Foursome finishes first in Milingimbi

Four community services workers in East Arnhem Land have become the first Charles Darwin University students to complete an aged care course in Milingimbi.

Community Services lecturer Pam McLennan said that not only had the quartet completed a Certificate in Home and Community Care, but they also had signed up for another qualification. 

“I congratulate Vanessa Wungurrthun, Brendan Djulwanbuy, Louise Rorrmi and Mathew Dharrga for the dedication and commitment they’ve shown for the past two years,” Ms McLennan said.

“The course has empowered them to become better workers in the aged-care sector and stronger people in the community.

“They have the skills, knowledge and confidence to do their job to a high standard and a qualification that says they are capable of working anywhere in Australia.”

Ms McLennan said the students worked at the Milingimbi Aged Care and Disability Centre, which had experienced a sharp upturn in business during the past 12 months.

It is thought that one of the reasons for this is that a number of people from Ramingining, Yirrkala, and Elcho have returned to their Milingimbi homelands and begun to access the centre.

“Word has spread that these services are here and that they are accessible.”

Ms McLennan said that CDU’s Community Services and Health team had been working with the Department of Health to deliver similar training in seven other communities in East Arnhem.

She said the Milingimbi foursome had already started a Certificate III Individual Support.