Learn Local Award music to BCAL’s ears

BASS Coast Adult Learning (BCAL) was among eight winners of the 16th annual Victorian Learn Local Awards.

Minister for Training and Skills and Higher Education Gayle Tierney acknowledged the winners last week.

This year marks the 16th anniversary of the awards, which are backed by the State Government. The awards honour learners, trainers, leaders and providers in Victoria’s Learn Local sector which includes more than 240 not-for-profit community groups.

Under the Victorian Learn Local Pre-Accredited Program Award (for small providers), BCAL was announced as the winner for their Practical Music program.

The program was developed by BCAL in consultation with music industry professionals to provide a broader experience of the music industry.

Program facilitator Lisa Ovejero said she was thrilled to hear they were recognised.

“The award is great recognition for the centre and for the music program itself,” she said.

“The music program is quite unique in that it has participants looking to go into further study and then work in micro business, or work for themselves.

“And it gives them the business skills they need to do that. 

“We get different facilitators and industry experts to come in and talk about , for example, recording music, promotion and organising events.”

The group were even able to get their hands dirty on the weekend by organising a fundraiser at Dalyston Hall. 

“We’ve had great success stories with the group; some have gone on to work in local radio and some have gone on to perform.”

 Participants bring their particular interest to the course and are connected with professional sound engineers, musicians, orchestras, choirs, social media experts, radio presenters and promoters. 

Across 12-weeks they cover every avenue of the music business, and have the opportunity to head into further education to study certificates III and IV in Music, with scope to specialise in performance, composition, sound production and business.

On completion, the musos will have gained broad and practical insights into the industry, which enhances their likelihood of finding ongoing employment, or developing their own music micro-business. 

Practical Music provides invaluable encouragement, mentoring, networking, skill building and the confidence to make the connections to explore their chosen path.

Other winners included Sunraysia Mallee Ethnic Communities Council, picking up the Innovation Award for its class offering conversational English for refugees and asylum seekers, and the East Gippsland Learn Locals Collaboration, that won the Partnership Award after providing classes to support communities recovering from the 2020 bushfires.

This year’s prize money totals $80,000. Organisation award category winners each receive $10,000, while individual category winners are awarded $5,000 and all category finalists received $1,000.

For information on the Learn Local Awards visit: vic.gov.au/learn-local-awards.