Iris-Jean grows from strength to finalist

Iris-Jean is studying a Certificate III in Business (BSB30120) at TAFE Queensland, while undertaking a traineeship through the Cherbourg Aboriginal Shire Council that includes working part-time at the Cherbourg Digital Services Centre. 

Her commitment to training has seen her recognised as a finalist in the Aboriginal and Islander Student of the Year 2024 category in the Darling Downs South West region’s Queensland Training Awards, with the regional winners to be announced in July. 

Twenty-four years ago, Iris-Jean moved to the Cherbourg community to be closer to family and to raise her four daughters. 

“I have never looked back, being connected to the community both through blood and culture is important to me, but being a small community of just over 1200 people, there are limited job opportunities,” Iris-Jean said.

“I chose to study the Certificate III in Business because I wanted to be proficient in the latest technology as I felt this was lacking in my current skill set. As a mature-aged student, I felt that I may not be able to undertake the training, however, undertaking the traineeship I have been able to transfer the knowledge I learned at TAFE Queensland to my job at the call centre.

“The training has empowered me with new knowledge and skills which has improved my performance and job satisfaction.”

The Digital Services Centre is a pilot project with the Cherbourg Aboriginal Shire Council, Fujitsu Australia and the Department of Innovation, Tourism and Sport. 

The initiative is part of a three-year pilot program to support digital transformation in the Cherbourg community with the intention to grow and expand the service offering. 

The public-private partnership sees the Digital Services Centre staff gain on-the-job training while studying to achieve a Certificate III in Business (BSB30120) through TAFE Queensland.

With experience including trying to develop a community youth program a few years back, management team for the 2021 Australian census, teacher aide and working in community radio,  Iris-Jean has had a varied and successful career. 

“I am motivated and have always set goals for myself. Finishing this training and continuing to work in Cherbourg is a goal that I have set myself as I have no intention of leaving my community,” Iris-Jean said.

“My family and my community are important and I need to remember what I am doing is for the benefit of myself and my people. Having a strong support network helps me stay on task.”

 Iris-Jean is keen to share her journey with others and hopes to inspire people in the community.  

“My story of living and working in community shows young people there are always choices and the importance of education to improve your opportunities. I have the ability to connect with people from all backgrounds and age groups and I would like to use this opportunity to instil in people that life is what you make of it,” she said.

“As a mother of four young women, I have instilled a strong work ethic in my daughters. My daughters have watched me study and work and continue to learn. This is the legacy I want to leave my daughters and grandchildren.”

Iris-Jean is the first to admit that working and training, while keeping up with family and community commitments has not been easy, but a worthwhile investment. 

“The juggle with family, my health, work and study is not easy but I strive for progress not perfection. I have always been motivated to work to provide for my family and I use this motivation in my studies. My teacher has been generous with her time and has always encouraged me to ask for help. My teacher is as invested in my success as I am,” Iris-Jean said.

“I feel confident to use my new skills, particularly the technology skills gained. The training I have received has assisted me to develop personally and professionally.”

 The Cherbourg Digital Services Centre is now in its third year of operation, with similar centres, training and employment opportunities now in operation at Palm Island and Jumbun.