Left to Right: Program coordinator Pietrina Dewaal, Support workers Cameron Nipper, Olivine Solomon, Team leader Farzana Woibo, support workers Georgette Woibo, Bryce Deemal, Senior program coordinator Shariel Cassar, support worker Vonetta Ware and Trainer Cheryl Archer at the graduation. (Not pictured Michele Dunn).
Thirteen Hope Vale and Wujal Wujal support workers have attained formal qualifications and support skills that provide a robust foundation for their developing careers in the support sector.
For more than a year, Our specialist Disability Supports trainer Cheryl Archer has been travelling regularly to Hope Vale to deliver tailored face-to-face training to support workers from the Cook region. Seven dedicated employees have progressed steadily through all five units of competency to complete their “Induction to Disability Support Skillset” while also continuing to provide care to their clients and community. These seven outstanding workers were celebrated with a graduation ceremony in Cooktown last week.
The skillset is designed to provide the ideal foundation for a long-term career in support services, and any units achieved can count towards a certificate level qualification in Individual supports. The new qualifications show these support workers have the skills and knowledge to continue to provide place-based, culturally centred care to their community, or even to explore roles in the sector elsewhere, should they aspire to move further afield.
Cheryl said the group had been fantastic to work with and very keen to learn.
“Everyone has been absolutely amazing to teach, each visit they have been ready to engage with the training and are clearly very passionate about their roles” she said.
Hope Vale Team Leader Farzana Woibo with Program Coordinator Pietrina Dewaal and Trainer Cheryl Archer.
Disability Supports Hope Vale team leader Farzana Woibo said some of the staff members graduating the training had not attempted accredited training before, but that the support Cheryl provided had helped everyone to thrive.
“Cheryl really went above and beyond to support our team and break down the information to us, so we could understand, she said.
“The training helped grow our staff to understand even more about support work, everything from assisting clients with daily living activities to working with health providers and lots more.
“It has really helped me to grow in my role as Team Leader.”
As with other My Pathway training, the units of competency were specifically tailored for delivery in the remote community. Featuring custom PowerPoints and worksheets, small group learning design and a timeframe that allowed skills to develop and be regularly practiced while working with clients.
“I really tried to bring the training back to the work they are doing in Hope Vale and Wujal Wujal, building on the strengths they were already demonstrating, Cheryl said.
“The graduates should all be so proud of their achievements, some have overcome some really significant barriers to earn these qualifications.
“I can’t wait to see what they go on to achieve with them.”
This story was published in the Cape York Weekly on Monday 26 May 2025.