It is never too late to learn something new, and for Inverell’s Darren Finn, his journey is a powerful testament to the transformative impact of adult learning.
As a proud Kamilaroi man from rural NSW, Darren left school early and moved away from home to pursue sporting dreams, later becoming a World Martial Arts Champion and Australian Boxing Champion.
Despite his success, he felt a deeper calling to support his community.
Without formal qualifications, he worked wherever he could – in the local meat works, on building sites, even pushing trolleys.
Facing setbacks, including four rejections for a mentor role, Darren’s persistence paid off on his fifth attempt. But he needed Cert IV level education, which he first pursued online without success and then pursued Cert IV in Community Services through face-to-face learning at Inverell Community College.
With support from staff and peers, Darren earned his first qualification, igniting a passion for helping others access education and employment.
He has since completed multiple certificates, opened a not-for-profit martial arts and fitness centre for disengaged youth, and worked in disability support.
In 2018, he was named Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Student of the Year at the NSW State Training Awards.
Darren’s story is just one of many to celebrate this coming Adult Learners Week from September 1 to 8.
Now in its 30th year, everyone is invited to celebrate learning together and the ways adult learning brings people together, opens up new possibilities, and helps people and communities grow.
Kathleen Priestly, President of Adult Learning Australia, said that during this special anniversary, adult education providers across Australia will promote the diverse ways we learn together – in the classroom, community, paddock, kitchen and around the table.
“From growing food to growing potential, we want to celebrate the learning that nourishes our communities, fosters inclusion and connects us all,” she said.
Ms Priestley said that adult learning is about more than gaining knowledge.
“It’s about building confidence, making connections, and creating pathways to new opportunities, whether that’s further study, a new job, or a fresh start. It’s how people from all walks of life renew their futures and shape their own stories.”
This year’s Adult Learners Week will also “shine a light on the incredible learning happening outside our major cities – in rural towns, farming communities, and regional centres across the country. That’s why we’re launching this year’s celebrations in a regional area, to show that learning can happen anywhere and everywhere.”
In Australia today 44 per cent of adult Australians aged 15-74 have very low literacy skills, and 54 per cent have very low numeracy skill.
Meanwhile, 9.4 per cent of Australians remain highly digitally excluded, particularly people over 75 years of age, remote First Nations people, and those who did not complete secondary school.
And at a time when the workplace requires people to be better qualified, 1 in 5 young people are leaving school early.
However, progress is being made. Nearly 3.2 million people aged 15-74 years (16 per cent) are currently learning, with some 30 per cent studying at adult education or training institutions, 84 per cent of people who finished a non-school qualification in 2023 were employed in 2024, and 80 per cent of people with non-school qualifications are employed, compared to 58 pre cent without.
Students who completed foundation skills training alongside VET were 6 per cent more likely to gain employment, with 65 per cent of VET graduates reporting improved employment outcomes.
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