Media release

The program included 6 separate one-week blocks of in-person learning at TAFE NSW Dubbo, where students developed their interpersonal skills with peers in a face-to-face setting and built strong connections with local police officers, Elders, and communities.

IPROWD Project Officer Kylie Giusti said while the program developed the students’ teamwork, active listening, and conflict resolution skills, it was about more than academic skills.

“IPROWD goes well beyond classroom learning,” she said. “It’s about building pride, confidence, and visibility. Our students gain the skills and cultural resilience to step into roles where they can influence real change. They’re helping to build the next wave of Aboriginal leaders in policing and law enforcement.”

Between the face-to-face blocks at Dubbo, students diligently completed online coursework and assessments, receiving support from their nearest TAFE NSW campus. These include Armidale, Blacktown, Broken Hill, Dubbo, Greenleigh, Jerrabomberra, Kempsey, Newcastle, Orange, Tamworth, Rylstone, and Walgett.

Among the graduating cohort was Makayla Harte, a proud Ngunnawal woman currently living in Newcastle. She was recently accepted into the Australian Federal Police’s merit pool and is set to begin in a role at the organisation’s headquarters in Canberra in the new year.

“The Dubbo IPROWD program opened my eyes. I got a taste of every aspect of law enforcement, and it helped me figure out where I want to go,” Makayla said.

“I’m particularly interested in working in the AFP’s Special Investigations Command, which covers things like counter terrorism.”

“What’s also exciting is returning to Ngunnawal Country and knowing I’ll be in Canberra and reconnecting with community work there, that will be really powerful.”

Makayla said studying at TAFE NSW Dubbo provided a culturally safe and empowering environment to grow her skills and knowledge in law enforcement.

“Spending a week each month in Dubbo for the past six months has been incredible. The flexibility meant I could work and study at the same time,” Makayla said.

“Coming back into a classroom after finishing Year 10 was daunting, but it turned out to be even better than I expected. We weren’t just learning in a classroom; we were out on Country, meeting Elders, taking part in smoking ceremonies. That connection was invaluable.”

“I’ve learned so much more about myself as an Indigenous woman. Meeting with Elders and connecting with the Dubbo community has been life-changing. The knowledge you gain through IPROWD isn’t just academic; you discover things about yourself you didn’t even know.”

“I was unsure and lost within myself, but IPROWD opened the door to a whole new career.”

TAFE NSW Managing Director Chloe Read said IPROWD has a track record of delivering relevant skills to its students that are looked upon favourably by industry and community.

“Many of our IPROWD graduates have gone on to enjoy long, successful careers in law enforcement and justice-related fields, and in emergency and community services roles,” she said.

“The real strength of IPROWD lies in the culturally safe space it provides for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander students to express themselves and grow. This has been central to the program’s 16-year success. So far it’s supported around 1,200 students to develop the confidence and skills they need to follow pathways into law enforcement."

Media contact: Rob Virtue, TAFE NSW Communications Specialist, 02 7920 5000.

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