Wednesday, 9 March 2022

 Mr MELHEM (Western Metropolitan) (09:52): Last week I had the pleasure of meeting staff and students of two of Victoria’s amazing Learn Local providers. My first visit was to the incredible team of the Victorian Aboriginal Community Services Association in Northcote. They provide critical advocacy and services for Aboriginal communities across Victoria. As a Learn Local provider the centre delivers a diverse range of pre-accredited courses to empower learners to gain employment within their community, particularly Koori learners. Past Koori students Lucas, Tannah and Jason excelled and had a major impact from their education and training. All three learners experienced barriers to gaining their qualification, whether it was commitments from a growing family or the anxiety of changing career later in life. But they overcame their challenges, completed their courses and have not looked back since. It would not have been possible without their amazing trainers, who the learners hold in such high regard.

Later that week I also visited Kew Neighbourhood Learning Centre with my good friend Nina Taylor. This centre provides educational help and social support for the local community. Its pre-accredited training courses aim to create a space where every learner can connect, learn and realise their potential, particularly by supporting learners with a disability. It was great to meet horticultural student Rory and carpentry student Mikey. They displayed immense passion for their respective vocations and expressed an eagerness to grow their skills in industry settings. I am sure these young men will achieve great things in the coming years. Thank you to all the staff and the students of both centres for receiving me on the day.