Ella's journey to shaping the future care workforce in Roma
When Ella Moon first arrived in Australia from the United Kingdom, she was looking for a way to build a new career in a new country.
More than 20 years later, that decision has come full circle, with Ella now helping new healthcare professionals develop the skills needed to support their communities through her role as a teacher at TAFE Queensland's Roma campus.
Ella delivers the Certificate III in Individual Support (CHC33021) and the First Aid and CPR Skill Set (SSHLT0031), drawing on extensive industry experience across aged care, disability support, acute care, and nursing.
Her journey into the sector began when she completed her own individual support qualification in 2005 after relocating to Australia.
"My background in the UK had been in health and fitness," Ella explained.
"When I came to Australia, someone suggested studying aged care and disability. I started working in a residential aged care facility while I was studying and absolutely loved it."
Her passion for supporting others quickly led to a long and rewarding healthcare career. After completing her individual support qualification, Ella received a scholarship to study nursing through TAFE Queensland and went on to work as an Enrolled Nurse across aged care, disability support, hospitals, and agency nursing.
"Aged care was always my favourite setting to work in," she said.
"I really enjoyed supporting residents to stay active, healthy, and independent."
Earlier this year, Ella and her partner made the move from the Sunshine Coast to Roma after her partner accepted a teaching position at TAFE Queensland.
Ella initially joined the campus as a casual first aid trainer before successfully applying for her current teaching role.
The move has been a welcome lifestyle change.
"We're loving it here in Roma," Ella said.
"It was getting very busy on the Sunshine Coast, so it's nice to enjoy the slower pace. Roma is such a friendly, close-knit community and we've really enjoyed becoming part of it."
At TAFE Queensland's Roma campus, Ella teaches students locally while also supporting learners across the region through blended delivery.
Many of her Certificate III in Individual Support (CHC33021) students are based in Charleville, with classes delivered both face-to-face and online to ensure students can access training regardless of where they live.
She regularly travels to Charleville to conduct practical training and observations, helping students gain the hands-on skills and confidence needed to succeed in the workforce.
For Ella, one of the most rewarding parts of the role is helping students develop skills that make a real difference in their communities.
"There is such a need for skilled workers in aged care, disability support and health services across regional Queensland," she said.
"No matter the size of the community, people need access to quality care and support, and that's what our students will go on to provide."
Ella has also embraced the supportive culture at the Roma campus, describing the team as welcoming and collaborative.
"Everyone has been really supportive and willing to help," she said.
"As a new teacher, I'm still learning every day, and it's great knowing there are people both here in Roma and across the health faculty who are happy to share their knowledge and experience."
TAFE Queensland's Roma campus delivers training across a range of in-demand industries including aged care, agriculture, business, early childhood education and care, automotive, engineering, hospitality and first aid.
Students benefit from practical learning environments including aged care training facilities, a hospitality training kitchen, modern classrooms, nearby childcare services, and specialist trade facilities for metal fabrication, construction, and automotive training.