CDU TAFE lecturer recognised with a TAFE Directors Australia award

A Charles Darwin University (CDU) TAFE lecturer has been recognised at the 2026 TAFE Directors Australia (TDA) Convention for his work helping to build sustainable communities in the NT.

Murray Lauritsen was the winner of the TDA Power of TAFE as Anchors of Sustainable Communities award.

CDU TAFE partnered with Mala’la Health Service Aboriginal Corporation and its Men’s Shed program in Maningrida to co-design a culturally aligned training pathway for men that reflected local strengths and aspirations.

Mr Lauritsen, who led the training pathway design and received the award worked closely with the cohort to ensure learning aligned with cultural knowledge, on-Country work incorporating caring for Country and rural operations activities and more.  

Mr Lauritsen said the program began not as workforce strategy, but as a therapeutic, culturally safe space centred on identity, interest and on-Country connection.  

“By embedding accredited training within that framework, I was able to align learning with caring for country skills, hunting, conservation and community roles,” Mr Lauritsen said.  

“This teaching approach was relational and deeply contextual.”  

In 2025, the first student cohort completed either a maritime operations or rural operations qualification.  

 “For many, it was their first-ever formal qualification,” he said.

 Mala’la leadership and Men’s Shed Program Manager Daniel Bell described Mr Lauritsen as “part of the Mala’la family.”

“Mr Lauritsen is no longer just a facilitator in our lives, he is now family for many of these men. His investment has made a lasting impact, and the community is deeply grateful,” Mr Bell said.  

“Many of these students had difficult experiences with formal education and left school early without qualifications. To now see them graduate with their first ever formal qualification has been an incredible highlight.

“This outcome did not happen by chance. It is a direct result of Mr Lauritsen’s consistency, commitment, and genuine care for his students — not only as a trainer, but as a mentor and trusted presence within the community.”  

CDU Interim Vice-Chancellor and President Professor Fiona Coulson said this was an example of the strength of CDU TAFE and local partnerships.  

“Strong local partnerships are built on trust, adaptability, and a shared commitment to making a difference, Professor Coulson said.  

“Mr Lauritsen responded to changing needs with confidence and care, and the shared dedication of all partners to create meaningful training opportunities that genuinely empower communities shone through.”