Training program to put more Indigenous workers into communities

An award-winning training program in the South Burnett aims to put more Indigenous child protection workers into local communities.

The joint venture between the Southern Queensland Institute of TAFE and the Sunshine Coast Institute of TAFE is boosting recruits to community services (protective care) courses at Nurunderi TAFE campus at Cherbourg.

The program has just won the Department of Child Safety’s Building Queensland’s Regions Award at its annual Recognition of Excellence awards ceremony.

One of the first graduates of the Certificate IV in Community Services (Protective Care) is Judy Stanley, an Indigenous mother of six.

“My passion is for Indigenous women and children, and being the voice for them,” Ms Stanley said.

“If I can help one woman then the ripple effect has started.”

The program was generated when Department of Child Safety staff members saw a need for more qualified local employees to work in child protection within their own communities.

The Department brought together local educational institutions to help develop the training program.

Child Safety Minister Margaret Keech says the Department is actively encouraging more Indigenous people to train in child protection.

“Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander child protection workers are more easily able to establish relationships with parents in their own communities and gain their trust,” Mrs Keech said.

“Providing tailored training programs and improving access for Indigenous people is one of the ways the Bligh Government is improving child protection services.

“By boosting the number of Indigenous employees we can improve outcomes for at-risk children in indigenous communities.

“We need more role models like Judy to get involved in child protection within their communities, and encourage local people to ensure their communities are child friendly.”

As a single mother of six children, Judy completed the course while working part-time as a family and community support worker.

This often required studying until 3am, before beginning work the next morning. She has since begun working full time as a Project Officer for Cherbourg Healthy Pregnancies.

Judy is one of 10 graduates of the certificate course enrolled to begin a Diploma Course in Community Services later this year, also through TAFE, and hopes for a career in child protection.

“My passion is for Indigenous children and women, and that gave me the inspiration to work hard.”

The certificate course was developed with input from the Cherbourg community, particularly the Cherbourg Critical Incident Women’s Group.

Judy says her instructors were enthusiastic about including local knowledge and cultural sensitivities into the training program.

“Our teacher encouraged our feedback, and incorporated our views about various cultural issues that are important when dealing with indigenous families.”

 Media contact: Jo Crompton 3224 7081