OUTSTANDING ACHIEVERS IN ADULT EDUCATION HONOURED

Queensland’s outstanding achievers in adult education have been presented with awards, as part of Adult Learners’ Week.

Education and Training Minister Rod Welford said the awards were presented in a ceremony at the State Library in Brisbane on Sunday 2 September.

“These awards are a great pat on the back for adult learners, adult education teachers, tutors and providers of community learning programs in Queensland,” Mr Welford said.

“Adult education for some people can be a life-changing event – it can provide a better quality of life or provide training for a job or new career.

“Understanding English, building literacy and numeracy skills, strengthening employment capabilities are all important steps to improving the quality of life for individuals.”

Mr Welford said adult education was also important in addressing Australia’s skill shortages.

“Last year, our Government launched the Queensland Skills Plan, an initiative which aims to overcome the skills challenges facing our major industries,” he said.

“As the Smart State, it is important for us to continue to encourage all Queenslanders to embrace ongoing learning and up-skilling throughout their working life as a response to changing skills needs.

“An awards program like this is a great way to raise the profile of adult learning and make people aware of the many opportunities available to them.”

Adult Learners’ Week is an initiative of Adult Learning Australia in partnership with the Queensland Government and the Federal Government.

For more information about Adult Learners’ Week phone 1300 I LEARN (1300 453 0218), visit www.adultlearnersweek.org or phone the state co-ordinator on 3239 0218.

The Queensland recipients of Adult Learner’s Week awards were:

Outstanding Adult Learner
Cynthia Griffiths, from Mount Gravatt
Lorraine Usher, from Charleville
Victoria Close, from Maryborough
Amanda Crang, from Burpengary (Encouragement Award)

Outstanding Adult Education Teacher or Tutor
Dianne Meehan, from the Gold Coast
Gloria Whitworth, from Deception Bay (Highly Commended)
Judy Simonds, from Rockhampton (Highly Commended)

Outstanding Community Learning Program for Adults
Caboolture Community Learning Centre – Back to Work Program (Highly Commended)

Media contact: Marnie Stitz or Emma Clarey on 32371000