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On Thursday 30 October, we celebrated three of our staff members graduating courses run by the Victorian State Government.

We had Sharyn Jenkins (left, Specialist Family Violence Advisor) completed the Dhelk Dja: Safe Our Way program. This is an Aboriginal-led agreement to address family violence in Aboriginal communities, and commits Aboriginal services and government to work together and be accountable for ensuring Aboriginal people, families and communities are stronger, safer, thriving and free from family violence. 

We also had Karin McMillan (middle, Aboriginal Liaison Officer) and Kerrie Brown (right, Aboriginal Services Development Worker) complete the Barring Djinang Leadership Program. This is a leadership development and coaching program for First Nations employees to enhance their leadership capabilities. The program focuses on 'leadership in action' by connecting personal and professional development with real-life projects. Karin and Kerrie did AWH proud by presenting on their project "Nothing About Us Without Us In All Our Work". 

I was fortunate enough to attend and see the presentations for the day. There were some excellent presentations made, and a lot of hard work put in over the program which has been running since February. I understand the day culminated in a celebratory dinner, made more special by the dual celebration of the passing of the Statewide Treaty Bill.  I think these ladies deserve some recognition and congratulations from AWH.