This booklet explains the features and benefits of learning communities and summarizes Australia's experience with them. Part 1 traces the history of learning communities from the 1970s through the present, presents several definitions of the term "learning community," lists reasons for becoming a learning community, and explains the importance of cultivating diversity when establishing learning communities. Part 2 discusses the following key attributes of a learning community: (1) encourages lifelong learning; (2) promotes social cohesion; (3) builds partnerships; (4) provides learning opportunities for all; (5) encourages economic revival; (6) provides information; and (7) provides forums for discussion. Part 3 profiles the following Australian learning communities: Albury/Wodonga (New South Wales); Ballarat (Victoria); Mawson Lakes (South Australia); Salisbury West (South Australia); and Launceston (Tasmania). Each profile contains information on the learning community's key players, the partnerships they formed, and the learning community's benefits and future. Part 4, which is intended to serve as a tool in planning and checking the progress of local learning communities, presents questions covering the following broad areas: skills and attitudes for the job; defining the job; integrated organization; inclusive; communication; feedback; key learning needs; assessing progress; value for money; and learning from others. Part 5 lists 45 resources. (MN)