Twenty-four graduates are helping strengthen the future of health and community services across Western NSW after completing nationally recognised qualifications through the Workforce Support and Capacity Building Program.
The graduates recently received their Certificate IV or Diploma in Community Services with a speciality in Alcohol and Other Drugs (AOD) treatment at a graduation ceremony hosted by Lachlan and Western Regional Services (LWRS) in Dubbo.
Funded by Western NSW Primary Health Network (WNSW PHN) and delivered by LWRS, the program has been building workforce capability across rural and remote communities for the past eight years. During that time, 164 people have completed qualifications, increasing the number of skilled workers supporting communities across Western and Far West NSW.
The graduation ceremony saw graduates joined by family members, mentors, trainers, and industry partners to celebrate their achievement and recognise the commitment required to balance study alongside work, family, and community responsibilities.
WNSW PHN Senior Manager Contracts and Service Performance, Kate White congratulated graduates on their dedication and the contribution they make to their communities.
“Many of you have balanced study alongside work, family and other responsibilities, making this achievement even more significant. You should be incredibly proud of what you have accomplished.”
Ms White said the program aligns closely with WNSW PHN’s commitment to improving health outcomes and strengthening local workforce capability across the region.
“We know that people living in Western and Far West NSW face unique challenges, including long travel distances, limited access to services and increasing demand for support,” she said.
“A strong and skilled workforce is essential to ensuring people can access the care and support they need, when they need it and where they need it. Programs like this one help build the skills, knowledge and confidence of the people delivering services across our region.”
The qualifications are particularly important for the alcohol and other drugs sector, where demand for support services continues to grow and workforce shortages are more strongly felt in rural and remote communities.
The alcohol and other drugs sector play an important role in supporting people through some of the most challenging times in their lives. The Workforce Support and Capacity Building Program remains an important investment in developing a skilled regional workforce, helping ensure communities across Western NSW can access high-quality alcohol and other drug treatment and suicide prevention services closer to home.
WNSW PHN congratulates all graduates on their achievement and thanks LWRS, VERTO trainers, and program mentors for their ongoing support in building a stronger alcohol and other drugs workforce in the region.
