Celebrating Local Learners
Biak's story

Biak had never touched a computer before joining a Burmese computer class at the Sunshine Library. She gained independence and a new found confidence in being able to use a computer. Biak learnt how to turn on/off the computer, how to type, correct hand position, basic keyboard skills, download and save files and send emails including attachments and much more.

Biak also gained independence when she learnt how to download and use the ‘Scan App’ on to her mobile phone. Biak stated “Now I do not need to go to my friend's house or the Library to scan the document. I could pay the bill online so I do not need to go to the Post Office, and also I could transfer the money through mobile banking. In the past if I need to pay the money to someone I need to go to the bank”.

Biak became a Library member and knew how to log into the computers independently. In the past she had been scared to go into the Library because there was a lot of people and she could not speak English. Biak stated “I have confidence to go to any Library by myself and I could access the computer. And I was supported to create a myGov account and I could report to the Centrelink, so no need to go to the Centrelink".

Biak really liked that she had the opportunity to ask questions and the tutor was directed by the students in what they would like to learn. Classes were one-on-one as well as in groups allowing Biak the opportunity to reconnect with friends and make new ones.
 

Brimbank Learning Futures - National Careers Week

Get the tools and confidence you need to get the job you want at free jobseeker events.

As part of the Local Jobs for Local People Program, Brimbank Learning Futures (BLF) are running Brimbank Careers Week events from 13-19 May at the Visy Cares Hub, Brimbank Community and Civic Centre, Sydenham Neighbourhood House, and Brimbank Libraries.

Join in the free activities for the tips, information and coaching you need to help you find a job, get an interview and win it.

Maker Space

Get Creative at Deer Park Library's Maker Space!

Attend one of Deer Park Library's induction sessions to learn how to use their machines safely and receive a Maker Space user pass to use for your future projects.

Once you are inducted, gain access to our range of creative maker equipment, including:

• 3D printer and Laser Cutter
• Sewing machine and overlocker
• Cricut, heat press and vinyl cutter
• Specialised professional software - Adobe Creative Cloud, Audacity, Ultimaker Cura, Cricut Design Space and more!

Volunteering

Volunteering is giving your time, skills and experience to support a cause without receiving a financial reward. More than two million Victorians volunteer each year.

Some people use volunteering to learn new skills or as a path to paid work or further study. For others, it’s more about connecting with and supporting people in their community. Volunteering covers a wide range of activities, which means there are roles to suit people with different interests and goals.

Volunteering has many benefits,for you and your community. It might be supporting a cause that’s important to you, helping to create social change, developing new skills or meeting new people.

U3A's are voluntary Seniors groups that provide educational, recreational and social programs. Each U3A is organised by and for people who can best be described as being active in retirement or semi-retirement, the third age of our lives.

U3A Brimbank has a mission to provide opportunities for seniors to learn, teach, share and to give mutual support to each other in a friendly and warm environment, regardless or ethnicity, religion, ability or disability.

U3A Brimbank is open to anyone who is retired or no longer working full time. No qualifications are required to join. Their courses are non-competitive and they focus on enabling members to expand their knowledge in existing areas, and to explore new fields and activities.

2024 timetable of courses and activities

Books and Reading at Brimbank Libraries

Keep up with the latest releases, find out which books have been shortlisted for awards and read reviews from the Brimbank Bookshelf. Browse the full range of titles for you to read, listen and watch in the Brimbank Libraries catalogue and reserve items for Click and Collect. Access 1000s of titles online 24/7 from the comfort of your couch with your Brimbank Libraries membership  including  eBooks, eAudiobooks, eMagazines and 
Newspapers including The Age.

Library Edition, comics and manga, plus tv and movies, music and online learning courses and resources.

Brimbank Council events & programs website

Not sure where to go to find local events and programs to support your learning needs? Check out Brimbank Council's events site here

 

Lifelong learning in the age of AI
 

Developments in artificial intelligence are driving change in education and pose new questions of educators and learners. Annapurna Ayyappan cuts through the noise to identify the core issues for lifelong learning

From television and radio broadcasts and podcasts to social media platforms, massive open online courses and open educational resources, technology has greatly expanded the horizons of informal and non-formal learning (UIL, 2022). It has also presented learners and educators with new challenges, as well as opportunities for empowerment and exploration. Now, with the advent of generative artificial intelligence and other AI applications, this trend is set to accelerate even further.