Past
We first met Wayne in 2022 when he won the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander of the Year Award at the Australian Training Awards.
Wanting to change lives for the better and support his community, Wayne was motivated to complete a Certificate IV in Mental Health and a Diploma in Counselling in 2017. Wayne thrived in the practical, hands-on environment provided by VET courses, which led him to receiving the Award of Excellence from his training provider.
In 2018, Wayne started working at Palmerston, a not-for-profit mental health and wellbeing organisation as a Community Aboriginal Worker, providing support to individuals affected by drugs and alcohol. His passion, dedication, and hard work earned him a scholarship to complete a Diploma of Leadership and Management in 2020.
Present
Since being awarded Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander of the Year, Wayne’s professional career and personal life has soared. He has been promoted to several high-level positions and currently is the Manager of Aboriginal Engagement at Palmerston.
Wayne is an inspiring public speaker having presented at events and conferences nationally and internationally. In 2024, Wayne shared his life journey and the impact of culturally grounded support systems at the Indigenous Wellbeing Conference in New Zealand. Wayne was invited back to Marr Mooditj Training as a keynote speaker for their graduation ceremony. Wayne inspired several of their graduating students to take up further study.
Wayne also started a business with his fiancée and business partner called Chartay, where they’ve been able to work within the Aboriginal community supporting people in need, recently developing a framework to support Aboriginal men in the domestic violence space.
Additional to his work and business, Wayne has started studying for a Master of Social Work. Initially just looking to undertake a Bachelor course, a conversation with the University of Western Australia and with support from his employer’s CEO, Wayne was inspired to enter the master’s course!
Although Wayne initially doubted his ability to succeed at the university level, his academic achievements and personal growth have since fuelled a steady rise in confidence, reinforcing his belief in his own potential.
Wayne says, “Even though during semester I am extremely busy juggling work, study, family and general life, I love it and would not change anything.”
Australian VET Alumni
Since joining the Australian VET Alumni in 2022, Wayne has embraced every opportunity to give back. Over the past three years, Wayne has returned to the Australian Training Awards as both a judge and a mentor. In recognition of his continued leadership and influence, Wayne has been invited to once again mentor the finalists at the 2025 Australian Training Awards in Darwin.
“I loved being a mentor, the experience of inspiring others to achieve greatness is so exhilarating. I look forward to doing it again!” Wayne said.
Through the Australian VET Alumni Wayne has built strong relationships with industry leaders, local MPs, and has spoken at events with Western Australian Premier Roger Cook and Cabinet Ministers. He also serves on several organisational boards and First Nations Reference Groups, including a family court in WA.
“The amount of respect and recognition from people in my community has been amazing.” Wayne said.
For those looking to start their VET journey Wayne believes you should just take the chance.
“VET has guided me on my career journey and aspirations. The hands-on learning and being around likeminded people made it the perfect fit,”
“If you’re thinking about it, take the chance, you never know where it might lead.”
Future
Wayne remains focused on completing his studies while continuing his work at his current employer, but he also has his sights set on something bigger.
“My ultimate dream is to work alongside my partner and family in our own organisation to change our community for the better,” Wayne said.
“I’d love to graduate my master’s with Honours and then go on to complete a PhD.”
Wayne is committed to expanding the ways he can support Aboriginal people through culturally grounded, community-led approaches. For those considering vocational education and training, Wayne believes it can be the first step on a life-changing journey.
More information
Interested in exploring a career like Wayne’s? Explore VET courses on the Your Career website: