I was honoured to be part of a team involved in the ACE scholarships program. The program was launched last week and is available to teachers working in or who want to work in the Learn Local sector? The ACE scholarships will make a massive difference to teachers working in Learn Locals, but more importantly, to students who struggle with aspects of literacy and numeracy - particularly the types of literacy and numeracy demands in courses.
The courses and qualifications available range from short bite sized courses to qualifications undertaken at university level.
The funding for the programs is through a joint initiative from the federal government’s National Skills Agreement where federal and state governments co-contribute to provide funding to address adult literacy and numeracy needs.
Linno Rhodes, VALBEC President
Did it slip your mind? There's still time to renew!
You can join or renew online. It's still not too late to join for 2026. Click here to join or renew your 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.
Join us for the VALBEC 2026 Conference
15 May 2026, William Angliss Conference Centre, Melbourne
REGISTER NOW
VALBEC Members $90.00
Non-members $135.00
Concession $50.00 (Students, non-waged, volunteer tutors)
Click here to register now!
VALBEC 2026 Conference Program is now available!
The conference program features a series of 45‑minute concurrent sessions led by LLND practitioners, managers, volunteers and colleagues from across the sector.
We’ve planned a broad mix of practical, classroom‑ready workshops and presentations, with sessions reflecting the diversity of LLND work—VET support programs, teaching students with disability, corrections, numeracy, Learn Local and pre‑accredited delivery, digital literacy, and more.
Key program highlights
- Welcome to Country
- Opening address by John Maddock AM, ACFE chair (acting)
- Keynote by Jo Medlin, ACAL president
- Singing with Chris Falk
- VALBEC AGM
Format: A full program of 45‑minute concurrent sessions (workshops, presentations and practice tasters).
Classroom-ready practice: Strong focus on practical strategies, tools and activities participants can use immediately.
Learner engagement & inclusion: Sessions on power skills for work readiness and reaching learners who don’t typically access education (community outreach and place-based approaches).
Digital literacy & AI in LLND: Integrated digital skills in adult literacy, cyber security for adult learners, and creative AI approaches (music, stories, images, and multimedia for LLND practice).
Numeracy approaches that work: Multiple sessions on adult numeracy teaching structures (VALBEC resource) and visual, practical numeracy methods in vocational/trade contexts.
Pathways & embedded support: Learn Local/VET focus via Skills First LND Support Program + CGEA examples, plus embedded LND through co‑teaching.
Specialist contexts: Practice examples from corrections education using enquiry- and project-based learning.
For more information and to see the conference program, click here.
Professional Learning Forums
We'll be back in June with our next PL forum.
In the meantime, don't forget the 2026 VALBEC Conference is on 15 May and there is still time to register.
Remember: If you are a member, you have access to previous PL session recordings. So, why not catch up on the PL forums you might have missed.
VALBEC Annual General Meeting
Members are warmly invited to attend the annual general meeting of the Victorian Adult Literacy and Basic Education Council. The Annual General Meeting will be held on the 15th of May 2026, as part of the 2026 VALBEC conference, when the new committee will be formally endorsed.
All positions will be open to nominations.
Deadline for nominations is 12:30pm on Friday 15th May, if in person at the 2026 VALBEC conference. For online nomination forms, the deadline is Wednesday 13th May at 5pm.
All positions will be open to nominations. More information on the role of the VALBEC committee and nomination forms are available here.
Please contact VALBEC if you need an extension for your nomination.
We look forward to welcoming you to VALBEC’s 2026 conference and embarking on a reflection on the past, as we shape our future journey together. we shape our future journey together.
Fine Print issue 1/2026 is coming!
Fine Print Issue 1/2026 will be out later this month or early in June.
We love to hear from our readers, so if you have ideas about content, please don’t be shy. Fine Print is archived on the VALBEC website here and members can access current editions on the website as well.
Tips on Digital Literacy
Host James asks three educators, spanning different fields of education, advice when developing digital literacy in their classes. This includes the need to allow opportunity for exploration and integrating problem-solving using digital technology. Although the audience is primary and high school classroom teachers, lessons can be applied by adult educators.
Hello World - Teacher tips: digital literacy (17:46)
Spotify link.
YouTube link.
Maths Teaching Podcasts (adaptable to adult learners)
Chalk & Talk
If you’re interested in strengthening your approach to teaching numeracy—especially with adult learners—the Chalk & Talk podcast is worth exploring.
This research-informed podcast explores what effective maths teaching looks like in practice. Episodes cover key topics such as common misconceptions, evidence-based instructional strategies, and how people learn mathematics.
Many adult learners have experienced gaps in their foundational maths education. Chalk & Talk offers practical insights that can support educators in reteaching concepts clearly and effectively, helping to rebuild confidence and understanding.
https://chalkandtalkpodcast.podbean.com
3 Sun
World Laughter Day takes place on the first Sunday in May. It spotlights the personal and social value of laughter—like easing tension, lifting mood, and helping people connect. The day also uses shared laughter as a simple way to encourage kindness and a sense of peace across communities.
10 Sun
Mother’s Day in Australia will next be marked on 10 May 2026. In Australia, Mother’s Day is held on the second Sunday of May each year, recognising mums and the people who care for us in mothering roles. It isn’t a public holiday, so most workplaces and schools run as they normally would on a Sunday.
While the support mothers provide deserves recognition year-round, Mother’s Day gives us a dedicated moment to say thanks and show our gratitude.
12 Tue
International Nurses Day is recognised worldwide on 12 May. Established in 1974 by the International Council of Nurses, it celebrates the vital work nurses do for individuals and communities.
The date was chosen because it is Florence Nightingale’s birthday, and it also coincides with the close of National Nurses Week, which begins on 6 May.
12 Tue
International Women in Mathematics Day is held each year on 12 May, celebrating the accomplishments of women in mathematics and the impact of their work.
The date also commemorates the birthday of Maryam Mirzakhani—an Iranian mathematician and Stanford professor who became the first woman to receive the Fields Medal.
15 Fri
International Day of Families is observed each year on 15 May. Led by the United Nations, it draws attention to the social, economic and demographic challenges that influence families worldwide, and recognises families as a key building block of society.
More recently, the day has embraced many different family structures, reinforcing that there isn’t a single “right” model. At its heart, a family is made up of people who care for one another, offer support, and share strong connections.
26 Tue
National Sorry Day—sometimes called the National Day of Healing—is observed in Australia on 26 May. It honours the Stolen Generations and supports healing by bringing together Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and non-Indigenous Australians.
The day recognises the ongoing effects of past policies and the harm done to First Nations communities, particularly to those taken from their families. It invites people to pause, remember, and renew a commitment to reconciliation.
National Sorry Day has become an important part of Australia’s broader healing journey. It is not a public holiday, so businesses and schools generally operate as usual.
26 Tue
World Redhead Day
World Redhead Day is observed on 26 May, celebrating people with naturally red hair—an estimated 2% of the global population. The day highlights the rarity of red hair and encourages pride and acceptance. It was promoted in response to “Kick a Ginger Day” (linked to the cartoon South Park) after related incidents, and it also acknowledges that negative stereotypes about red-haired people have persisted for centuries. In the UK, some have even advocated for red hair to be treated as a protected characteristic under hate-crime laws.
26 Tue
Eid al-Adha, often referred to as the Feast of Sacrifice, is one of Islam’s two most sacred celebrations and is observed by Muslims worldwide.
It falls on the 10th day of Dhu al-Hijjah, the final month in the Islamic lunar calendar. The celebration lasts four days, and the corresponding date shifts each year on the Gregorian calendar.
Muslims around the world mark Eid al-Adha, and it is a gazetted holiday in India, where many schools and workplaces close. In countries such as the Australia, United States, the United Kingdom and Canada, it is not a public holiday,
27 Wed
National Reconciliation Week
In Australia, National Reconciliation Week (27 May–3 June) invites people to deepen their understanding of our shared histories, cultures and achievements, and to renew commitments to reconciliation and justice for First Nations peoples.
The 2026 theme is All In—a reminder that reconciliation takes everyday, wholehearted commitment, backed by practical action that creates real change.
Learn Local Conference Registration Sponsorships
Congratulations to the following Learn Locals who have received one sponsored registration per organisation to send a staff member to the 2026 VALBEC conference.
- Bridge Darebin
- Comm Unity Plus Services
- Djerriwarrh Community & Education Services
- Pines Learning
- Springvale Learning and Activities Centre
The 2026 VALBEC Conference is proudly supported by Adult Community and Further Education Board.
Changing of the Guard at ACFE
Change is a constant in the Adult Community Education sector and no doubt recent announcements from the ACFE Board Chair, Dr. Teresa De Fazio and the Minister for Skills and TAFE, Gayle Tierney that they are stepping down from their respective positions, will be a time of adjustment for Learn Local providers.
In her communique to Learn Locals announcing her departure, Dr. De Fazio acknowledged the work of the sector by saying “I thank our dedicated providers whose innovative programs and unwavering support open doors for learners and transform lives. I expand my sincere thanks to our industry partners and key stakeholders, including ACEVic, Neighborhood Houses Victoria, Adult Learning Australia, Victorian Adult Literacy and Basic Education Council, and the Victorian Aboriginal Education Association Inc. (VAEAI) to name just a few. I also express my deepest gratitude to the Minister for Skills and TAFE, for her steadfast commitment to the sector, without which these meaningful and lasting achievements would not be possible”.Acting ACFE Board Chair, John Maddock acknowledged the Hon. Gayle Tierney MP for her dedicated service as Minister for Skills and TAFE, and for her longstanding commitment to Victoria’s Learn Local sector.
“Minister Tierney has been a driving force in championing Adult Community Education, unequivocally recognising its vital contributions to the skills system. Through steadfast advocacy, the Minister highlighted how this sector empowered adult learners with essential skills for employment, further study, and meaningful community engagement”, he said.
The Hon. Colin Brooks MP is the newly appointed Minister for Skills and TAFE.
The NTEU Victorian ACE branch is very pleased to welcome Janet Bourke as our NTEU Industrial Organiser, replacing Garry Ryan who retired earlier this year. Janet will commence in the role from May 18.
And look out for the NTEU branch executive elections. 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.
English Teacher – (International Opportunity – Hyderabad, India)
Acumen International School, (Website: www.acumenschool.in), Full time position
This position would suit recently retired educators and those seeking a sea change or an international experience during a ‘gap’ year.
Attractive Employment Package including Visa sponsorship, full relocation support, furnished accommodation or housing allowance, annual return airfare to home country, comprehensive medical insurance, Competitive salary aligned with international school standards (India), Supportive onboarding and settling assistance in Hyderabad ($25,000 – $30,000 per year (USD).
For further information contact: John Molenaar M: 0419 310 522 E: john@mlvic.com.au (in Melbourne).
Jyothi Talluri, HR Manager WA 9160699011 E: jyothi.talluri@acumenschool.in
Website: www.acumenschool.in
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