The Manna Gum Community House in Foster has won an award at the 2024 Victorian Learn Local Awards. 

Member for Eastern Victoria Tom McIntosh today congratulated community house Manager Rebecca Matthews, along with all the staff and volunteers, for winning the Victorian Learn Local Pre-accredited Program Award, in the small providers category. 

The community house was one of two finalists across the state in the category. 

This year's Learn Local Awards winners were chosen from an impressive list of nominations – highlighting the important role Learn Local providers play in helping adult learners get new skills, pursue further education pathways, and secure jobs. 

Across Victoria, more than 200 Learn Local providers offer people tailored support in courses ranging from numeracy and literacy to digital skills and employability – helping over 30,000 Victorians each year overcome barriers to getting into training and finding jobs. 

To find out more about this year’s winners, visit: vic.gov.au/2024-learn-local-award-winners. 

Quotes attributable to Minister for Skills and TAFE Gayle Tierney 

“Learn Local providers are changing lives by giving Victorians the foundational skills they need to participate in our society and our economy – they are tailored to people’s own needs and they can change the course of someone’s future.” 

“We’re proud to recognise exceptional people and trainers in the sector through the Learn Local Awards – and we congratulate all the winners and finalists.” 

Quotes attributable to Member for Eastern Victoria Tom McIntosh 

“This is an incredible outcome for a community house which provides so much value to locals looking to upskill. Well done to Rebecca and the team for getting nominated and going on to win this Victorian Learn Local Pre-accredited Program Award." 

Quotes attributable to Manna Gum Community House Manager Rebecca Matthews 

“We are thrilled to have won this award and be amongst all of the inspiring finalists in the Victorian adult education sector. We are very grateful to the Adult Community Further Education Board for this recognition.”
 
“The program covers a whole range of topics associated with being a sole trader in the care and support sector in an easy-to-understand delivery method that includes a lot of industry representation and contact points. Participants tell us they greatly appreciate local access to education and career pathways training.”