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The new TAFE New South Wales (NSW) - South Western Sydney Institute (SWSI) Construction Faculty was successful in its application for 2005 Reframing the Future funding of a sub-program in 'Effective Networking', which has been named CAVN (Construction Assessment Validation Network). The project is designed to create a sustainable network connection between assessors delivering five different training packages. The project is hosted by SWSI and includes stakeholders from several other Sydney-based institutes, regional institutes and relevant industry associations who will form the nucleus of a NSW state-wide assessor network aimed at improving the quality and consistency in assessment for construction. NAVAL is an acronym for Network Assessment Validation Assessor Leaders. This group was formed from the Community Services faculty, SWSI to further develop assessment validation across the faculty. The group represents Children's Services, Nursing, Welfare, Sport and Recreation, Hairdressing, Beauty Care and Aged Care. The group identified three main priorities: (1) a consistent assessment validation process; (2) development of an assessment bank; (3) training of staff.

The authors outline the operation of the STEPS Mobile Literacy Mentoring program which targets marginalised families who are in danger of not making use of the usual range of community support services. The program took place in the Riverina area and involved partnerships between several agencies. The program is having positive outcomes in the areas of developing community partners and community capacity building.

The national Skill Ecosystem Project is a Department of Education Science and Training (DEST) funded project established to encourage new and innovative approaches to skill development and training. Skill ecosystems: (1) build collaboration and cross industry momentum; (2) prepare individuals to build on divergent thinking and to develop employee capacity, new products, services and businesses; (3) look beyond traditional approaches to partnerships and learning to facilitate innovation and sustainability of industry and regions; (4) foster innovative partnerships between VET sector, industry and regions to effectively meet industry needs and demands; (5) aim at boosting longer-term economic growth and productivity.

With technology there is no finishing line. Innovations continually challenge us to higher levels of achievement. Technology adds leverage to make teaching and learning more effective. The down side is that teachers are overwhelmed with claims and demands to try new and unfamiliar pedagogy. There is little time to examine them, let alone learn how to implement them successfully. What can a teacher do to stay afloat? 'Give a man fish; you have fed him for today. Teach a man to fish; and you have fed him for a lifetime'. Similarly: 'Show one technology to a teacher; you have satisfied him for today. Train a teacher to manage technology and he will be empowered'. TeacherSmart is a tool to simplify preparation of online lessons. It enables teachers with basic computer skills to create engaging and up to date teaching and learning resources. Expert teachers and 'Mavericks' use the same tools to autonomously build active and vibrant learning communities and networks. Teachers with all levels of experience contribute to TAFE innovation networks to exchange ideas with peers and learn from each other. TAFE innovation networks further empower teachers to incorporate new technologies and practices for the benefit of students and the entire organisation.

Twenty six small communities and 260 community leaders from across South Australia participated in comprehensive research on what makes a successful community. Social capital was used as a measure of success, and the research explored the dynamic relationships and processes operating in communities across the state. Statistical modelling techniques of PLSPATH and HLM have provided two models and levels of community operation. The models demonstrate the direct relationship between informal learning, leadership and interaction in building successful communities.