Well that’s a wrap! It’s been a massive year (again)... we have finished off the year with a numeracy showcase where we were introduced to multiple ACFE funded IPNs (industry practice networks) as well as good (if not great) practice from numeracy educators in the field. VALBEC members have been working hard on refreshing Beth Marr’s Strength in Numeracy which will be available in its entirety early next year.
A big thank you to the committee - Deborah, John, Sue, Clare, Shruti, Tanya, Zoe, Janet, Chris, Manjit, Pam, and our newbie, Pauline. Volunteering at VALBEC with you is so rewarding.
Wishing you all a safe and sunny summer and a bountiful and bubbly break.
Linno Rhodes, VALBEC President
VALBEC Membership
You can join or renew online.
https://valbec.org.au/membership/
If you join in August, September or October, deduct 50%. Renewal falls due the following February.
Members receive:
- Fine Print two times a year – a high quality journal for discussion and debate about good practice, theory and policy issues. Feedback and contributions are actively sought from members about content and issue.
- eVALBEC – our e-mail communication keeping members informed of professional development activities, general committee activities and more up to date policy changes.
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Discounts for the Annual Conference and other VALBEC statewide professional development.
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Issues-based forums.
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Focus on significant policy issues impacting on the field.
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Free numeracy resources.
Fine Print issue #2 will be in your letterboxes this week!
The re-accredited CGEA curriculum has been available since July 1st 2025. Most providers are not using the new version. The next CGEA champions meeting will be March 2026. Anyone wishing to join this group please email chritinetully@melbournepolytechnic.edu.au
VALBEC ran a Numeracy Conference on November 28th. It was to promote the updated resource Building Strength in Numbers. There were a number of very interesting sessions. The resource is available on the VALBEC website.
Providers from the Learn Local sector have been expressing concern about multiple changes to the staff teams working in the Training and Participation Branch of the Department of Jobs, Skills, Industry and Regions.
Providers have reported that many Department staff have left their positions, leading to confusion and concern. Providers are uncertain about who will be around to support ACFE operations to the end of the year and into 2026.
Concerns have been expressed about the loss of several experienced and knowledgeable staff and the impact this will have on operations and delivery of pre-accredited training in 2026.
NTEU sends a big thanks to VALBEC for allowing us to have an information desk at the Numeracy Showcase last month. And what a great PD event that was!
We have analysed responses to our recent member survey. And reached out to responding members who were seeking specific advice from us. A number of issues were raised in the responses. These mainly expressed concerns about:
- Wage equity with adjacent sectors, such as TAFE
- Wage equity between ACE staff on the ESPSE award and the SCHADS award
The NTEU ACE branch will be prioritising those and other issues in its work over the next year.
And finally we wish all our current and future members a relaxing, joyful and safe holiday season.
Your contacts for the NTEU ACE Branch
Jack Boddeke, Branch President: jboddeke@nteu.org.au
Bill Daly, Branch Secretary: bdaly@nteu.org.au
eVALBEC
eVALBEC is the monthly electronic newsletter of (VALBEC) the Victorian Adult Literacy and Basic Education Council and is sent to about 1000 practitioners on the first of each month (other than January). It is also available in the ‘News’ section of our web site
Disclaimer:
The activities, goods and services mentioned in eVALBEC are not endorsed by Valbec in any way. People should make their own judgment about the suitability of each item.
How to submit items: https://www.valbec.org.au/evalbec