Partnership boosts community service provider skills
Murri Watch Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Corporation staff have been equipped with nationally recognised TAFE Queensland qualifications to drive change in their communities.
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.
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.
From left to right, top row:
Natasha Rodrigues (Executive Assistant, Murri Watch), Barry Fisher (Board member, Murri Watch), Chris Sharpe (TAFE Queensland), Sean Dewar (TAFE Queensland), Natalie Garth, Kym Richards (TAFE Queensland), Ken Georgetown (Murri Watch CEO), Allah Lacey.
From left to right, bottom row:
Angela Costello, Jade Collins, Frances Watson, Deb Stephens (TAFE Queensland), Stephanie Bonney, Kristy-Lee Costello.
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.
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.