CDU and DCF partnership wins 2025 Training Award
The Northern Territory’s Department of Children and Families (DCF) and Charles Darwin University (CDU) are celebrating a significant achievement, receiving the 2025 NT Training Awards Industry Collaboration Award. This honour recognises our innovative education-to-community services pathway, which is helping to grow and strengthen the Territory’s child, youth and family services workforce.
Through this program, we created a clear, accredited learning journey that supports our staff to progress from administrative roles into frontline community service positions. By combining practical experience with formal study, we ensure our people are ready to deliver high-quality care and support to children and families across the Northern Territory.
Right now, 24 of our staff are enrolled in the pathway, undertaking either the Diploma of Children and Families or the Graduate Certificate of Safe Communities. Significantly, 15 participants identify as Aboriginal, reflecting our commitment to building a workforce that truly represents and understands the diverse communities we serve.
This award demonstrates the impact of working in partnership with CDU to address workforce challenges and invest in local capability. By supporting our people to enhance their skills while continuing their vital work, we are strengthening community services and helping create safer, more resilient communities for children and young people.
The recognition announced at the NT Training Awards Gala Dinner on 13 September 2025 is an important milestone for us and for the communities we support. We are excited to continue building opportunities that make a lasting difference across the Territory.
