Walking together, learning together mentoring program

Thank you to everyone who joined us for the Walking together, learning together mentoring program, delivered by WorkUP Queensland and Heywood Consulting.

The six-month program was tailored for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander workers in the domestic and family violence, sexual assault, and women’s health sector. It focused on developing personal and professional skills and strengthening the First Nations and Torres Strait Islander workforce.

Informed by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander terms of reference that were designed by participants, the program shed light on the diverse range of skills, experience, and knowledge in the workforce. There were many robust conversations, and wonderful connections were strengthened.

The final sessions of the program opened with a Welcome to Country by Aunty Deborah Sandy, before participants reflected on what growing a committed, responsive, and resilient workforce means, and how workers can be supported to reach their full potential.

Participants, ranging from Cairns, Mackay, and South-east Queensland, took part in two face-to-face workshops over six months and four online workshops. Each mentoring pair developed their own schedule of regular meetings outside of group workshops, as they worked together to build their skills and move towards individual and shared learning goals.

“For me personally, working in the space in domestic and family violence, this was a great opportunity to take a breath and work on my personal goals, which I achieved, and my self-confidence in believing in myself has made this program successful for me.”

Jasmine from Far North Queensland

Thank you to everyone who attended, and for your commitment to maintaining connections and mentoring relationships into the future.

Watch this space for future programs in 2022.