Valbec

Join us at the VALBEC 2026 Conference for a dynamic day of ideas, collaboration, and inspiration across the adult education sector.

Under the theme Reflecting on the Past, Shaping the Future, the conference will explore how adult literacy, numeracy, and digital literacy have evolved—and what must change to support today’s learners, workplaces, and communities. Expect practical workshops, innovative teaching approaches, and research-informed sessions focused on equity, participation, and real-world impact.

✨ Keynote announced: Jo Medlin, President of Australian Council for Adult Literacy, will present How Do You Spell Potential?—a powerful reflection on the language, history, and future of adult literacy in Australia.

More details on presentations and submissions coming soon—stay tuned!

Registrations open - https://valbec.org.au/event-6611044

A VALBEC (Victorian Adult Literacy and Basic Education Council) Professional Learning session presented by Janet Claringbold

Mountain District Women’s Co-operative – 50 years of adult community education

From its beginnings as “The Co-op” to now Mountain District Learning Centre, MDLC has remained committed to empowering women and supporting all learners to build literacy and continue their education.

As a Learn Local and RTO, MDLC offers CGEA, adult literacy, and English programs—creating safe, supportive pathways for those re-engaging with learning, including young people facing social anxiety.

Despite changes in the sector, one thing remains the same: the need for accessible, inclusive education. MDLC continues to help people rebuild confidence, develop skills, and move forward in work and life.

Janet Claringbold has led Mountain District Learning Centre for 15 years, driving a strong commitment to inclusive, community-based education.

With qualifications in Community Development and Community Organisational Management, Janet champions innovative learning pathways that support people who are disengaged or marginalised to reconnect with education and opportunity.

Who: Janet Claringbold
When: Wednesday April 29, from 5:30 pm – 6:30 pm
Where: Zoom
Cost: VALBEC Members Free; non-Members $10
Registration: https://valbec.org.au/event-6644205

We look forward to seeing you there.
VALBEC PL Forums Team

A gentle reminder:

VALBEC presents:
Webinar 2: Moving Adult Numeracy Forward: Manufacturing and Construction Industries
By Tina Berghella and Dave Tout
In the second of two webinars in this series, Tina and Dave will share insights from their analysis of workplace practices using real industry materials from the manufacturing, construction and landscaping sectors.

The session introduces two new workplace numeracy resources developed for Learn Locals to support learners aiming to work in industries with high numeracy demands (typically ACSF Level 3 or above). These resources explore how maths is embedded in everyday workplace tasks, how it maps to the ACSF, and what critical maths skills are needed to work effectively and safely.
Tina and Dave will outline how the resources are structured, highlight key messages, and show how teachers can use them to help learners bridge common numeracy gaps.

Tina Berghella is Director of Oggi Consulting and a highly respected VET researcher with a strong background in manufacturing, project management and workplace numeracy. She has led and contributed to major LLN projects, including the recent CGEA review, and is widely published in adult numeracy.

Dave Tout is one of Australia’s leading numeracy specialists, with over 50 years’ experience across adult education, schools, TAFEs, community education, universities and workplaces. A co-author of the ACSF, Dave has extensive experience in research, curriculum, assessment and professional development, and is currently Chair of the Numeracy Expert Group for the OECD’s PIAAC program.

When: Thursday, 5th March 2026, 5.30-6.30 pm AEST
Where: Zoom
Cost: VALBEC Members Free; non-Members $10

Registration: [[https://valbec.org.au/event-6543121]