A budding filmmaker and a popular English conversation class for refugees and asylum seekers were among the winners at the Andrews Labor Government's 16th annual Victorian Learn Local Awards.
Minister for Training and Skills and Higher Education Gayle Tierney acknowledged the eight winners, recognising excellence in Victoria's adult community education sector.
This year's winners included Callum Lydiard, received the Ro Allen Award - Learn Local Pre-accredited Learner for his film My Working Life' for the International Day of Disability in 2021, as part of the Creative Industries course at Kew Neighbourhood Learning Centre.
Greater Dandenong- based Wellsprings for Women took out the Pre-accredited Program Award for its Cultural Cuisines Hospitality Course, which provides training pathways for the catering and hospitality industry for people with limited English skills.
Other winners included Sunraysia Mallee Ethnic Communities Council, picking up the Innovation Award for its class offering conversational English for refugees and asylum seekers, and the East Gippsland Learn Locals Collaboration, that won the Partnership Award after providing classes to support communities recovering from the 2020 bushfires.
This year marks the 16th anniversary of the awards, which are backed by the Andrews Labor Government. The awards honour learners, trainers, leaders and providers in Victoria's Learn Local sector which includes more than 240 not-for-profit community groups.
This year's prize money totals $80,000. Organisation award category winners each receive $10,000, while individual category winners are awarded $5,000 and all category finalists received $1,000.
For information on the Learn Local Awards visit: vic.gov.au/learn-local-awards.
As stated by Minister for Training and Skills and Higher Education Gayle Tierney:
"These awards are an important opportunity to recognise the great achievements of people and organisations and highlights the vital role our adult and community education system plays in helping Victorians gain the skills they need."
As stated by Adult, Community and Further Board Chair Maria Peters
"The Learn Local Awards recognise inspirational individuals, programs and providers of the Learn Local sector and the way the sector continues to change the lives of thousands of Victorians each year."
