Celebrating excellence in adult and community education at the 2026 Learn Local Awards

Our recent Learn Local Awards Gala celebrated the people and organisations who are making a difference to adult and community education across Victoria.

Across 8 award categories, this year’s winners highlighted the life-changing impact of foundational skills training, helping Victorians build confidence and skills, pursue new careers and embrace new opportunities.

Congratulations to the following 2026 Learn Local Award winners:

• Theodora Macris won the Ro Allen Award for Learn Local Pre-accredited Learner (Skills for study and life). After stepping away from her career to care for her elderly parents, Theodora rebuilt her confidence and digital skills through 12 pre-accredited programs at Alamein Neighbourhood and Learning Centre. This led to a Certificate III in Information Technology at Holmesglen Institute which expanded her knowledge of digital workplaces and cybersecurity, bringing new career opportunities.
• Salah Muslem received the Learn Local Pre-accredited Learner (Skills for work) Award. Having arrived in Australia from Syria in 2024, Salah connected with Community Plus to gain the language, workplace and digital skills he needed to build a life in his new community. His learning journey led to employment as an Assistant Store Manager and has strengthened his ability to positively contribute to his family, workplace and community.
• Peter (Ngoc Nhan) Trinh took out the Learn Local Leadership Award category for leading inclusive education initiatives at AMES Australia. This work creates accessible learning pathways that help culturally and linguistically diverse learners build confidence and employment skills. Peter’s learner-focused approach has informed new programs and improvements, with around 75% of participants progressing to accredited study and employment.
• Sara Ganderton-Spencer was awarded the Learn Local Pre-accredited Trainer Award for helping learners from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds build confidence and find their voice through practical, everyday English at Cheltenham Community Centre. Sara’s innovative approach, including the Banana Diaries program, builds language skills and social connections while helping learners progress to further study, volunteering and employment.
• Kensington Neighbourhood House was named Small Learn Local Provider of the Year, having delivered 50 years of community‑focused training for learners facing multiple barriers to education and employment.
• Banksia Gardens Community Services was awarded the Large Learn Local Provider of the Year for their delivery of pre‑accredited training across the Hume region to culturally and linguistically diverse communities, disengaged youth, and adults experiencing social and economic disadvantage.
• Introduction to Pool and Beach Safety, by Carlton Neighbourhood Learning Centre, won the Learn Local Innovation Award for their water safety education program which combines English language and literacy education.

With almost 200 locations across Victoria, Learn Local providers offer affordable courses and personalised support to nearly 30,000 Victorians each year. They support people to build essential work and life skills, strengthen community connections, and break down barriers to training and employment.

Find out more about this year’s Learn Local Awards winners and finalists.

Read more Victorian Skills Authority news.