Fourteen Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students have celebrated a significant achievement, graduating from the IPROWD (Indigenous Police Recruitment Our Way Delivery) program at TAFE NSW Dubbo on Friday, September 6.

The culturally tailored course, now in its 16th year, is designed to support students to build the skills, knowledge and confidence needed to pursue careers in policing and the justice system. Many graduates go on to apply for roles with the NSW Police Force or Australian Federal Police.

Delivered over 24 weeks, the Dubbo program used a block release structure to make training accessible for students from across regional and remote NSW.

Six one-week blocks of in-person learning at Dubbo were combined with online study and support from local TAFE campuses, giving participants the chance to grow their skills in both classroom and cultural settings.

IPROWD Project Officer Kylie Giusti said the program is about developing the whole person, not just academic ability.

“IPROWD goes well beyond classroom learning,” she said. “It’s about building pride, confidence, and visibility.

"Our students gain the skills and cultural resilience to step into roles where they can influence real change. They’re helping to build the next wave of Aboriginal leaders in policing and law enforcement.”

Among the graduating class was proud Ngunnawal woman Makayla Harte, now based in Newcastle, who has already been accepted into the Australian Federal Police’s merit pool. She will begin work at the AFP’s Canberra headquarters in the new year.

“The Dubbo IPROWD program opened my eyes,” Ms Harte said.

"I got a taste of every aspect of law enforcement, and it helped me figure out where I want to go.

“Spending a week each month in Dubbo for the past six months has been incredible. The flexibility meant I could work and study at the same time.”

She described the experience of learning on Country, meeting Elders, and taking part in smoking ceremonies as life-changing.

“I’ve learned so much more about myself as an Indigenous woman. The knowledge you gain through IPROWD isn’t just academic; you discover things about yourself you didn’t even know.”

TAFE NSW Managing Director Chloe Read said the program’s success lies in its culturally safe environment.

“So far it’s supported around 1200 students to develop the confidence and skills they need to follow pathways into law enforcement,” she said.