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Lifelong learning for
a fairer Australia

Lifelong learning for
a fairer Australia

On the Problem of Foundation Skills and the Futures of Work

About the session         Dr. Garry Argent Garry is a lecturer in the School of Education at Deakin University, Australia, in initial teacher education programs and vocational education. His research focuses on the role that education, language literacy, numeracy (foundation) skills and vocational education play in the lives of various groups such […]

Nominations are now open for the ALA Board

The Adult Learning Australia (ALA) Board plays a critical role in leading the strategic direction and governance of our organisation and is accountable to the ALA membership. Our Board members are leaders who bring their experience, expertise and energy to guide and support the organisation to reach its full potential. We currently have three (3) […]

2026 Annual General Meeting

Annual General Meeting Date: Friday, 22 May 2026 Time: 1pm – 2pm AEST   You are invited to attend this year’s AGM as we celebrate, reflect, and welcome new faces to our Board while thanking those whose terms have ended. We’re delighted to announce that our special guest speaker will be NDIS Commissioner Louise Glanville. […]

The First Aid of Family Violence: Trauma-Informed and Strength-Based Approaches in Adult Literacy and Digital Education

Thursday 23 April 2026Build your capacity as an adult educator to recognise, respond to, and refer concerns related to domestic and family violence. This professional development session supports educators to apply trauma‑informed and strengths‑based approaches when working with learners who may be experiencing violence. In this session, you will learn practical strategies to: Identify indicators of domestic and […]

CEO’s Annual Reflection – 2025

This year has been full of twists and turns. Change is happening faster and with less certainty, especially for those of us in adult learning and community education. But despite everything, we’ve kept adapting, finding new ways to make a difference and add real value for our educators, learners and communities. A big thank you […]

New special edition of the Australian Journal of Adult Learning out now!

Take a look inside the latest Australian Journal of Adult Learning. AJAL Volume 65, Number 3, Special Edition, November 2025 EDITORIAL Robert Townsend and Jeffrey Bryant Jones Celebrating 65 Years Celebrating 65 years of Adult Learning Australia 1960-2025 Jenny Macaffer Refereed articles Therapeutic Theatre as a process for the inclusion of students with mild dementia in […]

Join us in empowering safer digital communities

Adult educators are on the frontline of digital safety, and adult learners need to be aware. Cybercrime in Australia is surging, with more than 84,700 incidents reported in 2024–25. That is one every six minutes. Scams and identity fraud increasingly target people with lower digital confidence, including many vulnerable learners. To support educators and volunteers, […]

Join us as Communications Coordinator

We are seeking a skilled, experienced and self-motivated individual to become our new Communications Coordinator. The role includes preparing and producing Quest, ALA’s magazine, which has an emphasis on new or innovative adult education programs that are helping people overcome disadvantage, and co-ordinating and implementing communications and social media strategies. This is a great opportunity […]

Special ALA Webinar: Adult Education and Creative Pedagogies

Thursday, 26 March This special webinar followed the release of Adult Learning Australia’s special issue of the Australian Journal of Adult Learning (AJAL) in November 2025. This session delves into the diverse movements shaping creative pedagogies in adult education today. It will explore how creative arts education processes are being defined and enacted across adult […]

Adult Literacy and Numeracy Tutor Manual: From Research to Practice

A joint webinar presented by Kirrily Loveday, TasTAFE and Iona Johnson, Libraries Tasmania Overview Hear directly from those who developed the manual about how it was created, what’s inside, and how you can use it to support your learners. This manual bridges a long-standing gap in the sector—connecting the science of how adults learn with the […]

ALA to represent Australia at international forum

Adult Learning Australia has contributed to the work of UNESCO over its 65-year history.   In 2025, ALA has been invited to send an Australian civil society representative to attend a capacity-building workshop on the Sixth Global Report on Adult Learning and Education | Institute for Lifelong Learning (GRALE) for the Asian region. The workshop […]

Engaging Adult Learners in LLND: Practical Approaches for Inclusive Education

This session will explore practical strategies for strengthening Language, Literacy, Numeracy and Digital (LLND) skills in adult learners across Australia. Facilitated by Liz Bonner, an experienced educator with a background in science, instructional design and community engagement, the event will highlight effective ways to engage diverse groups of learners, including adults with disabilities and special […]

Develop learner agency

Wednesday 19 November 1.00pm – 2.00pm AEDT Join us for a webinar discussion featuring Dr Damon Whitten, Adult Literacy and Numeracy Advisor, at Ako Aotearoa. Dr Damon Whitten Damon is a specialist in professional development for the tertiary sector, with a focus on adult literacy, numeracy, and neurodiversity. He bridges research and practice, designing evidence-based […]

Developing Learner Agency

Join us for a webinar discussion featuring, Dr Damon Whitten, Adult Literacy and Numeracy Advisor, at Ako Aotearoa.   Dr Damon Whitten Damon is a specialist in professional development for the tertiary sector, with a focus on adult literacy, numeracy, and neurodiversity. He bridges research and practice, designing evidence-based approaches that translate into effective teaching […]

Special Adult Learners Week webinar: Three generations of learning – The Mungo Experience

Join three generations as they share their learning journey at Mungo — a place of deep time, living culture, and enduring connection. This session weaves together 60,000 years of history through personal insights, ancient stories, and the powerful legacy of knowledge passed down through family and Country. Discover how culture, storytelling, and kinship continue to […]