Word Nerd Alert!
I have learned a new word and grammatical term which is contronym. Have you ever been secretly delighted by the contrary nature of some words like ‘dust’?
Consider its meaning in this sentence: They dusted the cake with icing sugar and compare it with the meaning in this sentence; They dusted under the bed.
One version means to put dust on, and the other means to remove dust! HO! If you are interested in more word nerd bits and pieces of info, the Australian Government Style Guide is a great source of word trivia.
VALBEC 2026 Conference
We are planning our annual conference and AGM. If you’re interested in joining our committee, we welcome newcomers and we are especially interested in hearing from literacy, numeracy and digital education teachers or managers who work in the Learn Local sector, First Nations educators, people from the regions, and corrections.
We would really love a wider representation on the committee; one that reflects our member base. We meet once a month via zoom and there are opportunities to broaden your skills by joining subcommittees.
Please let me know if you’d like any further information - you can email me at valbecpresident@gmail.com
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 issues per 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 issues.
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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.
Reflecting on the Past, Shaping the Future
Planning is well underway for the 2026 Valbec Conference to be held on Friday 16th May at the Angliss Conference Centre, in Melbourne.
The theme for this year's conference is Reflecting on the Past, Shaping the Future. The conference will bring together adult literacy and numeracy practitioners, leaders and researchers to reflect on where we have come from and explore how we can shape future practice in a changing educational landscape.
A few things to keep in mind!
Earlybird registrations are open for both members and non-members until 17th April.
Call for Papers from presenters are also open and we encourage you to share your practice, research or reflections aligned to the conference theme.
Conference sponsorship applications are also now open. VALBEC is looking to pay the conference registration fee for up to five people.
Mountain District Women’s Co-operative – 50 years of adult community education
Presented by Janet Claringbold
Wednesday, 29th April 2026
5.30 pm – 6.30 pm
A history of “The Co-op” now trading as Mountain District Learning Centre. It’s commitment to advancing women’s education and its role in supporting all people to improve their literacy and continue their education.
As a Learn Local Organisation and Registered Training Organisation, MDLC offers the Certificate of General Education for Adults as an education re‑engagement program for young people experiencing social anxiety and similar challenges. It also provides Adult Literacy and English Language Programs, along with a range of short courses and activities designed to foster social connections and community participation.Over the last 15 years, the community education sector has undergone significant changes and challenges. What has remained constant is the large number of marginalised individuals who find it daunting and difficult to re‑engage with education. As a community education provider, we understand how essential accessible learning pathways are in helping people with negative past experiences of education build skills and reach their potential in work and life.
Janet Claringbold has been the CEO at Mountain District Learning Centre (MDLC), a Neighbourhood House and Community Learning Centre located in Ferntree Gully, for 15 years.
Janet holds qualifications in both Community Development and Community Organisational Management. The strong community development focus at MDLC supports the creation of innovative learning solutions for people who are disengaged or marginalised from educational opportunities.
As a VALBEC member, register for free here.
As a non-VALBEC member,
With the highly successful inaugural numeracy showcase, Context is Everything, in November 2025, we are now in the process of planning another such professional development activity for October 2026.
Podcast: Education Technology Society
Episode: Reading in the digital age
For those who may be interested in the impact of digital technologies on reading and comprehension. The audience is intended for primary and secondary students, however can easily apply to adults learners.
Pre-6-minute mark the speakers compare the implications of reading text from digital screens, paper or accessing audiobooks, highlighting that not all formats of texts are equal.
Reading in the digital age - Education Technology Society (from 0:00 - 06:00)
All about Australian money
A very simple introduction to coins and notes. It presents a fun introduction to Australian money, why it looks (and feels) like it does, and how to tell how much it’s worth.
Here is the link.
Teaching Adult LLN
A writing competition by Fine Print
Individual experiences differ from person to person, trainer to trainer, one facilitator to another and from basic level to higher level.
We would like to invite VALBEC members to pen your thoughts about your experiences of teaching adult literacy or numeracy.
Length: 500-800 words
Deadline: September 8, 2026.
Avoiding Overwhelm During Learning: A CTML Approach
Building on Cognitive Load Theory (CLT), Cognitive Theory of Multimedia Learning (CTML) suggests that we have a finite capacity in working memory when encoding new information in multimedia environments.
Mayer and Fiorella (2021) argued that digital technologies in multimedia instructional design can impede student learning by increasing the demand on working memory. This means that digital technologies such as apps, interactive activities, digital spreadsheets, online collaborative tools and general navigation of digital platforms may overwhelm students if they are simultaneously attempting to grasp learning objectives.
The timing of pairing digital technologies with learning experiences depends on the skill level of the learner. If the learner requires further foundational support, as an educator, you may choose to hold off introducing new technologies and practice skills with pen and paper or group activities. Generally, introducing digital technologies aimed to enhance learning of concepts is a reliable approach. Remember to consider the purpose of your learning when selecting an appropriate digital tool.
Reference: Mayer, R. E., & Fiorella, L. (Eds.). (2021). The Cambridge Handbook of Multimedia Learning (3rd ed.). Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.
APRIL
1st April
International Fun Day at Work
Celebrated each year on April 1st, International Fun at Work Day encourages employers and employees to inject joy and laughter into the workplace.
3-6 April
Easter Celebrations
Easter traditions vary across the Christian world, and include sunrise services or late-night vigils, exclamations and exchanges of ‘Happy Easter”, flowering the cross, wearing of Easter bonnets by women and children, clipping the church, and the decoration and breaking of Easter eggs (a symbol of the empty tomb).
2 April
Autism Awareness Day
The 2026 observance of World Autism Awareness Day (WAAD), held under the theme “Autism and Humanity – Every Life Has Value,” highlights and affirms the dignity and worth of all autistic people as part of our shared human future.
7 April
World Health Day
On World Health Day 2026, WHO unites and mobilises the world under the theme “Together for health. Stand with science.” celebrating the power of scientific collaboration to protect the health of people, animals, plants, and the planet. The year‑long campaign spotlights both scientific achievements and the multilateral cooperation needed to turn evidence into action.
15 April
World Art Day
World Art Day 2026 is a global celebration that highlights the importance and joy of art in our lives. It's a day when artists, galleries, museums, and art lovers around the world come together to celebrate the power of art. It's all about appreciating creativity, whether you're an artist or an admirer. This special day aims to promote cultural exchange, art appreciation, and the spread of artistic expression.
World Art Day is usually celebrated on April 15th, the birthday of Leonardo da Vinci one of the most famous artists in history.
22 April
Earth Day - Our Power, Our Planet
Earth Day 2026 is celebrated on April 22. This year's theme, Our Power, Our Planet, focuses on renewable energy and the need to commit to harnessing renewable energy to build a healthy, sustainable, equitable and prosperous future.
25 April
Anzac Day
This is the anniversary of the day when Australian and New Zealand soldiers landed on Gallipoli in 1915 as part of the Allies' invasion. Anzac Day draws large crowds of people to the dawn services, and marches are held around the country.
28 April
World Day for Safety and Health at Work
The World Day for Safety and Health at Work is an annual international campaign to promote safe, healthy and decent work. It is held on 28 April and has been observed by the International Labour Organisation (ILO) since 2003.
A national occupational safety and health culture is one in which the right to a safe and healthy working environment is respected at all levels, where governments, employers and workers actively participate in securing a safe and healthy working environment through a system of defined rights, responsibilities and duties, and where the highest priority is accorded to the principle of prevention.
Learn Local Awards
Nominations for the 2026 Learn Local Awards have opened. This year is the 20th year for the awards which recognise the exceptional efforts and achievements of learners, Learn Local providers, trainers and leaders within the Learn Local sector.
For all the information you need to start your nomination visit the Learn Local Awards website. The nomination guide gives detailed category information, eligibility criteria and judging processes.
Everyone is encouraged to nominate a deserving organisation or individual.
Did you know?
The Adult, Community and Further Education Board is a statutory authority that operates under the Education and Training Reform Act 2006. The Board's role is to plan and promote adult learning, allocate resources, develop policies and advise the Minister for Skills and TAFE on matters related to adult education in Victoria. The current Minister is The Hon. Gayle Tierney.
There are 8 regional councils of Adult, Community and Further Education across Victoria.
The regional council representatives operate in local communities and help to identify and address education needs for adults. They attend council meetings and participate in other events or activities.
ACFE programs were previously administered through the Department of Education and Training but are now part of the Department of Jobs, Skills, Industry and Regions.
Vacant position for: Adult Education Curriculum & Quality Officer - EAL/LLND (AMEP & SEE)
There is currently a vacancy for a new full time Education Team member. We are looking for an EAL teacher to join the team and we're reaching out to our networks to see if there might be some interest in the position. The role is currently advertised on the Melbourne Polytechnic website and via this link.
What a great turn out by our colleagues in the school’s sector on 24 March! The AEU action closed classes in 500 schools across Victoria and brought 35,000 striking teachers to the streets of the CBD. And it had huge community support. The AEU stand on fairness and equity was most impressive, rejecting the government’s divisive offer of 8% to teachers and only 4% to teacher assistants. Well done to all involved.
Securing fairness and equity is the primary concern of all union activity. Closing the gap between salaries and conditions in the ACE sector and those in adjacent sectors is an urgent priority and must be addressed in the next enterprise bargaining negotiations.
The NTEU branch elections will be happening soon. We ask all members to consider putting their hands up this year. It’s not a huge commitment and it’s a satisfying and enriching role. And you will be helping build a strong branch and a healthy sector.
Until then, your NTEU ACE Branch Executive contact is Bill Daly (Secretary) Email: bdaly@nteu.org.au or phone 0431 075 534.
The AGM will be held during the 2026 VALBEC Conference on Friday 15th May.
Have you considered joining the committee but are not sure? Why not have a read back through some of the previous eVALBEC newsletters and get to know some of the people on the current committee.
Here’s a link to our previous newsletters.
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