At the TAFE NSW Eora campus in Darlington, 22-year-old Barkindji woman Taela Douglass is close to breaking through a significant barrier, aiming to increase Indigenous representation in the Australian Federal Police, which stood at just 1.9% as of May 2022.
Pioneering Opportunities Through Education
For fifteen years, the Indigenous Police Recruitment Our Way Delivery (IPROWD) program at TAFE NSW’s Eora campus has been a crucial initiative helping Indigenous Australians like Taela Douglass pursue ambitious careers in law enforcement and justice services. Over a thousand individuals have benefited from this program, gaining the skills and support necessary for professional advancement and further education.
“The IPROWD program was honestly one of the best things I have done in my life,” said Taela. “They helped me find my voice and opened doors to opportunities that seemed beyond reach.”
A Dual Path of Learning and Leading
Taela is currently undertaking a dual role; she is a student at Western Sydney University, pursuing a Bachelor of Sociology in Criminal Community Justice, and also works at TAFE as an Aboriginal Learner Support. In her role at TAFE, she assists new students with their enrolment and course selections, and supports them in seizing employment opportunities.
“My ultimate goal is to join the detective unit within the Australian Federal Police,” Taela explained. She has successfully passed various stages of the AFP recruitment process, including psychometric tests and security vetting, with only the literacy and numeracy tests remaining.
Recognitions and Inspirational Role
Not only is Taela a participant in the IPROWD program, but she has also risen to become a mentor and role model within the community. Her efforts have earned her numerous accolades, including the ‘Career Pathways, Aboriginal Languages and Employment Skills Student of the Year’ at the TAFE NSW Gili Awards.
“I’m forever grateful to people like Aunty Pam and Tatum in the IPROWD program who took a chance on me. Working in this program is a privilege, and it feels like being surrounded by unconditional love,” Taela remarked.
A Community of Empowerment
The IPROWD program enriches its academic curriculum with physical fitness programs and community engagement projects, like boxing, which enhance the students’ readiness for police work. Aunty Pam Touma, the IPROWD Coordinator, underscores the importance of this comprehensive support system.
“Moving to Sydney can be daunting, especially when it’s the first time away from home for many of our students. The TAFE NSW Eora campus provides a culturally safe learning environment where students are embraced into the IPROWD and Eora family,” said Aunty Pam.
She added, “Watching our students grow in confidence and become role models within their communities has been incredibly rewarding. For me, IPROWD is more than just a course; it’s about seeing our students succeed and excel.”
About the IPROWD Program
Launched in 2008, the IPROWD program at TAFE NSW offers a 12-week intensive course aimed at preparing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students for careers with the NSW Police Force and the Australian Federal Police. The program’s curriculum covers communication, ethics, Aboriginal studies, and practical experiences like excursions to the NSW Police Academy. Additionally, it provides essential support to help students meet the physical fitness standards required for police recruitment.
Published 2-June-2024