I was very lucky to be invited to attend the Victorian Training Awards last Friday night. Just like the Learn Local awards, this special occasion showcases all the amazing work done across our TAFE and Learn Local sectors, including the partnerships with business and NFP organisations. Special congratulations to VALBEC members Melbourne Polytechnic (Ying Soon - 2026 Vocational Student of the Year award winner Diploma of Auslan) and Laverton Community Education Centre (Community Training Provider of the Year). Special mention and congratulations to Frances Coppolillo, the first woman to become CEO at Melbourne Polytechnic, took home the Outstanding Achievement in the TAFE and Skills Sector Award.
I do love attending awards nights. It is a reminder of the diverse talents that exist in our adult learning sector of VET and ACE. There is such a generous and warm feeling in the room. Happy days.
Linno
You can join or renew online here.
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.
- eVALBEC – our e-mail communication keeping members informed of professional development activities, general committee activities and more up to date policy changes.
- Discounts for the Annual Conference and other VALBEC statewide professional development.
- Issues-based forums.
- Focus on significant policy issues impacting on the field.
- Free numeracy resourcesFree numeracy resources.
The Hugh Stretton Oration - Dr Susan Close: Are Public Policy Failures Risking Our Democracy?
A School Principal friend of mine, with whom I discuss all matters to do with education recently sent me the link to the 2026 Hugh Stretton Oration delivered by Dr Susan Close at Adelaide University.
Dr Close considers how Neo Liberalism, particularly in relation to education policy and funding has led to increasing disadvantage in Australia which has fueled the dissatisfaction with government and support for right wing political parties that do not have the capacity or the interest in helping them.
Dr Close talks about the significant increase in private schools away from public schools in Australia and the movement in funding from public to private. She notes that this is a particularly Australian trend as overseas governments largely do not fund private schools. She says that Australian public schools are underfunded and are not able to meet the needs of the disadvantaged students who remain. These disadvantaged children learn that the education system, the first Australian system that they encounter, is not fair. Take a look at here.
October - Dyslexia Awareness Month
5th October - World Teacher’s Day - International
24–31 October - Global Media and Information Literacy Week
30th October - World Teacher’s Day - Australia
From Barriers to Belonging: Making Pre-Accredited Learning Work for Employment.
A VALBEC (Victorian Adult Literacy and Basic Education Council) Professional Learning session presented by Payton Reid.
This presentation explores practical approaches to employment-focused training for learners facing barriers to participation and employment. It highlights building confidence, recognising existing strengths and developing language, literacy, numeracy, digital and employability skills through relevant activities. It also shares lessons learned and how partnerships with employers, employment services and community organisations can create pathways to employment.
Payton Reid is the Program & Social Enterprise Coordinator at Glen Park Community Centre, developing and delivering practical, employment-focused pre-accredited training for learners from diverse backgrounds. Payton’s approach centres on building confidence, responding to individual needs and connecting learning with real workplace opportunities through strong partnerships. In 2025, Payton was recognised as the ACFE Pre-Accredited Trainer of the Year.
We look forward to seeing you there.
VALBEC PL Forums Team
Who: Payton Reid
When: Thursday 15th October 2026 | 5.30 pm - 6.30 pm AEST
Where: Zoom
Cost: VALBEC Members Free. Non-Members $10
Click HERE to register for this event.
Save the date!
On the back of the hugely successful numeracy PD day last year, VALBEC are hosting another Numeracy professional development day on Monday 7th December at William Angliss. It will be free for all participants and all workshops will be hands-on with take aways for class.
The PD day is aimed at anyone who needs to teach numeracy (including literacy teachers).
Registrations will be available through VALBEC site late October.
CGEA News
Nadia Casarotto (CGEA CMM) is looking for feedback on the re-accredited CGEA certificates, in particular on the numeracy units. Please contact her on email at nadia.casarotto@vu.edu.au
Building Strength with Numeracy
The Building Strength with Numeracy resource is available on the VALBEC website. Take a look. There are some great activities.
Digital Literacy
On-Screen Keyboard
On-Screen Keyboard is a function as part of your Windows or Mac operating system. You can project a display of the keyboard on screen. This can be used to guide learners with particular keyboard controls. The size of the display is adjustable and responds when buttons on the display are clicked. Have a play and see how this may come in handy with your learners.
Windows: Windows + Ctrl + O
Mac: Step 1: Cmd + Opt + F5
Step 2: Click “Accessibility Keyboard”
Other Resources
The Hugh Stretton Oration - Dr Susan Close: Are Public Policy Failures Risking Our Democracy?
Dr Close considers how Neo Liberalism, particularly in relation to education policy and funding has led to increasing disadvantage in Australia which has fueled the dissatisfaction with government and support for right wing political parties that do not have the capacity or the interest in helping them.
Dr Close talks about the significant increase in private schools away from public schools in Australia and the movement in funding from public to private. She notes that this is a particularly Australian trend as overseas governments largely do not fund private schools. She says that Australian public schools are underfunded and are not able to meet the needs of the disadvantaged students who remain. These disadvantaged children learn that the education system, the first Australian system that they encounter, is not fair. Take a look at here.
2026 Learn Local Awards
The Learn Local Award finalists have been announced with a gala event to be held at Zinc Federation Square at lunchtime on Thursday, October 8. The Learn Local Awards are the state’s highest prize for the adult community education sector. There are 8 general award categories for learners, trainers, leaders and Learn Local providers.
Celebrating their 20th year in 2026, the Learn Local Awards highlight the spirit of collaboration and innovation of the Learn Local sector.
Information about the finalists can be found here.
VALBEC congratulates all finalists and award winners and we look forward to hearing about all the great work done in ACE. Fine Print will feature our Learn Local champions in the 2027/1 edition.
2026 ACEVic Learn Local Conference
ACEVic, in partnership with the Adult, Community and Further Education (ACFE) Board, is hosting the 2026 ACEVic Learn Local Conference at the Pullman and Mercure Albert Park, Melbourne on Wednesday, October 21 and Thursday, October 22.
This year's theme, Adapt, Innovate, Transform, focuses on how the adult and community education sector can respond to change, embrace new opportunities and continue to support learners in an evolving environment.
More information is available via this link.
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