This award recognises organisations that demonstrate outstanding commitment to supporting people in overcoming significant barriers or disadvantage to effectively participate in foundation skills courses.
Meet the finalists in the Adult Community Education (ACE) Provider of the Year category for the 2025 South Australian Training Awards - truly inspiring organisations!
Proudly sponsored by the Government of South Australia.
Community Access and Services SA (CAaSSA) is a culturally and linguistically diverse community organisation delivering transformative adult community education programs that break down barriers and build bridges to opportunity.
CAaSSA has pioneered innovative approaches to adult education, serving Vietnamese, Arabic, South Sudanese, Burundian, Farsi, Bhutanese, and Afghan communities. CAaSSA’s holistic approach combines bilingual educators, trauma-informed teaching practices, and real-world applications, creating tangible pathways to economic independence and social inclusion.
From supporting Vietnamese farmers to achieve independent Freshcare certification to empowering isolated community members to become volunteer leaders, CAaSSA’s programs address intersecting barriers faced by learners, including language limitations, trauma and mental health challenges, disability, gender inequality, social isolation, and digital exclusion.
Project-based learning, AI-enhanced education, community engagement through cultural celebrations, and comprehensive support connect learners to mental health, settlement, and employment services.
CAaSSA’s evidence-based and culturally responsive programs transform lives, strengthen communities, and create lasting pathways to success in Australia.
Morella Community Centre (MCC) is a hub for learning, inclusion, and community connection. Holding current Australian Service Excellence Standards accreditation, MCC is governed by a dedicated management committee of staff, volunteers, and local stakeholders.
With a long-standing commitment to delivering adult community education (ACE), MCC provides inclusive and accessible foundation skills training in literacy, numeracy, digital literacy, and employability. Supporting diverse learners such as isolated women, new migrants, and adults with limited English, MCC helps them transition into further education, employment, or community participation.
MCC offers an integrated model that combines formal learning with broader community development; ACE programs are closely supported by initiatives such as the Community and Neighbourhood Development Program and the Community Connections Program, which offer safe, informal entry points to education and enhance overall wellbeing. This holistic approach ensures that learners feel supported, empowered, and ready to succeed.
Industry taster programs are a highlight at MCC.
Pooraka Farm Community Centre (PFCC) programs enhance wellbeing through comprehensive support services, education, and leisure opportunities. Active engagement of former learners as peer mentors provides one-on-one support, encouragement, and a relatable perspective on returning to education.
Partnering with a wide range of external organisations, PFCC delivers holistic support and flexible and relevant programs to a diverse population experiencing difficult circumstances. PFCC’s primary objective is to provide lifelong learning opportunities that promote social wellbeing, personal growth, and pathways to further education, training, and employment.
Informed by adult learning principles and lived experience, PFCC programs focus on developing learner’s employability and literacy skills, and fostering connections to industry. Real-world learning experiences and practical education on conflict resolution, communication, and self-advocacy are embedded in programs.
By equipping participants with the necessary tools, PFCC enables them to pursue further training, employment, and volunteering opportunities within their community with confidence and the drive to succeed.
Empowering South Australians with skills, confidence, and opportunity, SkillUp SA is dedicated to transforming lives through foundation skills, employability training, and community connection.
Founded on the belief that education should be accessible, relevant, and inspiring, SkillUp SA fosters emotional safety and trust in adults who face complex barriers, including low literacy, disability, long-term unemployment, regional isolation, cultural diversity, and recovery from overwhelming setbacks.
From regional centres like Port Pirie and Whyalla to metropolitan Adelaide, SkillUp SA brings quality, face-to-face training to communities that need it most. Programs cover critical skills such as language, literacy, numeracy, digital literacy, workplace communication, business technology, customer service, teamwork, and WHS.
One-to-one mentoring, small-group learning, trauma-aware facilitation, and real-world employer engagement are woven into customised courses. SkillUp SA partners with local businesses, community services, and registered training organisations to ensure every learner has a pathway – whether to employment, further study, or reconnection with community life.