This year, Adult Learning Australia (ALA) celebrates 65 years as the national peak body for adult learning and community education in Australia. Since its establishment in 1960, ALA has played a central role in promoting access, equity, and lifelong learning across Australia’s diverse communities.
ALA has positioned adult education as a cornerstone of personal development, social inclusion, and community resilience. Over the decades, the organisation has worked to ensure that adults, particularly those who may have missed out on formal education, can access meaningful learning opportunities. Through advocacy, sector leadership, and collaboration with providers, ALA has supported the development of foundation skills, community-based education pathways, and inclusive learning environments.
To commemorate its 65th anniversary, ALA has adopted the theme: “Celebrating 65 Years of Excellence in Adult Education: Renewing Futures, Empowering Communities.” This theme reflects the organisation’s ongoing commitment to supporting both individual learners and the broader communities they are part of. Throughout 2025, ALA has put the spotlight on stories of achievement, examined the evolution of the adult education sector, and explored future directions and challenges. They also showcased 65 celebratory messages sent by politicians, current and past board members, partners, and supporters.
Insights from the CEO
Jenny Macaffer, who has led ALA as CEO for much of the past decade, shared her reflections on the organisation’s journey and the road ahead.
She noted the parallels between ALA and ACE Aotearoa, particularly in navigating a rapidly changing environment. Adaptability and preparedness, she said, are essential qualities for both organisations.
One of the key challenges ALA faces is maintaining financial and governance sustainability as a not for profit based organisation. Recruiting and retaining a skilled board without remuneration requires significant commitment from members, many of whom are from an older demographic. Engaging a new generation of leaders and broadening the organisation’s reach is a priority. Jenny also highlighted the ongoing tension between accredited and nonaccredited learning. While accredited programs often attract more funding, non-accredited learning plays a vital role in building skills, confidence, health and wellbeing and community capacity. Ensuring that this form of learning is recognised and supported remains a central issue for ALA.
Jenny emphasised the critical role adult learning and community education plays in supporting democratic participation. In an era where information is increasingly contested, education equips individuals with the tools to make informed decisions. She also highlighted the importance of accessible learning in remote and regional communities, where it fosters social connection and strengthens local networks.
Looking ahead, ALA is committed to ensuring adult learning and community education remains part of national conversations, particularly on pressing issues such as climate change and social equity. Jenny stressed the need for adult education to be included in policy discussions and decision-making forums.
Sustaining a National Voice
Despite having less than four full-time staff, ALA is a respected voice in the sector. The organisation has managed Adult Learners’ Week on behalf of the federal government for the past 30 years, a key initiative in promoting lifelong learning.
ALA also publishes an academic journal three times a year, focusing on research that places adult learning at its centre. In 2017, a special edition of AJAL highlighted the results of The Getting of Wisdom Exchange, a collaboration involving around 100 adult education practitioners and researchers from ten countries across Australia, New Zealand, Asia, and Europe. Experiences and knowledge were shared during three one-day conferences, including one held in Wellington, New Zealand, and the papers contributed to the special edition of AJAL that year.
ALA’s special edition for 2025 focuses on creative pedagogies in adult education and celebrates AJAL’s 65-year anniversary issue.
With increasing competition for funding and the rise of new online learning providers, ALA continues to evolve its delivery models and advocacy strategies.
Looking Forward
Strong relationships remain central to ALA’s work and Jenny invests considerable time in stakeholder engagement and networking, which has enabled the organisation to maintain a presence in key national forums. Notably, ALA was one of the few not-for-profit education bodies invited to the Australian Jobs and Skills Summit following the ALPs Australian federal election.
Despite current challenges, Jenny remains optimistic, seeing strength in the collective voice of adult learners. She believes that continued advocacy, along with education and lifelong learning, is essential for building a better, more inclusive future for all.
“We look forward to continuing our collaboration ‘across the ditch’ with our sister organisation, ACE Aotearoa, strengthening connections and sharing expertise in adult and community education,” says Jenny.