LearnWest Network: A Short History

The fledgling network of Community Learning Coordinators in Melbourne first formed in 2015 and initially called itself Western and Northern Regional Learning Communities Network: LearnWest.

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The first kernel of a network began with a conversation between Peter Blunden, at the time Melton City Councils Lifelong Learning Officer and Diane Tabbagh, the newly appointed Coordinator Learning Community at Wyndham City Council. Diane and Peter both set about trying to locate the incumbents of similar roles in neighbouring Local Government Areas (LGA’s), a search made more challenging by the fact that many LGAs did not have Learning Strategies and/or dedicated Learning Community officers. By the end of 2015, the network’s ranks had swelled with the addition of colleagues from Brimbank, Hume, Maribyrnong, Moonee Valley, Darebin, and Hobson’s Bay.

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The Network initially met in person bi-monthly to share challenges, professional development, and experiences; and to seek out opportunities to use its collective impact to voice the shared lifelong learning goals to the broader community. With the support of Dr Shanti Wong, the Network first formulated its Terms of Reference in December 2015. Dr Shanti Wong, a member of Wyndham City Council’s Employment, Education and Training Portfolio Committee at the time, facilitated a discussion on the development of the network and stepped the group through some reflective questions using the Learning Communities Framework and Measuring Impact Toolkit, Vol 2.

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In formulating its Terms of Reference, the Network defined its role as one of supporting experienced and emerging Learning Community practitioners in the Western Metropolitan Region of Melbourne in a community of practice where lifelong learning drives an increase in the economic and social capacity of our communities and seeking opportunities to use collective impact to voice the shared lifelong learning goals to the broader community.

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Over the years, Network members have shared information on conferences attended; developed online learning directories; evaluated and developed Learning Strategies; and supported members in their application to join UNESCO’s Global Network of Learning Cities.

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In 2021, the Network collaborated on its first joint project: The Learning for Earning Festival, in response to community needs during the global COVID-19 pandemic. This project led to the development of a website for the Network and a closer working relationship between several of the Network members as the project was implemented.

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The evaluation of the 2021 Learning for Earning Festival led to the consolidation of the Network’s membership to include only active representatives: Wyndham, Melton, Brimbank, Hobson’s Bay and Maribyrnong councils. During the pandemic years, the Network’s meetings were held online. The shared project Learning for Earning Festival was repeated online in 2022, providing inspirational workshops aimed at supporting people gain knowledge in starting or changing careers, learn about dominant and emerging local industries and discover opportunities for the future.

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Since 2023, the Network’s shared project has been collecting and sharing lifelong learner stories. The development of a social media tile and the sharing of a question framework has led to a series of social media posts promoting and inspiring lifelong learners through each Network member Council’s respective social media page.

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In 2025, a slight rebranding of the Network to LearNWest reflected the addition of colleagues from Darebin and Hume Councils.

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Despite personnel changes, and the inability of some LGA’s to continue their involvement, the LearnWest network has continued to be an effective vehicle for sharing Learning Community experiences and professional development opportunities amongst the group in the west and north of Melbourne. Meetings take place three times per year, in a hybrid format.

If any local Councils are interested to join the Network, please contact wynlearn@wyndham.vic.gov.au