The article first details how community education providers are unique in that they over-perform in reaching Australia's most vulnerable and disadvantaged learners. The article then outlines community education provider needs for infrastructure support, recognition of the sector and restoring the community education brand, proper VET funding, reversal of VET privatisation and marketisation, funding support for foundation skills and adult literacy, regional economic development and upskilling older workers. The article concludes with a plea for national leadership and a creation of a vision for the future of Australian VET.