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2024 Learn Local Award winners

The 8 winners of the 18th Learn Local Awards were announced at the Learn Local Awards Gala on Friday 25 October 2024.

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The Learn Local Awards celebrate great individual success stories, leadership, programs, innovation and collaboration in the Learn Local sector.

We congratulate all our 2024 winners and acknowledge the inspiring work of all our 2024 finalists.

Victorian Learn Local Innovation Award

Bass Coast Adult Learning, Coldon Homes and Capeview Building Products

3 people sitting at a table, facing the camera, smiling, with a lap top in front of them

In 2023, Coldon Homes and Capeview Building Products (CHCBP) recognised a valuable opportunity to work with a diverse group of team leaders to upskill employees. Bass Coast Adult Learning (BCAL) and CHCBP developed a transformative approach with staff, some of whom were either early school leavers, grew up in low socioeconomic circumstances or had unaddressed learning difficulties. Improving core skills in reading, writing, measurement and computer literacy was vital for enhancing productivity and efficiency.

BCAL worked closely with CHCBP to understand the unique needs of their cohort. They developed an intensive course called Communication Skills for Industry which integrates professional development in leadership with workplace foundation skills. In a supportive environment, workers developed skills in reading, writing, measurement, preparing emails, workplace policies and procedures, and how to conduct performance appraisals using clear and professional communications. A positive learning mindset was highlighted. Low self-esteem and frustration were transformed into pride in their new skills and knowledge.

Victorian Learn Local Pre-accredited Program Award (For small providers)

Work for Yourself in the Care and Support Sector, Manna Gum Community House

7 people standing, facing the camera and smiling, with a building in the background

Work For Yourself – Care and Support Sector (WFY) is a 30-hour course delivered at Manna Gum Community House in Foster. It provides learners with the tools, knowledge and skills to operate as sole traders in carer roles in services such as shopping, gardening and cleaning. The program was created to develop employment opportunities for marginalised people in the community.

Training takes place in an informal learning space. Learners are given an overview of the care and support industry and the various opportunities. They’re also educated in legislative and ethical considerations including safe work practices, person-centered care and effective communication. Participants are well supported by in-house wrap-around services including emergency relief, access to online services and social activities. Directly after completing WFY in 2023, over 60% of participants established themselves as sole traders or increased their existing work. Additionally, they could continue their learning into higher certificates in disability and individual support.

Victorian Learn Local Pre-Accredited Program Award (For large providers)

EmpowerU: Bridging Futures Endeavour Program, Cultura

7 people sitting at a table, facing the camera and smiling, holding pens with a shared piece of paper.

The EmpowerU: Bridging Futures Endeavour Program was implemented at Cultura (MCSG) Multicultural Community Services Geelong in 2023. It prepares at-risk 17-to-27-year-olds for success in life. In partnership with Victoria University, and CatholicCare Victoria, the program assisted over 30 marginalised young people located in a low socioeconomic setting with high youth unemployment and crime. Participants undertook community activities and built educational, life and employability skills to break the cycle of disadvantages.

Offering diverse avenues to skill development in the fields of study, community involvement and cultural appreciation, participants were prepared for future challenges and personal and professional growth. They experienced a more rounded perspective of life learning foundation and employment skills including micro-business opportunities in horticulture and cooking. A broad set of activities helped learners develop effective communication, critical thinking and social skills. Remarkable outcomes included students either finding employment or enrolling in certificate courses in fields such as electrical work, plumbing, aged care, individual support and English Certificate I to IV.

Victorian Learn Local Partnership Award

Debney Meadows Community Hub

5 people standing in a kitchen, facing the camera and smiling

Debney Meadows Community Hub in Flemington helps adults address their educational barriers. This was made possible by a strong partnership between Kensington Neighbourhood House, Debney Meadows Primary School, Farnham Street Neighborhood Learning Centre, Cultivating Community, Moonee Valley City Council and The Community Grocer. Together, they deliver life-changing training that they would otherwise be unable to do individually.

Around 98% of participants are from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, with 22% having never attended school. The partners provide pre-accredited education and foundation studies that enable learners to launch into further education, employment and volunteering. Courses include food handling, developing microbusinesses and technology. Engaging with education leads to improved health, community cohesion and cross-cultural understanding. To date, 53 learners have enrolled in pre-accredited training, with 16 completing linked accredited training. Other learners commenced other qualifications or employment.

Victorian Learn Local Pre-accredited Trainer Award

Sonia Nayyar, Cultura – Multicultural Community Services Geelong

Sonia Nayyar standing portrait, wearing a floral top and black blazer, with cultura banner in the background.

Sonia Nayyar has been an English teacher for over 20 years, working with a culturally and linguistically diverse group of learners, including individuals from both non-English and English-speaking backgrounds. At Cultura, she integrates interactive learning techniques and technology to create engaging and effective learning experiences.

Sonia’s approach goes beyond language instruction, offering employability training, industry visits and digital literacy skills to prepare her learners for the workforce. She fosters a strong sense of community by encouraging students to participate in cultural events, such as Refugee Week and International Women’s Day, helping them connect with the broader Australian society.

In 2023, Sonia’s students made significant strides in their personal and professional development, including gaining employment, advancing in education and achieving major milestones like passing citizenship exams. Her dedication to creating inclusive and supportive learning environments continues to inspire her students to succeed.

Victorian Learn Local Leadership Award

Gina Dougall, Banksia Gardens Community Services

Gina Dougall portrait, standing in front of banksia gardens building and sign.

CEO of Banksia Gardens Community Services (BGCS), Gina Dougall, was instrumental in growing the organisation from a small Learn Local to one of the largest providers of adult training and employment services in Victoria. BGCS sits in a strong multicultural location, which is an area of great disadvantage, and has provided opportunities for over 5,000 people.

Fostering a culture of quality learning and exemplary leadership in the sector and the state, Gina is regularly contacted for support and advice by other Learn Locals. She provides administrative oversight for all the Learn Local programs at 14 Hume school hubs. During the 2023–24 period, BGCS courses attracted approximately 1,000 students to 26 courses and programs. As a result, 51 participants found jobs out of 75 enrolled in the Passport to Work program. Gina developed an impactful relationship with Bendigo Kangan Institute and established 2 social enterprises on the Broadmeadows site that support vulnerable people into work.

Victorian Learn Local Pre-accredited Learner (Skills for work) Award

Amanda Gorman, WCIG

Amanda Gorman portrait, standing in front of two trucks with crane.

Amanda was determined to change her life after experiencing a rare medical condition that affected her mobility and led to homelessness. With great determination and resilience, she participated in the pre-employment preparation program Stepping Forward for Work at WCIG, an organisation offering training and employment services for people facing disadvantage. Stepping Forward for Work provided Amanda with the confidence and ability to achieve her goals and gain employment.

Dedicated to personal and professional growth, Amanda applied herself to improving her foundation and interpersonal skills. In classes, she developed the confidence to take on a leadership role, fostering a collaborative spirit in group activities and supporting fellow learners.

Amanda’s journey through the Stepping Forward for Work program was transformative. She graduated with strategically set goals in place and secured employment as an assistant administrator. Her experience of overcoming her struggles ignited a passion for supporting vulnerable people and she’s now completing a Certificate III in Community Services.

The Ro Allen Award – Learn Local Pre-accredited Learner (Skills for study and life)

Paw Say Paw, Centre for Participation

Paw Say Paw portrait, seated at a table, holding a brochure.

Paw Say Paw arrived in Australia from a refugee camp in Thailand in 2022 and wasted no time in embracing life in her new home. A week after arrival, she enrolled in English beginners’ class at the Centre for Participation. For Paw Say Paw, 2023 would be a year of great achievements as she undertook 3 life-changing educational opportunities.

Boldly immersing herself in social situations where English was spoken, Paw Say Paw learnt English quickly. She enrolled in the basic computer course and attended a sewing class. Because she enjoyed sewing, she enrolled in a micro business course, which supported her to create a sewing business specialising in making hats and bags. She gained confidence and made friends.

On graduation day, Paw Say Paw showcased her new business and dedicated her first creations to her teachers. Continuing into further studies, Paw Say Paw has a scholarship to study individual support at Federation University.

Education & training

Updated 18 March 2026

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