Despite weaknesses, community-based adult education is an example of local democracy at work. It can challenge forces that focus on material outcomes, strengthen the concept of community in a global age, and offer opportunities that meet the needs, values, and attitudes of those outside the mainstream. (SK)

As adult education in Australia becomes a priority, emphases have changed. Structure has also changed, as traditional providers of adult education have begun to adjust to changing political, economic, and social realities. Changes in community-based education have occurred as government involvement has provided more funds and begun to encroach on…

Liberal adult education in Victoria, Australia, takes its ideals, if not its form, from the pre-war university and Workers Education Association (WEA) partnerships: the university providing tutors and content, the WEA providing contact with unions and workers. Unique to Victoria is the level to which community-based adult education has been…

Addresses Australia's changing economic structure and the increasingly important role of adult education in rural economic development. Adult programs that positively impact rural development include training for employment, small business training, enterprise education, community awareness programs aimed at promoting understanding of how money…

To demonstrate program effectiveness and influence policy, adult and community educators must address the issues of relevance, visibility, and quality. In Australia, the status of adult and community education may be improved by a legislative inquiry and new legislative initiatives. (SK)

International challenges facing adult education point to a need for expanded provision, emphasizing work skills. Political and managerial challenges imply that adult and community educators need to collaborate to ensure appropriate resources. (SK)

Describes past and present economic and social conditions of rural Victoria (Australia). Discusses disadvantage and advantage in rural areas and the need for lifelong learning. Analyzes the policy development of the Country Education Project (CEP) and obstacles to the implementation of the CEP. Outlines challenges and issues for the organization.…