This is a joint event organised by STEPS Group Australia and our stakeholders to work with our local communities, as well as an opportunity to promote social and emotional wellbeing for SEE program participants.

Over the next five weeks, students will enjoy the beautiful dry season’s invigorating early mornings while they take active steps towards healthier hearts and minds.

The inaugural walk took them from the STEPS Casuarina Campus to Wanguri Park, where they discovered a vibrant alleyway adorned with colourful murals and inspiring quotes.

At the park, they had the chance to exercise on the playground and even learn a few tai chi moves.

Emma Wu, STEPS Casuarina Business Manager, said their first session was a huge success.

“Everyone is keen for the next walking session, and you can just tell they have a bit more pep in their step, like they’ve got more energy and more of an appreciation for the gorgeous environment we live in,” she said.

“The walking session is just one way we prove to our participants that learning needs to happen outside of the classroom, not just inside.”

While the walks provides enriching exercise and community connections for our SEE participants, there’s an extra benefit for our AMEP participants; those who are learning

English have the opportunity to communicate with the others in the walking sessions, including an English tutor volunteer.

Walking 30 minutes a day can reduce your risk of heart disease by 35% — and that’s just one of the many benefits – so get out in the sunshine and explore your community! Want to join your local walking group? Check out the Heart Foundation’s walking website for more information.

Daryl, a young Indigenous man living on the outskirts of Darwin’s suburb of Palmerston, used to work in metal fabrication, where he was forced to withstand the harsh tropical heat while doing hard physical labour.

“It was tough work, and while I’m really glad I had that experience, I wanted to pursue something different and completely change my career,” Daryl said.

“I wanted to build a good future for myself and find a job that I was happy to show up to every day. I’ve always been interested in computers and drawn to the office environment, so I knew I had to upskill and get some practical experience to make it happen.”

Daryl heard about STEPS’ Skills for Education and Employment (SEE) Program, which supports participants in building their skills for the job market or further study.

He jumped at the chance to enrol in the program, where he improved his language, literacy and computer skills to prepare himself for an administrative role through a Certificate III in Business.

“I just felt that I would thrive in that kind of environment, particularly in a job with the Northern Territory Government,” he said.

“I wanted to take my experience as an Indigenous man living in Darwin and combine it with my interest in administrative job to make a real difference in my community.”

STEPS’ Palmerston Business Manager, Yvonne Coleman, says the staff and other participants couldn’t be prouder of Daryl and his new position in Government.

“Daryl was a joy to have in the program and seeing him flourish and thrive in an administrative job is so incredibly rewarding,” she said.

“It’s stories like Daryl’s that makes me truly love my job and the work we do at STEPS.”

Daryl is absolutely loving his new job, where he is learning more every day through on-the-job training and exciting experiences.

Having already completed Online Digital Literacy and Microsoft Word classes as part of the SEE Program, Windy is still going strong on her learning journey. This includes completing her Ready for Work module, which is geared towards modern job-searching skills such as resume writing and completing online applications.

Windy is so ready for work that she has already landed a casual role in Darwin City, where she is thriving and interacting with other people in her community every day. In fact, she has asked to be assessed for a Certificate III in Individual Support. She’ll soon get started on this certification through STEPS.

When asked if STEPS has assisted her in achieving her employment and education goals, Windy couldn’t be more emphatic: “YES!”

“I’ve been able to learn so much here. I’m especially grateful for the units and exercises on emails and digital communication, because I use these skills every day in my job,” she said.

“I’ve also developed some really close friendships from school, and I have found a lot of learning activities that I really enjoy, especially cooking.”

Alissia Francis-Phillips, one of our incredible Trainers based in the Northern Territory, says she’s overjoyed to see success stories like Windy’s.

“I couldn’t be happier for Windy and I’m so excited that we’ll continue to support her in her learning journey when she begins her Certificate III in Individual Support,” she said.

“Seeing our participants finish their courses and go on to work in our community makes me appreciate the work we do at STEPS that much more.”

With her Certificate III in Individual Support, Windy can provide everyday care and support to the elderly and individuals with a disability. Amazing work, Windy!

Following nine months of careful planning and creativity, today we officially unveiled the incredible work that our STEPS Skills for Education and Employment Program (SEE) Program participants put into this beautiful mural.

The stunning 12m long mural was born from a desire to make learning fun and interesting and therefore participants applied the language, literacy, numeracy and digital skills learned in the SEE program to create the mural.

Cassie Stanley, Executive Manager of Education and Training for STEPS Group, said many of the participants in Cairns enjoyed art and creative projects and STEPS wanted to ensure they achieved their learning goals while being involved in a collaborative and uplifting project.

“The mural depicts the story of the reef to the rainforest and includes incredible detail of turtles, sharks, fish, and an eagle and cassowary, and was inspired by a dreamtime story from a local participant who wrote an inspiring piece for a recent STEPS literacy competition,” Ms. Stanley said.

All the students felt a true sense of belonging and community while they created the masterpiece and kept adding more elements because they didn’t want the experience to end.

To read more about this amazing mural click below:
https://bit.ly/3LSpEE4

We look forward to sharing more stories about the mural and our special partnership with the charity Uniforms for Kids over the coming weeks.

#STEPSGroupAustralia #ArtWork #Mural #Cairns

The stunning 12m long mural was born from a desire to make learning fun and interesting and therefore participants applied the language, literacy, numeracy and digital skills learned in the SEE program to create the mural.

Cassie Stanley, Executive Manager of Education and Training for STEPS Group, said many of the participants in Cairns enjoyed art and creative projects and STEPS wanted to ensure they achieved their learning goals while being involved in a collaborative and uplifting project.

“The mural depicts the story of the reef to the rainforest and includes incredible detail of turtles, sharks, fish, and an eagle and cassowary, and was inspired by a dreamtime story from a local participant who wrote an inspiring piece for a recent STEPS literacy competition,” Ms Stanley said.

“The mural embodies the STEPS philosophy of creating a safe space from a social, emotional and learning perspective, and connects our participants to a sense of place, and to each other,” she said.

In an additional sign of diversity and inclusion, the centrepiece of the mural features the national flower from each of the SEE participants’ country of origin.

The participants took complete ownership of the mural and under the guidance and leadership of their trainers, the students used their critical thinking and creative skills to plan and create the mural.

Carmel Crouch, Managing Director of STEPS Group, said she was thrilled to see the mural and the incredible work achieved by the STEPS participants.

“The mural is a perfect of example of the unique way STEPS and our trainers are able to deliver literacy, numeracy, language and digital skills in a practical and meaningful way,” Ms Crouch said.

“I look forward to seeing the many hundreds of Cairns STEPS participants enjoy the mural and for it to bring hope and joy for many years to come,” she said.

Yvonne Pattinson OAM, Founder of Uniforms for Kids, will also attend the event to be presented with the latest supply of clothing SEE students in Cairns have made for children in remote communities.

SEE students used their newly formed skills to make custom clothing using the fabric from old police uniforms for Police Liaison Officers to donate to disadvantaged children in remote parts of Queensland and the Northern Territory.

“This special initiative with Uniforms for Kids is another example of the unique way that STEPS incorporates meaningful community projects into our education and training courses,” Ms Crouch said.

The STEPS Skills for Education and Employment Program (SEE) Program is a free course and is available for enrolments if the Cairns, Townsville, Wide Bay and Sunshine Coast regions in Queensland, and Darwin, Katherine and Alice Springs in the Northern territory. With no waiting lists, prospective participants can enrol in a course today by visiting stepsgroup.com.au/SEE.

STEPS Group, a national not-for-profit organisation, has a longstanding commitment to developing the language, literacy, numeracy, and employment skills of individuals. With a proven track record in North Queensland and the Northern Territory, STEPS has been instrumental in helping diverse communities, including refugees, migrants, and First Nations Australians, achieve their educational and employment goals.

“We’re dedicated to creating supportive learning communities that nurture personal growth and wellbeing,” said Carmel Crouch, Managing Director of STEPS Group.

“This contract allows us to extend our unique, culturally appropriate training programs to new regions, ensuring more individuals can benefit from tailored educational opportunities,” she said.

“With expertise formed from providing training opportunities for almost 20 years, we are incredibly proud to offer inclusive and engaging course content, practical and inspiring work and learning experiences, and access to qualified, dedicated and passionate trainers.”

STEPS’ approach to training is deeply rooted in the communities it serves. By taking a contextual approach, STEPS ensures that its programs are community-led and culturally appropriate, addressing the specific needs and aspirations of each participant.

This methodology has proven successful in creating meaningful outcomes, providing individuals with the skills needed for further study and employment within their own communities.

“Here at STEPS, we believe that when people enrol in a course, they join a community like no other,” Ms Crouch said.

“We look forward to welcoming all our new students across the Townsville, Wide Bay, and Sunshine Coast regions, and continue to provide our expertise to all the other communities we serve across Queensland and the Northern Territory,” she said.

Eligible participants can begin their learning journey immediately, taking advantage of the free courses offered under this initiative.

For more information about the SEE program and to enrol, visit stepsgroup.com.au/SEE or call 1300 131 965.

Myro started her journey with STEPS Casuarina two years ago. At first, she was nervous and frustrated with not being able to express her ideas, confidently start a conversation, or attend job interviews. During her time at STEPS, she has completely transformed both her confidence and English-speaking skills. Myro has now completed the Ready for Work program, gained knowledge and skills about the Australian workforce, and gained work experience as a teacher’s assistant at a local primary school in Darwin.

In a thank you letter to her trainers at STEPS, Myro said, “In the future, I believe that I will be able to communicate freely and understand native speakers and also find a job.”

Today, Myro is getting ready to enrol in our CHC33021 Certificate III in Individual Support. In a full circle moment, she is volunteering in the preliminary English class to help beginners to read and write.

STEPS is incredibly proud of Myro and all her success. Her achievements are testament to how hard she has worked and the dedication she has demonstrated throughout her entire learning journey.

Local employers from Charlie’s and Little Flyers joined staff and students to celebrate the achievement of STEPS’ amazing Casuarina cohort.

After two weeks of work experience, nearly half of the participants from the program had secured employment, joining the industries of interior designing, childcare and hospitality. 

STEPS Casuarina runs Ready for Work program twice a year aiming to prepare eligible students to join the Australian workforce with the necessary knowledge, skills, and confidence. 

Are you an AMEP student looking for work? You may be eligible to take part in STEPS’ Ready for Work short course. Get in touch with us to find out how to enrol!

During this session, they learned essential skills such as using a hoist and slide sheet for patient transfers, providing pressure area care, managing falls, and performing bed baths.

Our face-to-face Individual Support class commenced in February 2024, and the presence of an experienced trainer onsite has been instrumental in providing immediate support for all learning inquiries. This approach has garnered positive feedback from our current students.

Nyalueth has a great work ethic but needs a little more practice in answering business telephone calls. Our trainer Wendy has been working with Nyalueth to assist her with answering phones in the workplace.

Nyalueth performed all tasks competently and showed initiative at times when her supervisor was busy.

To help with the transition to work in Australia, Adult Migrant English Program (AMEP) students may be eligible to participate in STEPS’ Ready for Work program. Interested? Follow the link to find out more.

Niv was very happy with the work Mai carried out at the retail store.

Mai performed all tasks competently and showed initiative at times when her supervisor was busy.

To help with the transition to work in Australia, Adult Migrant English Program (AMEP) students may be eligible to participate in STEPS’ Ready for Work program. Interested? Follow the link to find out more.

STEPS YiSSA computer program kicked off in November 2023 and has brought beneficial digital literacy skills to the doorstep of clients staying at YiSSA Housing. 

Students are being supported by our friendly, patient and well-experienced trainer Jan to learn basic computer skills like typing, sending out emails, setting up MyGov account, writing resumes etc. 

YiSSA is a short accommodation for mostly Indigenous people coming from remote areas.

STEPS started the computer class at YiSSA to make it more accessible for SEE clients living in a remote region and don’t have a car to travel to Casuarina.

Currently the class runs from 10-2 every Monday and will be increasing training hours this term.

After 16 weeks of study in the Disability specialisation and four weeks of placement, Luisa obtained valuable understanding of the requirements of the industry. 

With a passion for aged care, 20 + weeks of dedicated study and real-life work experience under her belt, Luisa returned to STEPS to further complete an additional four weeks and three units, this time with STEPS trainer Josh Guinea.

Prior to Luisa reaching out to STEPS and completing not just one but two rounds of education, she was working casually but wanted to follow her passion to a change of career to secure more sustainable employment opportunities.

Fully qualified with a Cert III in Individual Support – Aged Care and Disability, Luisa is now working full-time with a local aged care business and says she is loving every minute of it.

Thanks to Rosies for supplying the ingredients and letting us support you support our community!

“I enjoyed the tour and it was so majestic and I loved the ambience and the history of Parliament house. It was such a beautiful and wonderful place.”

AMEP Student

So we recently kept him true to his word and the students organised a community art workshop. They designed flyers and took them around town.

Greg had 15 local ladies attend and everyone had a go at painting a canvas using Greg’s Indigenous painting techniques. Since the workshop he has had 3 enquiries to do workshops elsewhere. What a star!

Over 40 participants and service providers joined this event immersing in fun and informative activities.

We kicked off with an information session where AMEP and SEE programs were introduced to all participants with photos showcasing the wonderful learning experience STEPS Casuarina has been offering over the years.  

Our AMEP 75th Anniversary award of excellence winner Amalynn Manlutac also received her certificate and presented a touching and encouraging speech. 

After Amalynn’s speech, guests went on a STEPS tour led by our student ambassadors. To ensure a smooth experience, Student Support Officer Yeimi Salazar Villa prepared the student ambassadors with training sessions over three weeks. Work procedures, ambassador work schedule and tour path were explicitly presented during the sessions. 

Cheered by the songs performed by STEPS music band, guests signed up with various hands-on activities offered at the Open Day. They made their own coffee using an espresso machine under the guidance of teacher Joyce Wu.  Teacher Catherine Brewster’s mini-English class had a hilarious moment when discussing the use of language in life and at work. Henna hand design was a big hit with crowds of people lining up to get their hands decorated with aesthetic patterns. It was led by our receptionist Bhavyah and two students. 

 STEPS staff and students collaborated closely to ensure a wonderful experience for our community. The teamwork demonstrated from this event helped lead another success for the Casuarina team.

Are you newly settled in Australia looking to improve English or employability skills and become ready for work? Get in touch with our team to enrol in one of our classes. Click on these links below: