From the Torres Strait to the frontline

Margarita Abednego-Muhamad from Thursday Island (Waiben) was one of 12 graduates of the First Nations Pathways to Policing Program, a 24-week course delivered at TAFE Queensland’s Cairns campus in collaboration with Queensland Police Service (QPS), Australian Border Force (ABF), and the Australian Federal Police (AFP).

The program is design ed to prepare First Nations students for a career in law enforcement, developing skills in conflict resolution, teamwork, digital literacy, and critical thinking.

For Margarita, the journey has been about more than just training – it’s about changing perceptions.

“Growing up, law enforcement wasn’t always seen in a positive way,” she said. “But joining this program and seeing what it’s really like has changed my perspective. I want to be part of that change and show my community that policing is about helping people.”

The course gave Margarita firsthand experience of life on the frontline, including a visit to the Townsville Police Academy, where she trained alongside police recruits and toured different stations.

“Going to the Academy was a big eye-opener,” she said. “We got to see how everything works, sit in on classes, and even try some of the physical training. It made me even more excited to join.”

Margarita’s TAFE Queensland teacher, Janus Gronvald, said the program is about building confidence and creating pathways.

“This group of students has been amazing to teach,” Mr. Gronvald said. “Margarita and her classmates have grown so much in just 24 weeks. They’ve worked hard, stepped out of their comfort zones, and embraced every challenge. They’re ready for the next step.”

The program also focuses on culture and identity, ensuring students feel strong in who they are as they step into law enforcement roles.

“We had guest speakers come in from QPS, AFP, and ABF, including First Nations officers, which was really inspiring,” Margarita said. “It showed us that there are opportunities out there for us.”

With her Certificate III in Vocational and Study Pathways for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander People (11036NAT) now complete, Margarita is preparing to take the QPS Australian Council for Educational Research (ACER) test and hopes to join the Service’s dedicated First Nations intake in October.

“I always thought I wanted to join AFP, but after going to Townsville and seeing the academy, I changed my mind,” she said. “QPS is closer to home, and I’d love to work in my community.”

TAFE Queensland Executive Director, Education and Training, Leanne Bell, praised Margarita and her fellow graduates for their dedication.

“This program is about breaking barriers and creating real opportunities for First Nations people in law enforcement,” Ms. Bell said. “Margarita and her classmates have worked hard, and they are now stepping towards careers that will make a difference in their communities. We are incredibly proud of them.”

For Margarita, the motivation is simple – she wants to help people.

“I just want to create a better environment for the next generation,” she said. “This program has given me the skills and confidence to do that.”

Her advice to others thinking about joining the program?

“Just do it,” she said. “You won’t regret it."