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Victorian Learn Local Awards 2021 nominations now open - Gippslanders apply

Recognising everyone’s efforts and hard work in the education sector through awards, and making a difference in the Victorian lives.

By news@gippsland - 9th June 2021 - Back to News

Nominations are now open for the 15th annual Victorian Learn Local Awards, recognising excellence in the adult education sector across Victoria. The event is presented by the Adult, Community and Further Education Board (ACFE Board) and shine a spotlight on learners, trainers and leaders.

Heyfield Community Resource Centre coordinator Caroline Trevorrow, tutor Thomas Crosbie and Wellington Shire Mayor Carolyn Crossley with the Learn Local Award certificate for the Victorian Learn Local Awards for 2018, nominations are now open for the 15th annual Victorian Learn Local Awards, submit your nomination today! Nominations will close on Friday 13 August 2021

Stories that changes Victorian lives

Member for Eastern Victoria Harriet Shing today announced the opening of nominations in Eastern Victoria and encouraged locals to nominate people whose stories illustrate how adult and community education can change the lives of Victorians.

Categories for the awards

Additional categories at this year’s event recognise innovation, leadership and local partnerships. The prize money totals $84,000, with organisation award category winners receiving $10,000, individual category winners awarded $5,000 and category finalists given $1,000.

Finding new meaningful career

Kurnai woman Colleen Forbes was among last year’s 14 winners and received the Ro Allen Award for Pre-accredited Learner Excellence. Colleen overcame years of unemployment following the death of her husband to complete the Learn Local Kickstart in Hospitality and Retail course at the Community College Gippsland. She found a pathway to a new and meaningful career and has been inspired to become a Koorie educator and advocate.

Developing literacy

Learn Local providers offer a unique, community-based learning option, with a focus on the individual needs of learners. They are particularly suited to adult learners of all ages looking to develop their digital, literacy, numeracy and employability skills for study, work and life. There are more than 240 not-for-profit community organisations registered as Learn Locals across Victoria, which deliver pre-accredited training and other programs to nearly 30,000 people each year.

Commitment and achievements

Minster for Training and Skills Gayle Tierney said, "This is a valuable opportunity to recognise the commitment of trainers and leaders, and the achievements of learners, in our adult education sector. Learn Locals provide a life-changing service – they provide real-world skills that are applicable for study, jobs and everyday life as well as helping to build more connected communities."

Making huge difference

Member for Eastern Victoria Harriet Shing said, "Learn Local providers make a huge difference in Eastern Victoria to people of all walks of life - and this is a great opportunity to recognise that contribution."

Celebrating everyone’s outstanding efforts

ACFE Board Chairperson Maria Peters "We are very proud of the Learn Local sector’s ongoing commitment, resilience, and innovation – and we’re looking forward to celebrating the outstanding efforts of learners, trainers, leaders and providers across the state."

Nominate now at learn local awards, nominations will close on Friday, 13 August 2021.

Pictures from Gippsland web page.

Source: http://gippsland.com/

Published by: news@gippsland.com

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• SEC acquires Delburn Wind Farm, Gippsland’s first public wind project, creating jobs and boosting local energy and economy by 2028
  The SEC’s acquisition of Delburn Wind Farm will deliver Gippsland’s first public wind project by 2028, creating 300 construction jobs, long-term careers, and $22 million in community benefits.
• Latrobe City Council launches Action Plan to simplify fees, processes, and communications for easier local businesses to grow
  Latrobe City Council’s new Action Plan simplifies fees, processes, and communications, making it easier for local businesses to operate, improve coordination, and support small businesses while driving economic growth.
• Baw Baw Shire Council approves Roadside Trading Policy and Open Space Strategy following community feedback
  Baw Baw Council has adopted its new Roadside and Footpath Trading Policy and Open Space Strategy, following extensive community consultation to guide safe, vibrant, and accessible public spaces.
• West Gippsland Landcare awarded $337,250 to transform landscapes, protect species, and enhance community green spaces statewide
  West Gippsland Landcare volunteers received $337,250 from 2025 Victorian Landcare Grants to restore landscapes, protect endangered species, enhance waterways, plant 30,000 trees, and engage communities in conservation projects.
• Baw Baw Shire Council seeks community feedback on draft 10-year open space strategy for future planning
  Baw Baw Shire Council invites feedback on its draft Open Space Strategy, shaping a 10-year plan to guide investment, protect natural spaces, and enhance community wellbeing. Consultation closes Friday 3 October 2025.
• East Gippsland Council confirms compliance with 2025-26 rate cap, maintaining responsible financial management and community support
  East Gippsland Council has confirmed compliance with the 2025–26 Victorian rate cap, keeping increases below the 3% limit to ease cost-of-living pressures while maintaining essential services.
• East Gippsland drivers urged to follow parking limits this festive season to support local businesses
  East Gippsland Shire Council reminds drivers to follow festive season parking limits, ensuring accessibility, supporting local businesses, and avoiding fines, while respecting loading zones and disabled parking bays.
• East Gippsland invites community input to shape Omeo district place plan and future local priorities
  East Gippsland Council invites Omeo district residents to provide feedback via workshops and surveys, shaping the new Place Plan to reflect local priorities, guide council actions, and strengthen community engagement.
• Woodside Recreation Reserve receives $387,750 LED lighting upgrade improving safety, access, and evening sports opportunities for local community
  The Woodside Recreation Reserve will receive a $387,750 LED lighting upgrade, improving safety, sustainability, access, and evening sports opportunities, funded by the Victorian Government, Wellington Shire Council, and local partners.
• Mayor Rochelle Halstead honoured with MAV 10-year Service Award for her dedication to local government
  Bass Coast Mayor Cr Rochelle Halstead has received the MAV 10-Year Service Award, recognising her decade of dedicated leadership, advocacy, and commitment to strengthening local government and the Bass Coast community.
• Latrobe City to celebrate Australia Day with free events, pools, citizenship ceremony, and community awards
  Latrobe City will celebrate Australia Day with free community events, pool access, citizenship ceremonies, and awards recognising outstanding volunteers, fostering connection, fun, and community spirit across multiple towns.
• Community feedback wanted on East Gippsland Draft Engagement Policy to strengthen participation in local decision-making
  East Gippsland Shire Council is seeking community feedback on its draft Community Engagement Policy, inviting input through surveys, drop-in sessions, and stakeholder consultation to strengthen participation in decision-making processes.
• Live4Life Baw Baw celebrates 2025 Youth Mental Health Ambassadors, recognising leadership, teamwork and mental health achievements
  Live4Life Baw Baw celebrated its 2025 Youth Mental Health Ambassadors, recognising their leadership, teamwork, and mental health initiatives, while marking key milestones and community achievements throughout the year.
• David Littleproud says new mapping reveals Labor's renewables damage, strengthening the call for nuclear energy
  The Defence Honours and Awards Appeals Tribunal has accused the Albanese government of removing veterans' rights to review bravery awards, warning proposed reforms undermine fairness, independence, and recognition of Australia's war heroes.
• Darren Chester supports Tribunal decision to defend veterans' right, opposing Albanese government plan limiting Acts of Gallantry review
  The Defence Honours and Awards Appeals Tribunal will defend veterans' rights at a Senate inquiry, opposing the Albanese government's plan to impose a 20-year limit on reviewing acts of gallantry.