TORRES NEWS THURSDAY 13 JULY 2023
NEWS & CLASSIFIEDS 11 Disability support workforce expanded My Pathway’s 40-strong Disability Supports workforce in the Torres Strait is growing in strength and numbers with the addition of specialist trainer Cheryl Archer to the team. The established My Pathway Disability Supports team supports participants on Thursday, Badu, Saibai, Masig, Moa and Poruma (Coconut) islands. My Pathway acting Disability Supports operations manager Shariel Cassar said Cheryl brought a wealth of experience to the role. “Cheryl brings more than a decade of nursing and aged care experience to our program and added to this, her previous experience as a TAFE nursing trainer makes her the perfect addition to our team,” she said. “We are so excited to have her join us, delivering contextualised training face-to-face and alongside our Torres Strait Islander support worker’s daily roles.” Cheryl will travel to Thursday Island regularly over the next twelve months to deliver the accredited Certificate 3 in Individual Support to a significant number of people, growing their skills and mentoring them to achieve the nationally recognised certification. As a My Pathway NDIS Mentor and Trainer, Cheryl said her passion for remote communities, and for helping empower people to care for others,
In a drive to enhance employability skills for staff and jobseekers of Meriba Ged Ngalpun Mab (MGNM) Training and Programs Manager Jillian Bowie organised First Aid, CPR and Working at Heights training on Erub recently. Occupational Skills Centre Australia (OSCA) Trainer Gavin Dicinoski said participants showed tremendous enthusiasm and dedication throughout the training, recognising it as a crucial step toward boosting their skills. He said acquiring current First Aid, CPR and Working at Heights certificates meant they were equipped with transferrable skills and qualifications to secure future positions within various industries. Mr Dicinoski said he was highly impressed by the commitment displayed by each participant and that training and its potential in today’s job market was important.
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Cheryl Archer discusses a course outline with Support Worker Elsie Bon. Pic supplied. came from her formative years as a nurse in Lockhart River. “As a young immigrant nurse, I took my first job in a place I had never heard of before, Lockhart River,” she said. “In the two-and-a-half years I was there I became part of the community and saw the opportunity to help bridge the gap between the community and healthcare. “This role developed my passion for helping people in remote communities to upskill and I want to use my experience now to empower people to look after those around them. “I learnt so much about the benefits of care being provided by local people to members of their own community. “So when this role came up
with My Pathway I jumped at the opportunity, I really like our model of employing local teams to care for members of their own communities.” Shariel said program staff were excited about the addition to their team and the impact it would have. “We can’t wait to see how this new training approach helps to develop the skills and proficiency in our awesome Torres Strait Islander workforce, creating sustainable careers that will have a lasting impact in the region,” she said. To find out more about My Pathway Disability Supports, including ways to get involved, please speak to Torres Strait Team Leader Laura Shone or Senior Support Worker Mawath Seriat at the Douglas St office.
Employability skills take a leap on Erub thanks to MGNM training workshops BY JERMAINE BAKER
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“This training not only prepares them for emergency situations but also demonstrates their dedication towards ensuring a safe and secure work environment,” Mr Dicinoski said. “Employers value candidates with up-to-date First Aid and CPR certifications, as it showcases their commitment to personal development and prioritising the welfare of others.” Sessions covered a wide range of emergency scenarios and prepared the individuals to respond promptly and effectively,
with an emphasis on communication skills, teamwork, and problemsolving abilities - all of which would greatly benefit them in various work settings. Jobseekers expressed their satisfaction with the program, noting its valuable impact on their employment prospects. “Completing such training gives us an edge in the competitive job market,” they said. “We now have a tangible qualification that demonstrates our commitment to providing a safe and secure working environment.” They thanked OSCA
for bringing training out to their community. “Training and upskilling is a vital part of empowering communities if we want to create sustainable change,” Ms Bowie said. “It is not always viable to transport and accommodate the amount of interested participants we have in community to Waiben or the mainland for Training. “Bringing training to community is the best solution.” She said it was not the first time OSCA had worked in collaboration with MGNM. “It is only the beginning to a valued partnership of shared vision,” she said. Ms Bowie said MGNM was dedicated to pursuing professional development opportunities that would better lives and contribute positively to local workforces. “Their motivation sets an inspiring example for those seeking employment,” she said.
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