A participant in TAFE NSW’s Indigenous Police Recruitment Our Way Delivery (IPROWD) program from Bourke says the experience has opened her eyes to the possibilities available to her.

Janaya Knight, a proud 23-year-old Barkinji and Cooma woman, will graduate the Dubbo-based six month course in coming weeks.

“It’s taught me a lot. And it’s been more than just preparing me to be a police officer. I’ve also got a deeper understanding of how to deal with workplace issues and communicate on a better level," she said.

The IPROWD program is about to celebrate 15 years and was the focus of a visit to TAFE NSW Dubbo last week by the NSW Minister for Minister for Skills, TAFE and Tertiary Education, Steve Whan, who personally congratulated soon-to-be graduates.

Ms Knight’s Dubbo cohort will join more than 1,200 graduates across NSW who have completed IPROWD since its inception in 2008 and are now one step closer to realising their dream of a career in policing.   

The IPROWD program has been a transformative initiative according to some of its students, providing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people with the skills and confidence needed to pursue careers in the NSW Police Force and the Australian Federal Police.

The program focuses on broader education - empowering participants, fostering cultural pride, and contributes to building a workforce that reflects the diversity of NSW communities.  It equips participants with skills in literacy, numeracy, communication, fitness, and IT, while also strengthening their cultural identity.

Ms Knight said she would now apply to become a police woman, after gaining confidence through the IPROWD course.

“My dream is to become a policewoman," she said.

"During the course we went to the NSW Police Academy in Sydney and were taught all about how to prepare to apply."

Ms Knight said there was a sense of friendship built throughout the IPROWD students.

“The course is very culturally aware. In the first block we all learned about our family trees and there were a couple of other people in the course I found out I was related to.

“We also found out about our totems.”

Inspired to join the police force by an older cousin who is a police officer, Ms Knight said she will become the first police officer in her immediate family, “I’m one of seven, and I’ll be the first.”

Crucial initiative - Whan

Minister Whan praised the program. 

“IPROWD is a crucial initiative for improving Indigenous employment and strengthening community relations within law enforcement. It plays a vital role in building a diverse and inclusive workforce," he said. 

“It was incredibly inspiring to talk with some of this year’s graduates. Their dedication and determination to serve as role models and foster stronger ties between the community and police, is truly encouraging.  

“IPROWD is life-changing, not only for participants, but also for their families, friends and their local communities.”

The program provides ongoing support with job applications and recruitment mentoring, ensuring graduates are well-prepared to enter the workforce and make a positive impact in their communities.