ADULT COMMUNITY EDUCATION

Mr PICCOLO (Light) (14:28): My question is to the Minister for Employment, Higher Education and Skills. Can the minister inform the house about recognition provided for the efforts of the adult community education sector in South Australia?

The Hon. T.R. KENYON (Newland—Minister for Employment, Higher Education and Skills, Minister for Science and Information Economy, Minister for Recreation and Sport) (14:28): I would especially like to thank the member for Light for this question. He is a well-known supporter of adult community education in this state—a vitally important part of the training in this state and set to become only more important.

Adult community education is widely acknowledged as an important starting point for many South Australians who may consider vocational education and training, university studies and employment to be initially out of their reach; that's why adult community education is a key element of the Skills for All strategy. The state government is providing $3.38 million in 2012-13 to the adult community education sector to fund 78 projects providing literacy, numeracy and digital literacy training in communities across South Australia. This year, we anticipate more than 7,400 people will be engaged in these programs.

Adult Learners' Week this year is being held from 1 to 8 September—so we are right in the middle of it—with more than 45 events being held across the state to recognise, promote and advance adult community education. Its theme this year is 'Digital literacy—learning in a digital world'. Last night the 2012 Adult Learners' Week Awards were held to acknowledge and recognise outstanding achievement in the sector.

Mrs Sue Steer, a retiree from Hackham West, was named South Australia's 2012 Adult Learner of the Year, showing it is never too late to learn new skills. Since returning to study three years ago, Mrs Steer has completed Certificate II in Active Volunteering and Certificate III in Community Services Work. In 2012 she successfully completed a Diploma in Community Services Coordination. Mrs Steer has also been an active member of the Hackham West Community Centre's board of management, and works as a volunteer to make a positive difference to others.

Ms Tanya Moralee from Bedford Training was named the Volunteer Adult Educator of the Year for her strong leadership in helping other trainees with learning disabilities to succeed in the Bedford Training Abilities for All program. Ms Moralee also became a volunteer at a local community centre, assisting as a mentor and delivering computing classes for beginners.

Susan Lang from the Glandore Community Centre was named the joint winner of the Paid Adult Educator of the Year, along with Mr Simon Cho from Bedford Training. The Adult Learning Program of the Year went to Glandore Community Centre for their Win that Job! program. This program assists people who have experienced long-term unemployment, or are underemployed, to gain employment.

The Learning Community of the Year Award went to UnitingCare Wesley Port Adelaide for their work at the Taperoo Community Centre. I understand that the centre is unique, as it is the only community facility in the local area running a diverse range of programs, including personal development, digital photography and computer skills courses.

I would like to thank the Adult Community Education sector for their efforts and the learning opportunities provided to their communities, and to the participants for taking on the challenge. I also congratulate the individuals and organisations who have been recognised as part of the 2012 Adult Learners' Week Awards for their achievements.