2025 is the 19th year of the Learn Local Awards - Victoria’s highest prize for the adult community education sector. With 8 categories, the awards recognise the achievements of learners, Learn Local providers, trainers and leaders.
As always, we proud to introduce the 2025 finalists.
Learner categories
This award recognises the achievements of adult Victorians who have undertaken ACFE Board funded pre-accredited courses in literacy, numeracy, English language skills or digital skills to participate more fully in the community and/or to enter further study. Or to successfully complete accredited training they were already undertaking.
Nicole Cusma
genU Training
Jessica HastingsCommunity College Gippsland
Caroline BabaianMulticultural Community Services Geelong (Cultura)
This award recognises the achievements of adult Victorians who have undertaken ACFE Board funded pre-accredited courses in employability skills, literacy, numeracy, English language skills or digital skills to get a job, and/or to learn new skills or improve existing ones to adapt to changing job requirements and stay current with industry changes.
Jemma Tantrum
Heyfield Community Resource Centre
Antonio GrioliOpendoor (Formally WCIG)
Sopha ChizzonitiBass Coast Adult Learning Wonthaggi
Trainer and leader categories
This award recognises the outstanding contributions of Learn Local trainers to support learners in developing their skills for study, work and life.
Sonali Gunasekara
Springvale Learning and Activities Centre
Payton ReidGlen Park Community Centre Inc.
Melinda EasonVictorian Aboriginal Community Services Association Limited
This award recognises the outstanding leadership and contribution of Learn Local coordinators, program managers and other staff to the Learn Local sector.
Janine Cresp
Cire Services Incorporated
Donna DowlerFoundation Learning Centre
Linh HayesAMES Australia
Learn Local provider categories
This award recognises excellence and high-level performance by small community-based Learn Local organisations involved in improving foundation skills for work, study and life.
Kyabram Community and Learning Centre Inc
Kerang Neighbourhood House
Ararat Neighbourhood House
This award recognises excellence and high-level performance by large community-based Learn Local organisations involved in improving foundation skills for work, study and life.
Community College Gippsland
Bridge Darebin - Preston Neighbourhood House
Cire Services Inc.
This award recognises innovative solutions that have been developed by a registered Learn Local provider in response to a local training challenge or community need. The innovative solution must be a new or revised ACFE Board-funded program, project or activity.
Digital Essentials for Expression Australia
AMES Australia Refugee Advocacy Program
Get Ready for School - a Family Learning Partnership
This award recognises a partnership between a Learn Local provider and at least one other organisation, which has resulted in improved learner pathways from ACFE Board-funded pre- accredited training to accredited training and/or work.
Orbost Lake Tyers Training Pathways
Pathways Together: Empowering Afghan Women through Learning
Carlton Family Learning Partnership
Updated