Learn Local Awards
Nina TAYLOR (Albert Park) (09:48): In late February I had the great privilege of attending my first official event as Parliamentary Secretary for Training and Skills, representing Minister Tierney at the Learn Local Awards. Since 2006 the Adult, Community and Further Education Board has presented awards in recognition of Victoria’s Learn Local network. Through the awards we also acknowledge the sector’s many contributions and celebrate the success of Learn Local learners, practitioners and providers across Victoria. I had the pleasure of announcing three awards at the ceremony and would like to take a moment to reflect on the individual contributions of these recipients in the chamber today: firstly, to Joneen Rattray, for her work with The Basin Community House; to Danielle Hren, for her work with the Sunraysia Mallee Ethnic Communities Council; and to Felimon Asel, for his work with Prace. Here in Victoria we pride ourselves on our nation-leading funding in training, skills and higher education – investments that make us the Education State. These awards demonstrate the power of education and training to change lives, no matter your age or background, and to give people the skills they need for a better future. I want to also make a particular note of Maria Peters, retiring chairperson of the ACFE Board, who has been instrumental in advocating for the adult education sector.