learn Local Awards Gala Event. The awards program recognises outstanding achievements in the adult and community education sector by honouring learners, trainers and community training providers.

Minister for Skills and TAFE Gayle Tierney congratulated the winners acknowledging the life-changing impact that adult and community education can have on Victorians, giving them the foundational skills they need to participate in our society and our economy.

2 new grant programs were also announced to further support Learn Local providers. The Learner and Program Sustainability Grants(opens in a new window), worth $6.6 million over 3 years, and the Technology and Digital Grant Program, worth $500,000 and available from next year, will help Learn Local(opens in a new window) providers across the state to embrace new technologies, and ensure adult learners get the skills they need to succeed.

This year's award recipients were chosen from an impressive list of nominations, highlighting the important role Learn Local providers play in helping adult learners get new skills, pursue further education pathways, and secure jobs.

Among the winners were :

• Banksia Gardens Community Services CEO, Gina Dougall, winner of the Learn Local Leadership Award for growing a small Learn Local into one of Victoria's largest adult training and employment providers, developing meaningful partnerships like Bendigo Kangan Institute to support more vulnerable people into work.
  
• Paw Say Paw who was honoured with the Ro Allen Award. After arriving in Australia from a Thai refugee camp in 2022, she enrolled in English classes at the Centre for Participation, took courses in sewing and micro-business, and has now launched her own sewing business while securing a scholarship to Federation University for further study.
  
• Sonia Nayyar, this year's Trainer Award recipient is an English teacher with over 20 years of experience, who was recognised for her work helping learners from diverse backgrounds gain not just language skills but also employability training, digital literacy, and real-world industry insights.

Across Victoria, more than 200 Learn Local(opens in a new window) providers offer people tailored support in courses ranging from numeracy and literacy to digital skills and employability – helping over 30,000 Victorians each year overcome barriers to getting into training and finding jobs.

Find out more about all 8 winners(opens in a new window).