Winners announced for Learn Local Awards 2025

Congratulations to the winners of the 2025 Learn Local Awards.

The Learn Local Awards are Victoria’s highest prize for the adult and community education sector.

The awards recognise the achievements of Victorian students, trainers and training providers across 8 categories.

Nicole Cusma received the Ro Allen Award for Learn Local Pre-accredited Learner (Skills for study and life). Nicole re-entered the workforce after overcoming serious health challenges. She rediscovered her love of learning through genU’s digital literacy courses. Nicole went on to complete a Certificate IV in Community Services. She is now studying a Certificate IV in Mental Health.

The winner of the Learn Local Pre-accredited Trainer Award is Payton Reid. She is a pre-accredited trainer at Glen Park Community Centre. Payton delivers programs that help people overcome complex barriers and build skills for retail, hospitality, cleaning, maintenance and security roles.

The Small Learn Local Provider of the Year is Kyabram Community and Learning Centre Inc (KCLC). KCLC delivers programs such as digital literacy, barista training, food handling, domestic cleaning and community services.

The Large Learn Local Provider of the Year is Community College Gippsland (CCG). CCG offers pre-accredited, accredited and secondary education. In 2024 they delivered the innovative Launch Your Hospital Career pre-employment program. Everyone in the program went on to further study or a job in the health care sector.

Read more about the 2025 Learn Local Awards winners and finalists.

What are Learn Locals?

Learn Locals provide low-cost courses for all Victorians at more than 200 locations across the state.  They support around 30,000 Victorians each year.

Find out more on the Learn Local website.