eVALBEC October 2009
This is the electronic newsletter of VALBEC, the Victorian Adult Literacy and Basic Education Council, and is sent to about 850 practitioners on the first of each month (other than January). It is also available in the ‘News’ section of our web site http://www.valbec.org.au
Disclaimer: The activities, goods and services mentioned in eVALBEC are not endorsed by VALBEC in any way. People should make their own judgment about the suitability of each item.
How to submit items: http://www.valbec.org.au/05/news.htm
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IN THIS ISSUE OF eVALBEC:
1. VALBEC letter of concern
2. ACFE Capacity Initiatives - PD Workshops and Grants Program
3. Correct address for the NCVER wiki
4. Family Literacy – success stories from South Africa and beyond
5. Creating Digital Stories by e-Works
6. Community Wide Dialogue to Change Program - Orientation Workshop
7. Twilight Forum September 8
8. Spring Forum September 21
9. Subscribe to eVALBEC?
10. Unsubscribe?
11. Contact VALBEC
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1. VALBEC letter of concern
Members may have noted the awarding of $400,000 in funds to the Australian Industry Group (AiG), for a project to examine the extent of, and responses to, language, literacy and numeracy issues in the workplace as part of the federal government’s Workforce Innovation Program.
VALBEC wrote a letter of concern to the Hon. Julia Gillard and Senator Mark Arbib that questioned the appropriateness and purpose of this project. In the past, this kind of project would have been funded through the now defunct Adult Literacy Innovative Projects, managed by DEEWR. AiG has been given funding when it is not in a transparently consultative position and does not have existing relationships with stakeholders such as ACAL or the wider adult education and training sector. We await a response.
See the letter at http://www.valbec.org.au
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2. ACFE Capacity Initiatives - PD Workshops and Grants Program
The Adult, Community and Further Education (ACFE) Board has approved a suite of initiatives designed to assist organisations funded by the Board to develop their capability to operate in a contestable environment. The Flexible Business Development project forms part of this suite.
The objective of the Flexible Business Development Grants program is to help deliver goals in a changed training environment by
1. Assisting ACE providers to deliver internal processes and structures  
2. Building the capacity of the sector to operate effectively
3.  Support regional ACE providers to identify strategies to address the unique challenges associated with operating in non-metropolitan locations.
4.  Support ‘new thinking’ or innovation in order to extend what might already be regarded as a successful business.
Copies of the documents can be viewed via the ACFE website http://www.acfe.vic.gov.au then look for ACFE Capacity Initiatives Memo 09/FBD PD Workshops and Grants Program
Or via VALBEC http://www.valbec.org.au
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3. Correct address for the NCVER wiki
We inadvertently gave you the incorrect address last month. It should have been
 http://www.adultliteracyresource.edu.au
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4. Family Literacy – success stories from South Africa and beyond
Tuesday 13 October, 5.00 – 7.00pm
North Fitzroy Star Hotel, The Garden Room
32-36 St Georges Road, Fitzroy North (near the corner of Newry Street)
VALBEC is delighted to be hosting the visit to Australia of Snoeks Desmond, early childhood development and family literacy specialist who has worked in the early childhood development and family literacy sector in South Africa over many years. She founded, and for seven years directed a non-governmental project aimed at strengthening the love of reading and books in families in rural KwaZulu Natal. She is joint editor of “Family Literacy: Experiences from Africa and around the world” published by UNESCO and reviewed recently in Fine Print.
Snoeks will share the story of the South African-based Family Literacy Project highlighting the challenges and successes of supporting adults to develop their own literacy skills and to be role models for their young children. This project will have resonance for adult educators and practitioners in early childhood and family support programs across Victoria.
Refreshments provided, purchase own drinks
Cost: Free but booking is essential; RSVP info@valbec.org.au by October 9
More http://www.valbec.org.au/TwForumOct09.htm
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5. Creating Digital Stories by e-Works
Wednesday 14th October, 2009, 9:30am – 4:00pm
Using Photostory 2 and Movie Maker 3, this workshop will introduce you to the world of creating digital stories. Participants will work towards building their own digital story in this all-day hands-on workshop. The cost of the workshops includes detailed takeaway instructions, software and resources available on CD ROM, to help you continue your own digital story building.
$160 at Training Choice, 455 Bourke St, Melbourne
Coffee, Tea and Lunch will supplied. Confirm any special meal requirements when booking.
Bookings Close: Friday 9th October, 2009
Download registration form at http://www.tafevc.com.au/tafevc3/workshops-face2face.htm
More information events@eworks.edu.au
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6. Community Wide Dialogue to Change Program - Orientation Workshop
Beechworth, Friday 30th October 2009, 10 am to 4.00 pm
Provided by Adult Learning Australia Inc,  the Australian Study Circles Network and
ACEVic and facilitated by Mary Brennan, Sally Thompson and Dr Mark Brophy
Cost: $95 per employee plus one service user, volunteer or community member free.
Lunch and Notes provided.
More http://studycircles.net.au/latest_news/
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7. Twilight Forum September 8
The student writing edition Fine Print was officially launched and what a wonderful evening was had by all who attended. Kerry Cue entertained us by sharing anecdotes and one of her poems from her book Forgotten Wisdom. A search for the Lost Art of Happiness (available at http://www.kerrycue.net/ ) She encouraged us all to write and tell our stories which gave a perfect introduction to the five students who read aloud their stories and the five teachers who spoke with such pride and enthusiasm about their students’ achievements. and extra copies can be ordered through info@valbec.org.au
Some of the students from Swinburne and NMIT celebrated on their respective websites.
http://www.tafe.swinburne.edu.au/preparatory/preparatory-migrant.html
http://www.nmit.vic.edu.au/news_events/news/
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8. Spring Forum September 21
Dr Claire Kelly gave an informative presentation outlining the Mental Health First Aid Training and Research Program that has been developed to help people provide initial support for someone with a mental health problem. For more information about this program access the MHFA website: http://www.mhfa.com.au
Fran MacMahon Sers described the Young Adult Migrant Education Program (YAMEC) at NMIT and gave examples and practical strategies for working with young people who may present with mental health issues. There is a display of students’ photos and text at the Neighbourhood Justice Centre in 241 Wellington St Collingwood.
Thanks to the presenters and all who attended and made the day most valuable.
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9. Subscribe to eVALBEC?
Click this link <mailto:info@valbec.org.au?subject=eVALBEC_Subscribe> and we’ll put you on the list to receive this monthly enewsletter.
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11. Contact VALBEC
eVALBEC is the monthly electronic newsletter of (VALBEC) the Victorian Adult Literacy  and Basic Education Council.
E-mail: info@valbec.org.au
Web: http://www.valbec.org.au
Postal: Box 861 Springvale South VIC 3172
Ph: 03 9546 6892
Fax: 03 9546 0421