Learning communities

 

Australian Learning Communities Network

The Australian Learning Communities Network (ALCN Inc) exists so that Australia becomes a nation of connected, life-long learning communities.

Report: Innovating in Learning Communities through the EcCoWell2 Approach

UNESCO Global Learning Cities

• Circular Head – Tasmania
• Wyndham City Council – Victoria
• Melton City Council – Victoria
• Canning City Council – Western Australia

UNESCO Learning Cities

Local government learning strategies

• Brimbank City Council Learning Strategy 2024-2029 (Vic)
• City of Canning Learning City Strategy 2020 – 2024 (WA)
• Hume City Council – Multiversity (Vic)
• Maribyrnong Community Centres and Neighbourhood Houses (Vic)
• Melton Learning Directory (Vic)
• Tamworth Region Creative Communities Plan (NSW)
• Wyndham Learning Community Strategy 2024 – 2029 (Vic)

Both the City of Wyndham and the City of Melton are recipients of a UNESCO Global Network of Learnings Cities Award, acknowledging their respective commitments to building a Learning City and supporting residents to improve their learning outcomes through lifelong learning.

Learning Community Framework and Measuring Impact Toolkit

This report builds on ACELG’s 2013 Learning as a Driver for Change project and in particular aligns the Learning Community Framework to UNESCO’s framework of the key features of learning cities.

Volume 1 includes a literature review of evaluation frameworks; an in-depth case study on evaluation practices; and background information on the development of the Measuring Impact Toolkit, designed to help local government practitioners create, adopt and evaluate a Community Learning Plan for their LGA. Volume 2 provides practical templates for planning and reporting, checklists, and further Australian examples of Community Learning Plans.

The framework will be a useful resource for communities embarking on developing a learning community strategy or evaluating one already in place. Learning Communities Framework and Measuring Impact Toolkit, Vol 2

Learning as a driver for change

This paper explores how learning partnerships between councils, their communities and learning organisations can help improve social outcomes, build community capabilities and strengthen community governance. A supplementary framework for the implementation of learning partnerships is also available.

These 2014 publications consist of a toolkit to accompany the framework, and a further report. Again, the toolkit is the practical resource to help communities set up a strong evidence base for their strategy that includes targets and measurable outcomes. ACELG Framework: Learning as a Driver for Change

UNESCO Institute for Lifelong Learning

The UNESCO Global Network of Learning Cities is an international policy-oriented network providing inspiration, knowhow and best practice. https://uil.unesco.org/lifelong-learning/learning-citieGlobal Network of Learning Cities

Learning Forums

The ALCN coordinates regular Learning Forums, an informal series of “conversations” about issues learning communities are facing locally and nationally. Led by leading-edge learning practitioners, highlights from 2024 included:

Governance and Frameworks Forum: centred on governance in learning partnerships, this Learning Forum provided a platform for a range of national experts to share valuable insights. The importance of transparent decision-making, collaborative networks, and inclusive participation was highlighted, and discussion included the need for a strong emphasis on clear governance models, continuous partnerships, ongoing collaboration, future-proofing governance structures, underscoring the essential need for ongoing cooperation, adaptability, and strategic alignment with community needs.

Community Needs Analysis Workshop: explored how to better understand and respond to what communities need in terms of learning. Participants gained ideas for creating tailored learning programs that reflect the priorities of their local areas.

Climate Resilience Forum: focused on sustainability and highlighted how learning can play a role in addressing environmental challenges. Case studies from Melton and Port Adelaide showcased community-driven initiatives like the “Living Lightly Locally” project, which encourages sustainable living through practical education.

The Forums attract a healthy number of attendees from a range of local, national, and international audiences, generate thoughtful and inspirational dialogue and have spun off into the sharing of resources and other collaborations in areas of interest.

The ALCN produces a regular newsletter and you can subscribe and read past issues here.