Three $1000 scholarships were awarded to outstanding adult learners to enable them to continue learning by either taking a new learning pathway or continuing an existing one.

This scholarship allowed adult learning providers around Australia to celebrate the life changing power of adult learning by nominating adult learners whose commitment and motivation makes them stand out from the rest.

ALA where looking for learners for whom learning has made a big difference in their lives. Someone who might have overcome a significant barrier in order to get started or who still faces challenges in continuing to learn.

Kylie certainly knew it was her time to gain employment skills, when she walked through the Inverell Community College Campus doors.

Inverell campus coordinator Tania Archer first met Kylie as a shy, un-confident woman enquiring about courses for employment. After discussion and lot of encouragement Kylie was ready to take the next step of study.

Tania identified Kylie would fit perfectly in to the world of community services and enrolled her in the Certificate III in Community Services.

Kylie had spent the previous year with her five children in a Sydney refuge after becoming homeless.

Deciding to give her family a fresh new start and a better quality of life they relocated to Inverell where they could access affordable housing.

Enrolling at the community college with very little confidence Kylie soon become an extremely valuable class member and a highly respected student amongst her peers.

She was an unassuming student who excelled in her study and work placement achievements.

Working hard to reach her goals in class whilst supporting her children as a single mum did not seem to daunt her in the slightest.

If anything it seemed to make her more determined to succeed for her children and her personal growth through her VET education journey.

After a positive adult learning experience, Kylie's life has dramatically improved, her hard work has paid off and she is now employed by Pathfinders.

Finding a meaningful career where she can share her knowledge and personal experience to make a positive impact whilst being able to support her family.

Kylie is an active and respected member of the local homelessness action groups in Inverell.

She is now a positive role model not only to her family but her community.

Kylie's advice to anyone was "don't hesitate, have a go and take the plunge. Open that door because on the other side of that door is amazing.

"Life is great, go and see the Inverell Community College they really do help change lives."