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Media Release
TAFE NSW Dubbo and Eora | 20 April 2026
IPROWD students connect with community and police in western NSW
‘This pilot excursion is an exciting opportunity for our students to step beyond the classroom and continue their learning on Country and in community’
Kylie Giusti, IPROWD Project Officer
A group of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students from the TAFE NSW IPROWD (Indigenous Police Recruitment Our Way Delivery) program will tour regional and remote areas of the state this week as part of a pilot cultural exchange initiative.
The IPROWD Western NSW Cultural Learning Excursion will give 23 students the opportunity to connect with several Aboriginal communities and police officers while gaining first-hand insight into local policing.
Established 17 years ago, IPROWD is a culturally tailored course that supports Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students in building the skills, confidence, and knowledge to pursue careers in the justice system, including with the NSW Police Force and the Australian Federal Police.
Since IPROWD began, more than 1,200 students have participated, with many going on to build successful and meaningful careers in law enforcement and community roles.
TAFE NSW is delivering the program at TAFE NSW Dubbo and TAFE NSW Eora in Redfern during semester one, with additional cohorts scheduled to be offered later in the year at Kurri Kurri and Nowra. The Dubbo and Redfern students are the ones lucky enough to be participating in the pilot.
IPROWD Project Officer Kylie Giusti said the tour is the first of its kind for the program.
“This pilot excursion is an exciting opportunity for our students to step beyond the classroom and continue their learning on country and in community,” Kylie said.
“It will help them develop a deeper understanding of the social, cultural, and historical context of policing in Aboriginal communities. By spending time in communities that represent both the origins and the ongoing legacy of Aboriginal resilience, leadership, and connection to Country, the tour will strengthen the cultural competence of both students and staff.”
Over the week, the tour group will travel from Dubbo to Bourke, Brewarrina, Walgett, Goodooga, and Lightning Ridge. The group includes TAFE NSW Managing Director Chloe Read and support staff, plus other stakeholders and partners.
They will experience cultural visits, storytelling with Elders, and engage with local Aboriginal police officers, including past IPROWD graduates. The goal is to deepen participants’ understanding of Aboriginal histories, build awareness of community challenges and strengths, enhance connection to Country, culture and identity, and reinforce the origins and impact of the IPROWD program across western NSW.
Students will also spend time at the TAFE NSW campus in each town to continue their studies and participate in fitness training at PCYCs.
“IPROWD brings together students from many Aboriginal nations across NSW. Some are familiar with city living, while others have grown up in regional communities,” Kylie said.
“This excursion creates a shared experience where students can learn from each other, strengthen their cultural knowledge, and build connections with Elders, community, and police across western NSW.”
Media contact: Rob Virtue, TAFE NSW Communications Specialist, 02 7920 5000.
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