Health career course for First Nations and Refugee communities now available in Townsville
A new training course is now available in Townsville, specifically designed and offered to First Nations and multicultural communities to begin successful careers in healthcare with Mater Education.
In partnership with On Common Country Townsville, Regional Development Australia Townsville and North West Queensland (RDATNWQ) and the Townsville Multicultural Support Group and Mater Education, the Certificate II in Health Support Services is designed to provide students with practical, hands-on training in a real-world healthcare environment here at Mater Private Hospital Townsville.
RDATNWQ Chief Executive Officer Dr Lisa McDonald said the program was a great opportunity for Townsville First Nations people and multicultural communities to study close to home while helping address workforce shortages across the healthcare sector.
“This is a great opportunity to study right here in Townsville without needing to travel interstate,” Ms McDonald said.
“Once the course is finished, students can apply for local jobs within a hospital or healthcare environment.”
The program will support 20 students, who will learn face-to-face over 12 months and complete work experience placement across key hospital support service areas.
Starting in July, the course provides a strong foundation for entry-level roles in healthcare support, with career outcomes to work in clinical support settings such as orderly services, housekeeping and food services.
Mater Education’s Director of Education and Training Toni-Maree Henaway said the course is designed to build confidence and prepare students to work in a hospital environment.
“This certificate course will allow students to explore various industries in a hospital environment while being able to talk to healthcare professionals in allied health and infection control,” Ms Henaway said.
“By the end of the program, students will have a holistic view of what careers in healthcare are available to them with real experience on whether it’s a career they would like to pursue.”
Students who complete the course will graduate in July 2027, alongside Mater Education’s Diploma of Nursing graduates.
Mater Education also offers a High School Health Adventure program for First Nations students in Townsville and Rockhampton, which provides students with an immersive experience in healthcare.
The course will begin during NAIDOC Week (July 5-July 12), which honours the leadership, cultural authority and strength of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
The program reflects Mater Education’s commitment to building inclusive pathways into healthcare and supporting local communities to access training that leads to real employment opportunities.
People from First Nations and multicultural backgrounds who are interested in a career in healthcare are encouraged to attend an information session and speak with their associated cultural group for further enrolment details.
For more information on enrolling, prospective students should contact their associated cultural group through Townsville Multicultural Support Group on email admin@tmsg.org.au or On Common Country Townsville on special.projects@oncommoncountry.com.au.
The program is funded through the Workforce Australia Local Jobs program, funded by the Australian Government Department of Employment and Workplace Relations, and supports collaborative local initiatives that connect people with training and employment opportunities in industries experiencing workforce demand.
