In the Pilbara, MacKillop is investing in a home‑grown workforce through an innovative qualification pathway that is transforming opportunities for Aboriginal staff and strengthening the future of local service delivery.
The initiative began in late 2022 when Pilbara Manager Natasha Bargeus identified a need to support both new and existing staff to gain formal, nationally recognised qualifications aligned to their roles. With a strong commitment to Aboriginal employment and workforce development, Natasha partnered with the local TAFE and used MacKillop’s study‑leave provisions to help staff enrol in courses such as Certificate III in Community Services, Certificate IV, Diploma of Community Services and the Diploma of Counselling.
For many staff, these courses provide the first formal qualification they have ever undertaken. “Our Aboriginal staff already bring an invaluable qualification in culture,” Natasha says.
We draw on their cultural expertise every day, and we absolutely see Aboriginality as a qualification. This pathway simply allows them to add more tools to their toolkit.
The first cohort of Jess, Maddie and Rochelle, recently graduated, some completing two qualifications. Their achievements are proudly displayed on a “graduation wall” at the office, featuring photos of anyone who has completed study while working with MacKillop. Natasha even bought a graduation gown and cap so each student can celebrate their milestone in style.
The impact reaches far beyond the workplace. Several staff have shared that they are now the most highly qualified person in their family, an accomplishment that sets a powerful example for their children and their community. “This is generational change,” Natasha says. “It’s role modelling. It’s creating opportunities that last a lifetime.”
Study sessions began informally, with Natasha running weekly lunchtime support groups and later opening the office on weekends for staff who preferred to study together. With nearly all Pilbara staff now enrolled in some form of study, unless they already hold higher‑level qualifications, the region has embraced a genuine learning culture.
The program also extends across all MacKillop Pilbara locations, including Karratha, Newman and Onslow and integrates with the region’s strong social work student placement program.
For MacKillop’s Director in Western Australia, Kellie Goes who is fully behind the initiative, supporting staff to study isn’t an add‑on; it’s a passion. “The results are clear: staff are gaining knowledge, stepping into promotions and strengthening the local community through skills that stay in the region even if their career path eventually takes them beyond MacKillop.
“This investment works,” Kellie says. “It develops our people, strengthens our services and gives our staff qualifications they can carry for life.”