2025 Learn Local Awards finalists

Nicole Cusma is a resilient single mother who re-entered the workforce after overcoming serious health challenges. During recovery, she was introduced to genU Training’s pre-accredited Digital Literacy courses, which reignited her love of learning and led her to complete a Certificate IV in Community Services. Now pursuing a Certificate IV in Mental Health, Nicole is driven by a passion for criminal psychology and a deep drive to support vulnerable people. 

Digital literacy courses helped Nicole re-engage with formal learning. She learnt to balance studying and parenting and manage stress, aided by genU’s supportive and nurturing training environment. Nicole discovered her great interpersonal and communication skills, built resilience, and achieved goals that once felt unreachable.  

Nicole’s journey now inspires classmates who are also rebuilding their lives. She models the possibility for change that many strive for. Now she’s channelling her experience into practical skills for a career in community service and mental health, to enrich the lives of others. 

In 2024, Jess, a young mother of five and the main breadwinner in her family, took a bold step towards long-term change by enrolling in Launch Your Hospital Career at Community College Gippsland in Warragul. Determined to build a meaningful career that offered both financial security and personal fulfilment, Jess embraced the six-week course, which included literacy, numeracy, digital skills, and weekly industry days at Warragul Hospital. 

Jess demonstrated exceptional commitment and the value of being open to learning. She seized every opportunity to expand her skills. This included learning hospital terminology, food services, linen and cleaning procedures, and developing the confidence to communicate professionally.  

Inspired by her progress, Jess enrolled in Launch Your Aged Care Career, secured a traineeship at a local aged care facility, and went on to begin her Certificate III in Individual Support. Even when faced with challenges, Jess remained focused, knowing education was the key to a better future. 

Escaping the war and hardship in Syria, Caroline Babaian arrived in Australia with her family in 2023 and settled in Geelong where she embarked on learning English at Cultura. Everything about learning English - grammar, speaking and reading, was hard. But Caroline was not to be deterred. Her first milestone was being able to engage with all the correspondence from her daughter’s school and be involved in the school community. 

Eager to succeed, she persevered, worked hard and developed enough proficiency to move onto further studies. Caroline completed the Business Essentials course at Northern Futures and is now doing Certificate III in English as an Additional Language (EAL) at Gordon TAFE. 

Caroline loves learning and plans to continue studying to fulfill her dream of becoming a pharmacist. A visit to Deakin University’s chemistry lab reignited that dream but she’s also considering social work after helping new arrivals with visas, translation, and settling into their new lives.

After years devoted to raising a family, Jemma sought a meaningful career. Initially she lacked the confidence to return to study. Determined to create a better future, she completed the Be Work Ready – Care and Support course at TAFE Gippsland’s Sale campus, delivered by Heyfield Community Resource Centre. As a result, Jemma experienced growth in every part of her life, gaining renewed drive and purpose. 

Not only did she achieve vital skills in digital literacy, communication and sector expectations, she was empowered to set goals and balance study and family. Importantly, the course enabled her to enter the field of aged care where she was soon employed as a personal care assistant while undertaking a Certificate III in Individual Support. 

Jemma turned self-doubt into career success, becoming a valued team member, taking on extra shifts and using her new-found confidence to support new staff. Jemma’s experience has made her a proud advocate for Learn Local education. 

Antonio Grioli’s life-changing learning journey is a story of profound personal and professional renewal. More than 20 years ago, he ran a successful painting business. When his wife became unwell, he stepped away from paid employment and became a full-time carer. In 2024, fearing he might be unemployable, Antonio enrolled in the Stepping Forward for Work and Job Readiness programs at Positive Pathways Australia. 

Despite feeling unsure about returning to the workforce, Antonio embraced every aspect of the course. He developed key employability skills, digital literacy and engaged deeply with personal development content, including strengths-based thinking and CBT strategies. Achieving enormous growth, he became a thoughtful contributor and peer mentor. 

A standout moment came during a cold-calling task where Antonio prepared his resume, approached five businesses, and secured his first job in two decades. He now works in meaningful employment, reconnected with his community, and has regained a sense of independence and purpose. 

Sopha Chizzonti’s journey from Cambodia to a career in aged care in Australia is a story of resilience, quiet leadership, and unwavering drive. Limited English made formal study challenging so she enrolled in Health Support Services and Be Work Ready at Bass Coast Adult Learning, where her transformation began. 

With determination, Sopha built vital language, literacy, and numeracy skills, mastered workplace terminology, chemical ratios, scheduling tools, and job skills. This led to achieving her first role as a cleaner in aged care at Wonthaggi Hospital. Sopha’s impact extended beyond her own success and as her confidence grew, she became a peer leader, supporting classmates with warmth and cultural sensitivity as they navigated certifications, systems and job interviews. 

From having little prior formal education in Cambodia, Sopha has thrived in Australia and is now enrolled in Certificate III in Individual Support at TAFE Gippsland, proving that with courage and community support, dreams are achievable. 

As an English Language educator at Springvale Learning and Activities Centre, Sonali Gunasekara empowers migrants to thrive in Australia. Drawing on global teaching experience from Sri Lanka and Japan, she delivers Everyday English and English for Independence with creativity and innovative practices while promoting real-life application. 

Part of her success lies in designing lessons that equip learners with practical skills that address healthcare, housing, digital literacy, job readiness and scam awareness. Classes are characterised by culturally responsive delivery and feature role-plays, excursions, and multilingual resources, ensuring that every learner feels supported, capable and ready to succeed in their new lives in Australia.  

Sonali’s strong rapport with students spanning five language backgrounds creates a motivating environment. Her short introductory online courses, particularly those in early childhood education and aged care, are in high demand due to her reputation for effective, learner-centred teaching. In 2024, 25% of her learners progressed to employment or accredited training. 

Payton Reid is a passionate and skilled pre-accredited trainer at Glen Park Community Centre, dedicated to some of the most marginalised learners in her community. In 2024, she delivered key programs including Hungry 4 Success – Training, Women out Working, and Career Café, helping participants overcome complex barriers and build job-ready skills for roles in retail, hospitality, cleaning, maintenance, and security.  

In facilitating Hungry 4 Success – Training Retail, learners progressed from low confidence and educational barriers to employment success, with a 75% completion rate. Payton’s outreach across Opendoor sites and partnerships with Swinburne Skills & Jobs Centre, Blackdog Institute and EACH Financial Counselling, enriched the learner experience. This, compounded by engagement with employers like Target and Kmart, created employment opportunities. 

The programs Payton facilitates continually evolve, driven by the needs of learners and employers. Her ability to inspire, support and guide vulnerable learners into meaningful work highlights the transformative power of pre-accredited training.

As a Learn Local Manager and trainer with Victorian Aboriginal Community Services Association Limited (VACSAL), Melinda Eason empowers Aboriginal learners through culturally safe education. During her two decades of experience in community services education, Melinda has delivered both accredited and non-accredited training, through a strong cultural lens and commitment to equity. 

Melinda’s teaching practice is guided by Koorie Education protocols ensuring Aboriginal voices are central. She designs the learning environments including all the materials and includes cultural co-facilitators in her classes. A remarkable success story involved a young man overcoming homelessness and trauma to become a full-time youth worker. His journey reflects Melinda’s strength-based approach and deep belief in learner potential. 

Melinda has supported over 700 Aboriginal students (400 of them in an Aboriginal led RTO and Learn Local), including 30 in a cultural exchange with Timor Leste. Melinda is currently leading the Aspiring Koorie Teachers Now project, which is supporting 100 Aboriginal students to gain school-based employment while completing Certificate IV in Education Support. 

What truly motivates Janine Cresp is giving people a fair-go to achieve profound change. With 16 years’ experience in training management, Janine’s leadership at Cire Services exemplifies the transformative power of Learn Local. In 2024, she led pre-accredited programs, co-designed with employers and support agencies, which opened pathways to jobs, accredited training and community connection.  

To strengthen delivery and outcomes, Janine blended employability skills, digital literacy and contextualised experiences such as hospitality tasters and retail life-skills training. This boosted retention and resulted in 85% of participants transitioning into further education. To build sector capability, she secured grants to upskill educators, developing a professional learning series. Internally, she introduced staff mentoring and collaborative planning, fostering a culture of reflection and responsiveness. 

Janine’s impact-driven leadership aligns training with market needs while enabling learners to reconnect with their potential. Her leadership is a shining example of how Learn Local education is a powerful driver of lifelong change. 

Donna brings a rich background in arts and community engagement to her role as Head of Department – Community Education at Foundation Learning Centre. Her leadership style is grounded in empathy, responsiveness and inclusion. Beyond her organisation, Donna offers invaluable support to Learn Local coordinators sector-wide, promoting collaboration and professional growth. 

In 2024, Donna led the development of the Engaging in Life and Work program, designed to support job seekers and adults who are rebuilding their lives. The initiative filled a critical gap in employability and self-esteem training. Through strategic partnerships, Donna expanded pre-accredited training into high-demand sectors. Key highlights are the continued partnership with Chisholm TAFE to support their early childhood education traineeship program; and their collaboration with Nursery and Garden Industry Victoria and Skills Plus – leading to the training of 140 horticulture job seekers, with 80% successfully gaining employment.

Donna’s programs delivered over 33,000 contact hours in 2024, with the majority supporting learners at foundational levels. What drives her is the knowledge that Learn Local often reaches more people that might be missed by mainstream education.

Linh Hayes has been a driving force in adult education at AMES Australia for over five years, bringing expertise as an English as an Additional Language (EAL) teacher. In 2024, she led the development of digitalised course content, and integrated AMES’ AI-powered MyAMES Chat App to personalise learning and build employability skills.  

Through Linh’s creation of engaging, supportive programs enriched with culturally relevant materials, newly arrived refugees are thriving, with 80% of learners progressing into advanced English or accredited EAL training. By aligning planning with job market demands and learner aspirations and feedback, Linh enhanced student engagement and investment in their learning. 

Linh fosters a culture of growth and collaboration, mentoring staff, leading moderation, and participating in professional networks focused on AI and virtual learning. Her inclusive leadership and commitment to continuous improvement has elevated AMES’ training offerings and inspired learners to speak with confidence, pursue further education, and engage more fully in their communities. 

Kyabram Community and Learning Centre (KCLC) is a dynamic local hub where learning is shaped by community and learner needs. In 2024, KCLC delivered a suite of high-impact pre-accredited programs, including digital literacy, barista training, food handling, domestic cleaning, and community services, empowering a diverse group of learners. Co-location with job services and family support services ensures holistic care and results in placement opportunities. 

Unemployed adults, early school leavers, parents re-entering the workforce, and multi-cultural learners are well supported to step into employment, further study or volunteering. Programs are supported by wrap-around services such as mental health referrals and emergency aid. The training is responsive to local needs, for example, KCLC developed a cleaning and kitchen skills course to address staff shortages in local eateries.  

Co-designing courses with learner and business input led to outstanding results with over 45% of learners transitioning into employment or accredited training. Course evaluations revealed a 95% satisfaction rate.

Kerang Neighbourhood House is a rising force in community education, delivering inclusive, high-quality training that responds directly to community priorities. Since launching Learn Local programs in 2023, Kerang has supported 46 learners across five foundational courses including Employable Me, Food Preparation, Digital Literacy, Using Emails, and Introduction to Bookkeeping with Xero. 

Kerang’s approach is structured and focused on the individual. Learners begin with a tailored plan, and the tuition is supported by small class sizes, active learning strategies, and compassionate trainers. Courses are tailored for learners with low or no prior skills and are offered onsite or online.  

Programs are co-designed with employment agencies and businesses to ensure relevance, and are strengthened by partnerships with multicultural, disability, and mental health organisations. Training is practical and builds confidence, equipping learners for job readiness or further education.  Kerang Neighbourhood House delivers more than training; it connects its community to life-changing opportunities. 

Now in its ninth year, the Ararat Neighbourhood House’s English as a Second Language (ESL) program continues to deliver transformative learning experiences for newly arrived migrants. In 2024, 25 learners participated in courses designed to build practical English skills, digital literacy, and job readiness. Taking a learner-centred approach, they integrate job skills and community engagement to support employment and further education opportunities. 

The program is shaped through ongoing consultation with learners, employers, and support organisations. Enrolment includes informal interviews to identify learning styles so learning can be tailored to individual needs and goals. Learners are encouraged to bring materials such as bills, school notes and job ads into the classroom, so lessons are practical. 

Classes are held in welcoming, community settings with wraparound support, including childminding and transport. Inclusive practices and strong local partnerships ensure that every learner in Ararat Neighbourhood House’s ESL program feels seen, supported and valued. Over 80% of participants report increased confidence using English in everyday life. 

Since 1975, Community College Gippsland (CCG) has empowered individuals through pre-accredited, accredited, and secondary education. In 2024, they delivered the Launch Your Hospital Career program in response to industry skills gaps. It was an innovative six-week pre-employment initiative in partnership with West Gippsland Healthcare Group, Jobfind, Latrobe Community Health Services and Warragul Community House, enabled through the ACFE Just in Time grants. 

Designed for single parents, migrant learners, people with mental health challenges, and the long-term unemployed, the program blends pre-accredited and accredited training with hands-on learning and workplace exposure. Taking a ‘connect first, learn later’ approach, each participant had the opportunity to engage in a one-hour consultation with the pre-accredited coordinator to build trust, identify individual needs, and customise ongoing support.

Goal-oriented training is linked to employment opportunities, resulting in all 13 participants in the 2024 program either gaining employment at the hospital, progressing to further study, or securing roles in the health sector. The program’s success reflects CCG’s commitment to community-led solutions, learner-centred education, and outcomes that build optimistic futures. 

Bridge Darebin is a standout leader in community education, delivering transformative, learner-centred programs across Preston and Thornbury. In 2024, it supported 384 learners through pre-accredited training in job readiness, digital literacy, English language, and pathways to employment and further study. Prioritising inclusion and cultural safety, Bridge Darebin’s programs are tailored for neurodiverse learners, people with disability, the long-term unemployed and those re-skilling for work. 

Flagship initiatives like the Community Network Project empowered women over 35 to re-enter the workforce; while Drive to Thrive, developed with specialist Aboriginal family violence service, Dardi Munwurro, achieved a 67% employment success rate for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander men. Strategic partnerships with Melbourne Polytechnic and Brunswick Industries boosted digital literacy and employment outcomes for overseas-qualified professionals and learners with disability. 

Skilled and empowered staff, wraparound supports, and individualised learning plans resulted in 85% of learners progressing into work or further education and Bridge Darebin achieving a 90% satisfaction rate. 

Cire Services is a leading Learn Local provider delivering transformative education across the Yarra Ranges. In 2024, Cire supported over 400 learners through 10 pre-accredited programs focused on digital literacy, self-empowerment, and community engagement.  

Their richly diverse learner cohort spans all ages and backgrounds, including First Nations peoples, migrants, LGBTQI+ communities, and individuals facing social, economic, or educational disadvantage. Programs are personalised and delivery models are flexible. Blended learning, adjusted class times, and short engagement modules ensure accessibility for carers, regional learners, and those with work commitments. Flagship initiatives like Employable Me and First Impressions Clothing Exchange, connect learners with real-world experience and clear routes to employment. 

Success is further enhanced because courses are aligned with current labour market needs and learner priorities. In 2024, 85% of pre-accredited learners transitioned into accredited training. Cire Services has a culture that fosters belief – Cire staff believe in learners, learners believe in themselves, and productive futures become possible.  

In 2024, the Centre for Adult Education (CAE), as part of Box Hill Institute, partnered with Expression Australia to deliver the Digital Essentials course.

The program was designed for deaf and hard of hearing, mostly migrant learners with limited literacy as well as other learning challenges.

The course focused on building foundational digital skills to assist learners with improving their literacy levels. Sessions were supported by Auslan and international deaf interpreters, using technology to ensure visibility for participants learning in-person and online. Learning materials were adapted to include captioned videos, photos and live demonstrations.  

Facilitated by an expert in psychology, communication and Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CALD) engagement, the course covered practical skills such as online banking, public transport and accessing other important services in Australia.

Participants reported significantly improving their ability to manage, navigate and participate in daily life. Notably, three participants developed skills helping them obtain their Learner Driver Permits, a goal they previously felt was out of reach.

The success of this program is evident through near-perfect retention rates and high participant satisfaction ratings. 

AMES Australia’s innovative Refugee Advocacy Program has enabled hundreds of refugees in Victoria to establish productive lives. Initially, emergency visa holders from Afghanistan and Ukraine were ineligible for funded courses and faced significant barriers such as limited English and lack of local qualifications. In response, AMES tackled the issue head-on and formed a dedicated advocacy team. They secured course access for skilled professionals who would otherwise struggle to find meaningful employment or education opportunities. 

The advocacy team identified key programs to support refugee integration, including International English Language Testing System Preparation, Occupational English Test Preparation for health professionals, and the Three Steps to Employment program. Over 750 refugees were enabled to attend courses and of these, 615 transitioned into employment or further education. 

The program’s success is shaping collaboration with the Department of Home Affairs to improve visa arrangements. In 2025, AMES will partner with community hubs to expand learning and strengthen refugee settlement. 

Get Ready for School (GRFS) is a pioneering initiative supporting parents of kindergarten-aged children with additional needs as they prepare for transition to primary school. The program was developed in response to a growing number of local kindergarten enrolments of children requiring extra support. GRFS is a collaborative effort between Assist Ability Australia, Laverton Community Children’s Centre, and Laverton Community Education Centre, working together to ensure parents are supported to manage the critical transition from kindergarten to school. 

Parental input is a key driver in the program’s success. Families help shape content that’s most relevant to their child, be it disability funding, play based learning, schooling options, nutrition, or self-care. In 2024, nine workshops were delivered to 13 parents, with expert facilitation by Dr Jane Hickey, a leading voice in inclusive education.   

GRFS’s innovative cross-sector collaboration is strengthened by onsite childcare, ensuring full participation. The impact was profound, significantly boosting parent confidence in navigating school transitions and advocating for their children’s needs, filling a vital gap in community support. 

Orbost Education Centre’s ACFE Training Pathways at Lake Tyers is a landmark initiative to support members of the local Aboriginal community to re-engage with formal education. In partnership with the Lake Tyers Trust, Orbost delivered tailored, pre-accredited programs in construction, barista skills, floristry, and digital literacy. 

Training was co-designed with Elders, and delivered in a repurposed men’s shed, where it embedded core foundation skills including punctuality, literacy and digital skills. Local trainers built trust through storytelling and cultural understanding. Flexible programs added to the impact, increasing learner confidence to progress into further study, and participate more fully in community. Initiatives like the barista course sparked ideas for a community-run coffee cart, while floristry sessions for elders engaged them in low-pressure learning. 

The partnership model, grounded in deep listening, mutual respect and self-determination, has reshaped regional pre-accredited training and positioned Orbost Education Centre as a champion of culturally responsive education for neighbouring Learn Locals. 

The Pathways Together partnership between Springvale Learning and Activities Centre (SLAC) and the Afghan Women’s Organisation Victoria (AWOV) is transforming the lives of newly arrived Afghan refugee women. Since 2022, the collaboration has supported over 260 learners through culturally safe, community-based pre-accredited programs in English language, digital literacy, and vocational skills. 

Many participants had never had the opportunity to attend school and faced barriers to traditional learning. Pathways Together responded with a dual-teacher model, bicultural educators alongside English teachers. Delivered in women-only spaces, programs including Pathway to Literacy, Functional English, and Digital Essentials offer structured progression toward employment and further study. Project-based learning, such as a sewing initiative producing pyjamas for foster families, embedded literacy, numeracy, and vocational skills in practical contexts. 

Enrolments grew from 71 in 2022 to 193 in 2024, with learners reporting improved confidence and community engagement. The partnership is now expanding into other Learn Locals in the City of Casey, enabling more vulnerable learners to flourish.  

Migrant and refugee mothers living in public housing are transitioning into learning, many for the first time, due to a powerful partnership between Carlton Neighbourhood Learning Centre (CNLC) and Our Place at the Carlton Learning Precinct. The Carlton Family Learning Partnership, co-located with Carlton Primary School and Gowrie Preschool, is designed to address systemic education barriers.  

Mothers are engaged in flexible, pre-accredited programs in literacy, digital skills, and healthy home cooking with opportunities to progress to further education. Adult education programs are delivered onsite to eliminate barriers such as transport, cost and childcare. The Learning Together program is a hands-on program with mothers and children learning together through storytelling, play and shared literacy activities. A bilingual program coordinator supports the transition into learning, strengthening support for whole-of-family education.  

Feedback shows increased English use at home, and since the program’s launch, it has generated 74 referrals to CNLC programs such as cooking, digital literacy, sewing, citizenship, and English classes.