Learners, teachers and community education providers can now nominate for the 2020 Victorian Learn Local Awards, which celebrate outstanding achievement among the state’s Learn Local organisations.

Minister for Training and Skills and Higher Education Gayle Tierney today announced that nominations are open and urged Victorians to nominate the inspirational learners and practitioners whose stories show how adult and community education continues to transform lives in Victoria.

Learn Local providers make a huge difference in their communities by delivering adult community education programs. They help people who need extra support to turn their lives around with programs for people of all ages and from all walks of life.

The Andrews Labor Government is supporting the Learn Local sector by introducing 20 per cent regional loading for pre-accredited training delivery, which equates to a $2.6 million over three years.

The Government has also increased the subsidy rate for pre-accredited training delivered by Learn Locals by 26 per cent since January 2015.

The Learn Local Awards – established by the Adult, Community and Further Education Board – are held annually to recognise and reward the outstanding achievements of individual programs and training providers within the Learn Local education and training sector.

Awards participants have the chance to share in $70,000.

Nominations close at midnight on Monday, 29 June. The awards will be held at a presentation dinner in Melbourne on Friday, 4 September.

To find out more about the Learn Local Awards or to nominate, visit education.vic.gov.au/learnlocalawards.