New program for Indigenous health workers

Leroy Johnson, one of the first Indigenous Health Worker graduates

Indigenous health workers from across NSW are able to undertake career specific postgraduate training thanks to a new program established at Macquarie University.

The Postgraduate Certificate in Social Health (Indigenous Health Worker) provides an opportunity for those working in Indigenous communities to participate in a program that builds on existing knowledge and skills, and is appropriate for their cultural and community needs.

Why was the course established?

"The course was set up out of a need for specific training for Indigenous health workers who were already working in a health related field, but who perhaps had limited access to quality training and educational opportunities at postgraduate level," explains associate lecturer and course coordinator, Michelle Dickson.

People who have not completed any formal study also have the opportunity to participate in the course. "Those with no undergraduate qualifications are rich in life and work experience," says Dickson. "This certificate provides opportunities for students who have the skills but no formal recognition."

What the course provides

The course, which is delivered in a mixed on-campus off-campus mode, imparts an understanding and working knowledge of counselling skills, through theoretical and applied training. As many of the students work in drug and alcohol related roles there also is a specific focus on these issues.

Feedback

With the course still in its infancy, coordinators Dickson, Terry Widders and Daphne Hewson have been especially keen to receive feedback from their students.

"We spoke to students informally and formally during the first intake, making changes on the way," says Dickson. "Even today, we are constantly refining the course to meet student needs."

Course Participants

One of the first graduates of the Indigenous Health Worker Certificate was Leroy Johnson, Chief Executive Officer of the Oolong Aboriginal Corporation in Nowra. Oolong is a community controlled residential centre for Indigenous and non-Indigenous men with alcohol and drug problems.

"I think that this course is very positive for anybody to do, regardless of their cultural background," says Johnson. "I come from western NSW and grew up in small communities, and what I learnt whilst doing this course is that people and their stories are what is important. This course has also provided me with a clear pathway into further education and I am currently doing the Postgraduate Diploma."

To date, the course has attracted interest without advertising. The first graduating class had five students, the mid-year intake for 2004 accepted ten students, and first semester 2005 has seen twelve students enrol.

Scholarships

Thanks to funding from the Alcohol Education Rehabilitation Foundation (AERF), the Department of Psychology and Warawara - Departmenrt of Indigenous Studies at Macquarie University have been able to offer a number of scholarships. These scholarships cover travel, accommodation and fees making the course even more attractive for both the student and their employer.

Outcomes

"The course provides students with a greater sense of confidence in what they are already doing," Dickson says. "It's putting a term or method on a common practice that they are already familiar with. It also presents students with the ability to further pathways of study and therefore further professional development."

For further information contact Dickson via email: michelle.dickson@mq.edu.au

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