A decade of achievement: Aboriginal health education program producing the next generation of leaders

Jarred Cross Published December 8, 2025 at 5.35pm (AWST)

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In 10 years, 50 per cent of TAFE and Joint Colleges Training Services tailored Diploma of Practice Management for Aboriginal Medical Services graduates have gone on to senior roles at ACCHOs. Image: Aboriginal Regional Aboriginal Health Service.

In the past decade, a TAFE NSW Aboriginal health training program has seen close to 200 graduates. More than 50 per cent have moved into senior roles at Aboriginal Community-Controlled Health Organisations.

The collaborative TAFE and Joint Colleges Training Services tailored Diploma of Practice Management for Aboriginal Medical Services recently celebrated its 10th anniversary.

"Facilitating study by AMS staff, the face-to-face and online-mixed program has helped sector workers as classmates learn both from one another and the TAFE teachers," graduate Cherie Forgoine said.

Ms Forgoine completed the program in 2017.

She's now executive officer of Dubbo Aboriginal Medical Service, part of CTG Aboriginal Health covering the state's west and far-west.

"The training really helped me understand what was expected of me as a Practice Manager and gave me the confidence to step into leadership roles. It taught me to think more strategically. To look at how contracts, KPIs, and planning all work together to deliver better health outcomes for our communities," Ms Forgione said.

For regional and remote-based students, the federal government's Away from Base program covers the cost of travel, food and accommodation to ensure their studies.

Over 190 students have completed the course since 2015.

*TAFE and Joint Colleges Training Services tailored Diploma of Practice Management for Aboriginal Medical Services 2025 graduates. (Image: supplied, TAFE NSW)*

The program delivers learning tailored to reflect real scenarios in services - including the management side of a practice, like recruitment risk management and planning.

TAFE NSW said it strengthens the 'pipeline' of Aboriginal health leaders, practice managers, chief executives and board members.

"By supporting the development of skills and qualifications of Aboriginal health staff, this program is helping to build a strong pipeline of leaders who are shaping the future of Aboriginal healthcare," TAFE NSW Aboriginal engagement and student support general manager Natalie Wilcock said.

Joint Colleges Training Services (JCTS) delivers cultural education and training for GPs Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Service sector nationally.

"It's great to see the students achieving significant outcomes, not only in their own professional development, but also for the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities they work and live in. The role of the practice manager is vital in ACCHOs practices, and this unique course provides them with an additional level of confidence to perform their role as practice managers to the highest standard," JCTS general manager Anthony Paulson said.

NSW Minister for Skills, TAFE and Tertiary Education Steve Whan said the Diploma of Practice Management for Aboriginal Medical Services "is a strong example of how culturally responsive education and training can deliver long-term benefits for communities".

He added the support is helping bolster community-led healthcare in NSW.