Tell us what you think Wollongong as a learning city could look like

Image: Meet Dylan. He's a lifelong learner. Dylan is learning how to cook. The first thing he made 'by himself' were cookie cats a few years ago.

We’re calling for feedback from our community on what they think Wollongong as a learning city could look like.

Wollongong City Council is working to make our city a member of the UNESCO Global Network of Learning Cities, but before we get started, we want to ask our community what they value about lifelong learning.

Read more in our media release:’ What could a learning city look like for Wollongong?’

“Lifelong learning is the idea that we don’t stop learning once we leave the classroom. Instead, we continue to learn in a variety of ways, every day of our lives,” Wollongong City Lord Mayor Councillor Gordon Bradbery AM said.

“We know that communities who value learning and have networks of learning connections are more resilient. When you think about the upheaval of the COVID-19 pandemic and recent flooding events, it’s clear how importance resilience can be for communities.

“As a city which values innovation, we want to continue to play a leading role in promoting lifelong learning to our community. Our libraries, youth services, Art Gallery, sporting facilities and more all work towards supporting lifelong learning in different ways.

“So, in many ways, this project isn’t us re-inventing the wheel, it’s about looking at what our city already does well and discovering the gaps or opportunities that Council could play a role in.”

What we want to do is to collaborate with community organisations, service providers, not-for-profit organisations and education providers who are already doing great work in this space, to develop a Learning City Plan. This Plan will set out a vision, objectives and actions for Wollongong as a learning city.

That’s why we’re calling for feedback from our community on what they imagine Wollongong as a learning city would look like.

“We want to know what you value about learning. What do you think is important and are there any areas you think we should focus on?” Cr Bradbery said.

“Becoming an UNESCO learning city takes time and thought as it requires us to consider the unique learning needs of our community. Each UNESCO learning city is different because each community has different needs and aspirations.”

You can submit feedback and learn more about the project by visiting the Our Wollongong website or by accessing hardcopy information at Wollongong City Libraries.

Feedback is open until Monday 9 August 2022.

Read more and get involved in this project by visiting the Our Wollongong website

You can submit feedback by:

• Emailing Council
• Visiting the Our Wollongong website
• Calling (02) 4227 7111
• Or in writing to: Engagement, Wollongong City Council, Locked Bag 8821 Wollongong DC 2500.