TAFE Gippsland

After losing his 19-year-old son, Alan Webb was overwhelmed by grief and anger, facing a possible prison sentence. Instead, he joined Wulgunggo Ngalu Learning Place — a culturally safe space for Aboriginal men — where he began healing through writing and cultural reconnection.
His poem The fire of knowledge, now displayed at TAFE Gippsland and Wulgunggo Ngalu, symbolises his transformation. Alan also took part in horticulture training and is now studying a Certificate IV in Professional Writing and Editing.
Supported by Wulgunggo Ngalu and TAFE Gippsland, Alan’s story shows the life-changing impact of culturally responsive education and support.

TasTAFE

A proud pakana man from nipaluna / Hobart, Harley Mansell works as a tour guide with wukalina Walk, a 4-day Aboriginal-owned guided cultural walk in north-east lutruwita / Tasmania.

Harley completed his Certificate III in Guiding at TasTAFE in 2024 and has become a strong advocate for VET within his community – but it took him a while to find this pathway.

“When I graduated from school back in 2005, I did a bit of cherry picking down in the Huon Valley,” Harley said. “A bit of factory work, a bit of trade work now and then… But I never really found my feet in my20s. Then I went back to TAFE in my 30s, and look at where it’s leading now – I’m doing good things.”

TAFE SA

TAFE SA training across the Anangu Pitjantjatjara Yankunytjatjara (APY) Lands, in the remote north-west of South Australia, is guided by the Pitjantjatjara Yankunytjatjara Education Committee (PYEC) and is helping Anangu develop practical skills in sectors such as health and construction which are being used to benefit local communities.

This training can include short courses, skill sets and qualifications, which are delivered at TAFE SA learning centres at Amata, Ernabella, Fregon, Indulkana, Kalka Pipalyatjara and Mimili by lecturers who live in the community.

Charles Darwin University

Skill shortages in remote areas means that something as simple as repairing a leaky tap can cost thousands of dollars.
A new program from Charles Darwin University, is offering people training in some of the skills that would otherwise require a contractor, who might have to travel hundreds of kilometres to provide services costing thousands of dollars.

The Northern Territory Government provided Charles Darwin University (CDU) funds to deliver in-community training to expand On Country skills at seven remote Community Hubs that service more than 20 remote communities.

TAFE NSW

The Koori Writing Group, is one of TAFE NSW Taree’s innovative programs. It’s having a positive impact on the lives of Aboriginal people by empowering them to share their stories in their own words and communication styles.
Through the Koori Writing Group, participants have the opportunity to write and publish their stories, capturing their unique experiences as Aboriginal people. These stories are then compiled into books, which are distributed to families, friends, and local TAFE NSW libraries.

TAFE NSW

Aunty Beth, a proud Gamilaraay and Wayilwan woman, has dedicated her life to the revival and teaching of Indigenous languages, profoundly influencing communities across north-western New South Wales.
Aunty Beth’s story began in Walgett, where she first learned Gamilaraay from her mother. Despite the risks and challenges of speaking the language during difficult times, she remained steadfast in her commitment to her cultural heritage. Her unwavering dedication to language and culture eventually led her to break new ground as the first Aboriginal language teacher employed by TAFE NSW in 2010.

TAFE Queensland

Proud Gamilaroi woman Selina Combite is dedicated to improving outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families through her work in child safety at ATSICHS Logan. With support from a partnership between ATSICHS and TAFE Queensland, Selina completed a Diploma of Child, Youth and Family Intervention, delivered in a culturally safe environment by inspiring trainer Deb Stephens.

The training built Selina’s confidence, formalised her skills, and equipped her to give families a stronger voice in the child safety system. Now focused on domestic violence prevention, Selina continues to channel her culture, compassion, and growing expertise to strengthen her community every day.

Susan goes from the musical stage to the magistrate’s court

Born in Korea and raised in Melbourne, Susan Lee spent 17 years in London with her husband before returning to Brisbane two years ago to be closer to family and give her children a better quality of life.

However, after struggling to find steady work as a musician, Susan decided to change career and pursue her interest in the legal profession.

“I have friends in the legal industry who shared insights on its job security and encouraged me to study a subject related to law. So, I decided to learn something that interests me as well as earn a steady income,” Susan explained.

Before enrolling to study the Certificate IV in Justice Studies (10971NAT), her husband discovered the course was funded by Fee-Free TAFE, which made her decision to go into the legal profession easier.

Susan is saving thousands of dollars by using Fee-Free TAFE funding to study for her legal career, which is part of the Queensland Government’s Good People. Good jobs: Queensland Workforce Strategy 2022–2032.

Nursing dream given new lease on life thanks to Fee-Free TAFE

After 20 years helping those in aged care, Tammara Cooper is taking her passion one step further by pursuing a Diploma of Nursing at CQUniversity.

Tammara has held a Certificate IV in Aged Care and worked in the industry in Rockhampton for many years, but thanks to the Queensland Government’s Fee-Free TAFE (FFT) program, the mature-age student has been able to pursue further training to become a nurse.

TAFETalks: Clean energy futures powered by TAFE

Thank you for attending TDA’s TAFETalks: Clean energy futures powered by TAFE If you could not attend or would like to re-watch, the recording is now available below. • Click here to view Shane Randall’s presentation• Click here to view Greg Mitchell’s presentation• Click here to view Shawn O’Sullivan’s presentation Twitter LinkedIn Facebook