Media Release

The TAFE NSW Dubbo program was delivered through a block release model. This made it more accessible to students from regional and remote communities across NSW. Students completed six one-week blocks of face-to-face learning on campus. During this time, they strengthened their interpersonal skills alongside their peers and built connections with local police officers, Elders and the wider community.

Between the face-to-face blocks at Dubbo, students completed online coursework and assessments. They received support from their nearest TAFE NSW campus, including Mullumbimby, Dubbo, Lake Cargelligo, Gillieston Heights, Bonville, Narromine, Ballina and Cowra.

IPROWD Project Officer Kylie Giusti said while the program gave students practical skills, it also helped build their confidence.

“IPROWD is about so much more than what happens in the classroom. It’s about seeing our students recognise their own strengths, build confidence, and be proud of who they are and what they can achieve,” Ms Giusti said.

“We want our students to walk away from IPROWD knowing they not only have something valuable to contribute to community, but that they have the skills, cultural strength, and confidence to make a real difference in policing and law enforcement.”

Among the graduating cohort was Kolarah Newman, a proud Wiradjuri and Wailan woman from Dubbo. After graduating from school in 2025, she decided to give IPROWD a go to explore if joining the police force was right for her.

“I’ve always had a passion for joining the police force - mainly so I can help make change. I feel our mob are not always treated right and have always been looked down on. Throughout IPROWD I have met many people within communities and received an insight of how they want to make a change, which has inspired me more,” Kolarah said.

“A big lesson IPROWD has taught me is that anything is possible. It’s given me the opportunity to discover many pathways within the police force, which will help me decide the specific career I want to go into.

“Enrolling in IPROWD was the best decision I’ve made for myself; it’s been truly life changing."

“I am proud to have met such amazing people along the way, and am proud to be a role model to not only my younger family, but all young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.”

TAFE NSW Managing Director Chloe Read said over the course of its history, IPROWD has made a significant impact on the lives of students and their communities.

“IPROWD is a terrific example of the power of education in action, not only in providing students with the skills they need to pursue their goals, but also in helping them develop as people,” Ms Read said.

“More than 1,200 students have participated in IPROWD since it began, with many going on to have successful and meaningful careers in policing and law enforcement.

“Having met the graduating students from this IPROWD cohort, I’m confident their paths ahead will be full of success. I congratulate them on their academic achievements, and for the way they’ve embraced this opportunity to develop their confidence, sense of self, and connection to Culture.”

Find out more about the IPROWD program at tafensw.edu.au/programs/iprowd.

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

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