Partnership boosts community service provider skills

The cohort completed a Certificate III in Community Services (CHC32015) or Diploma of Community Services (CHC52025), developing practical skills to support people, build safer communities and grow their careers in the sector.

Established in 1991, the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Corporation (Murri Watch) is a not-for-profit organisation supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and communities through culturally connected, trauma-informed and healing-focused services.

TAFE Queensland's Commercial Contracts team worked with Murri Watch to deliver training tailored to its workforce, helping staff gain nationally recognised qualifications while continuing their important work in the community.

Murri Watch CEO Ken Georgetown, an Ewamian and Bigambul man, said the qualifications represented an investment in the organisation's people and the communities they support.

“As an Indigenous CEO, I see these qualifications as an investment in our people and the future of Murri Watch. Education allows our staff to build their knowledge, gain recognised qualifications and grow their confidence as professionals. It also recognises the cultural knowledge, lived experience and commitment they bring to their work.”

“For our communities, this means having qualified staff who can relate to our people, understand their circumstances and provide culturally safe support. For Murri Watch, it strengthens our workforce and our ability to deliver quality services while meeting our responsibilities to community and funders.”

Mr Georgetown said the training would help staff combine their cultural understanding with practical skills to strengthen the services Murri Watch provides.

“The training will help our staff combine their cultural understanding with practical skills to respond to the needs of individuals and families. It will strengthen how they communicate, identify needs, make referrals and support people through challenging circumstances.”

“It will also build their understanding of data, record-keeping and compliance. Understanding what information to collect, why it matters and how to record it accurately helps us identify service gaps, improve our programs and demonstrate the difference our work makes.”

“As CEO, I want our staff to feel supported and capable, with the education and skills to provide services our communities can trust.”

Community Services Teacher Deb Stephens said the program recognised both the knowledge participants already brought to their roles and the value of aligning their skills with industry standards.

“Participants understood the broader significance of the training beyond simply meeting compliance requirements,” Deb said.

“They were highly engaged and motivated by the knowledge that aligning with industry standards helps ensure the organisation remains well-positioned to secure ongoing funding and continue providing essential support services to the community.”

“Their passion for their work, combined with a commitment to continuous improvement, made for a highly positive learning environment and highlighted the important role Murri Watch plays in supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and their families,” she said.

The training was delivered flexibly across Queensland, with South East Queensland students studying on-site at Murri Watch's South Brisbane location and North Queensland students joining remotely through Microsoft Teams and Zoom.

“Despite being hundreds of kilometres from campus, our online students never feel disconnected from the classroom,” Deb said.

“They can engage, raise ideas, challenge them and work through problems together. They are still part of the class.”

The students developed foundation skills in communication, working with diverse people and managing workplace stressors, strengthening the skills needed to take on greater responsibility and progress their careers.

For Brisbane Diversionary Centre Senior Support Worker Jade Collins, a Goreng Goreng woman who completed a Certificate III in Community Services (CHC32015), the course was an important reminder that she could continue learning and progressing her career.

“It gave me the confidence that I can study again and taught me to understand and relate to people and their situations,” Jade said.

“I believe now that I can do it and it gives me opportunities to progress in my career.”

Murri Watch General Manager Kristy-Lee Costello, a Wakka Wakka woman who completed a Diploma of Community Services (CHC52025), said the course strengthened her knowledge and confidence after 14 years with the organisation.

“The course strengthened my knowledge and reinforced my confidence in the work I do at Murri Watch. Although I have worked with the organisation for 14 years, it provided a valuable opportunity to reflect on my experience, build on my skills and gain fresh insights.”

“It has given me renewed confidence in my ability to support the community and contribute effectively in my role.”

Kristy-Lee said the qualification also provided a foundation for her to continue learning.

“It is a stepping stone towards further education, giving me the confidence and foundation to continue learning.”

Deb said formal qualifications and practical or lived experience work best together in community services.

“It is important for community services workers to have both formal qualifications and lived experience because each provides different skills and knowledge that are essential for supporting individuals, families and communities effectively,” she said.

“When workers combine education with hands-on experience, they are more capable of identifying client needs, developing appropriate support plans and connecting people with relevant services.”

She said the impact of the qualifications would reach beyond the graduates themselves.

“We hope these qualifications will create lasting benefits for both the graduates and the communities they serve,” Deb said.

“For the graduates, gaining nationally recognised qualifications strengthens their professional knowledge, skills and confidence, while opening pathways for career progression and further learning.”

“More importantly, the impact extends beyond individual career development. These qualifications help ensure Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people receive high-quality, culturally responsive support from trained and knowledgeable professionals.”

Murri Watch's purpose centres on building evidence-based operations and policy that support cultural connection, belonging and kinship care through trauma-informed, healing-focused leadership.

Through this work, Murri Watch aims to reduce incarceration and homelessness while supporting the goal of zero deaths in custody across Queensland.

By partnering with organisations like Murri Watch, TAFE Queensland delivers practical, industry-connected training that helps them build skills as they continue their vital community work.

The partnership is strengthening communities through education and helping students build confidence, capability and career pathways.

Now qualified, Murri Watch graduates will continue to make a difference for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and communities across the state.