In a recent survey, Local Governments and other groups have called for improvements to the Learning Communities Catalyst web site at www.lcc.edu.au
The Adult Learning Australia (ALA), which is the peak body for adult learning in Australia, runs the site. The Learning Communities Catalyst web site has been established to serve as a clearinghouse of information, research, case studies and practical tools to assist communities, Councils, Government, businesses, policy makers and other stakeholders establish themselves as a learning community.
ALA Executive Director, Ron Anderson, said the survey showed that a lot of improvements were needed to the site.
“We will be working through the feedback to improve the site,” he said.
The survey was conducted via online and postal surveys across Australia from August to October 2004. It covered more than 20 regions in New South Wales, Queensland, Victoria, Tasmania, Australian Capital Territory, Northern Territory and Western Australia covering a diverse range of metropolitan through to rural and isolated communities.
It found that several Local Governments were already developing their own learning communities framework.
Stanthorpe Shire in Queensland has declared itself the Granite Belt Learning Region. Central Coast, Circular Head, Burnie, and Waratah Wynyard Councils in Tasmania are jointly involved in the Cradle Coast Sustainable Regions Program. Lithgow in New South Wales has declared itself the Learning City.
The survey results show a very strong input from Local Government and business, representing 24 per cent of all participants. They expressed a need to be able to access clear examples of current Australian practice that justifies and supports the business case for engaging in learning activity.
These members demonstrate a commitment to work in partnership with a range of stakeholders to deal with large and complex ranges of issues, much broader than rates, rubbish and roads, which impact upon their communities.
For more details contact Mary Hannan on (02) 6274 9508 or email m.hannan.ala.asn.au
