Dear Members,

This year marks ALA's 60th Anniversary. It is a time for us to reflect on and celebrate the work done by ALA members on behalf of their communities across the country. We know that Adult Community Education (ACE) organisations do much more than engage the community through learning opportunities, which in itself transforms lives.

ACE is embedded in the community and understands and connects deeply and meaningfully with their local communities by enabling people. ACE has and continues to play a critical role in advocating, supporting, and assisting community members.  The role that ACE plays in rebuilding communities can be seen by example in the recent bushfires recovery and rebuilding strategies that focus on the needs of individual communities. This is the strength of ACE. No doubt as Australia begins to come out of the COVID-19 pandemic, ACE’s role will be critical to support, advocate and work with communities to rebuild right across the country. 

The ALA Board is and will continue to work hard over these next few years to assist, advocate, and work alongside our members as we rebuild our communities. ALA is currently finalising our Strategic Plan for the next three years that has a focus on being a strong voice for members, advocating for the important role of ACE to government, and providing support post COVID-19.

I want to thank all of our ALA members and acknowledge that this year has been and continues to be challenging for all of us.  There will be many people that will turn to their ACE centres in their communities for support, advocacy, and assistance with learning opportunities that will enable and open up opportunities for them post COVID-19.

Annette Foley, ALA President

ALW Launch

You are in for a treat this year as our ALW launch is on line so you can watch the whole proceedings from wherever you are. We have a fantastic line up including Catherine Deveny (comedian and journalist), Shane Fitzsimmons, former NSW Rural Fire Service Commissioner and now Resilience NSW Commissioner, Sean Sweeney, Advocate and Auslan interpreter during NSW bushfires, our scholarship winners, messages from Senator Cash and Heather Ewart (ABC Backroads), musical performances and much more. Register for the launch here.

ALW Events

There is still time to add your Adult Learners Week events to the website. Otherwise, check out the many learning activities on offer and sign up to something inspirational.

Meet our 6 ALW scholarship nominees.Three ALW2020 scholarships of $1000 will be awarded to outstanding adult learners to enable them to continue learning by taking a new learning pathway or continuing an existing one. Winners announced at the ALW launch Tuesday 1 September.

Australian Productivity Commission Skills and Workforce Development Agreement ALA has led a further response to the interim report, with an endorsement from NHVic, ACEVic, CCSA, LLCQ, and ACAL. The study is to examine how well the Australian, State and Territory governments have achieved their goals for the vocational education and training (VET) system as set out in the National Agreement for Skills and Workforce Development, and the suitability of this agreement for the future. See our submission.

Macklin Review Submission the Victorian Government commissioned the Macklin Review into post-secondary education and training to ensure the future prosperity of the State.  ALA responded to the issues paper, Skills for Victoria’s Growing Economy, released for community consultation. Read our response here.

Senator the Hon Michaelia Cash, Minister for Employment, Skills, Small and Family Busines provided a response to ALA's and ACAL's 'Adult Literacy is an Investment in the Future' campaign.

ALA is represented on a 19-member panel Industry VET Stakeholder Committee working with the Morrison government to deal with the VET challenges. If you would like to know more contact us

2020 Review of the Disability Standards for Education 2005 - ALA has been invited to provide feedback. The Minister for Education, in consultation with the Attorney-General, must review the Standards every five years to determine if they are effective in achieving their objectives. You can provide direct feedback or contact us if you would like to contribute.

ALA sIgned up to Save our Sector campaign and ACOSS Raise the Rate campaign.

ALA ASQA Subgroup - ASQA’s reform activities are currently being implemented. ALA members are represented on the ASQA Roundtable and the ASQA Stakeholder Liaison Group. If you would like to join the subgroup or find out more please email here.

Building trauma informed supports in adult learning Thursday 3rd September @ 1pm AEST presented by Bettina Twyman - this webinar is for adult educators who have experienced teaching to students living with trauma and PTSD.

The Power and Potential of Adult Learning and Education in Changing Times Friday 4 September @ 10.30am AEST This forum will bring together a range of experts and practitioners in the field, from across Australia, to exchange views and examples on the power and potential of adult learning and education in changing times and the pathways for success.

God’s own country by Colin McGregor – Director of Adult and Community Education (ACE) Aotearoa (New Zealand)

The ‘gift’ of the pandemic by Robbie Guevara  – Associate Professor of International Development at RMIT and the President of the International Council of Adult Education (ICAE)

What has the pandemic taught me by Peter Lavender – Professor of Education, University of Wolverhampton, UK.

See all of our commentaries here.

Publications

In keeping with our philosophy of fostering lifelong learning, ALA usually provides an opportunity for a student plaement each year. This year is no exception. Despite being in Level 4 lockdown in Melbourne we are excited to have Kate join our team for the rest of the year. Kate is currently studying a Diploma of Community Services at Victoria University and has extensive experience in government working at the Department of Education and Training and Department of Health and Human services for some years. Kate is an avid foodie, vegie gardener and loves a good Crafternoon. Kate is looking forward to being part of the ALA team for her placement and hopes to bring her skills and enthusiasm to the role.

We are living in what some people describe as a VUCA world. Volatile, Uncertain, Complex and Ambiguous. We know you are doing some amazing work out in the field, from your workplace and in some cases, from your office at home. Please share your stories with us at ALA. If you are interested in having a telephone chat or an ALA virtual visit to you or your organisation, please contact us and we will try to work with you to establish a suitable date and time. Contact us on (03) 9689 8623 or email us.