Workforce Development – Our Stories, Our Strength

Why Workforce Development Matters

Developing a strong, skilled, and culturally supported Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander workforce is at the heart of Tackling Indigenous Smoking. When our workforce is empowered and valued, our communities thrive. Together, we are creating healthier futures and closing the gap in smoking-related health outcomes for our people.

What is Workforce Development?

Training builds the skills you need for your current job.

Workforce development goes further – it supports your long-term growth and career progression.

Workforce development looks at the bigger picture by strengthening individuals, services, and systems. It focuses on capacity building, providing you with skills to take on new opportunities and leadership roles.

Programs like mentoring, professional development, and networking show that your role is valued. They help keep people in the workforce and create clearer pathways to grow your career.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander voices must lead this work. When our people are at the centre of decisions, it supports self-determination and ensures lived experiences shape stronger outcomes for our communities.

How The NBPU TIS Supports the TIS Workforce

We are committed to supporting you with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to create change in your community. Here you’ll find information and resources to help you in your role, including:

• Training and Development Opportunities
  Build your skills and knowledge through courses and training opportunities.
• Workforce Framework and Strategy
  Our Framework sets out our shared vision, priorities, and actions to build a strong and supported TIS workforce.
• Professional Development Pathways
  Explore options to grow your career in Aboriginal health, tobacco control, and beyond.

Our Stories, Our Strength

Our workforce is our strength. Here we celebrate the journeys, achievements, and impact of TIS workers across the country.

Verhonda Smith-Robins

Verhonda Smith-Robins (also known as Bonnie) is a proud Wangkumara woman whose journey through health promotion and smoking prevention spans several years and locations. Starting her career in health and wellbeing at the Victorian Aboriginal Health Service (VAHS), she later took on roles back home in Bourke NSW during the height of COVID-19 before settling into her current position in Cairns, where she has worked as a TIS Health Promotion Officer for the past three years.

In her current role, Verhonda thrives on grassroots engagement—connecting directly with community, hearing personal stories, and empowering people to make healthier choices. She describes one of the most fulfilling aspects of her work as the opportunity to witness and celebrate living, thriving culture in remote regions: through language, dance, and tradition.

Verhonda attributes her professional growth to both formal education and lived experience. She has pursued a Bachelor of Arts (History and Indigenous Studies), a Graduate Diploma in Public Health, and is currently completing a Graduate Diploma of Indigenous Health Promotion and working toward her Master’s. Beyond academia, she credits her development to “having a crack,” asking questions, and reflecting on how to translate knowledge in ways her own family would understand and value.

Early in her TIS journey, Verhonda faced challenges accessing training—particularly when Quit Skills training was defunded. She filled those gaps through self-directed learning and team support. Over the years, she has challenged herself by stepping into leadership roles, such as backfilling a team lead position and adapting to the needs of each workplace.

When reflecting on what she would tell her younger self, Verhonda shares: “Prioritise your wellbeing and prioritise a healthy work-life balance. Be confident in your abilities, trust yourself, and don’t let your age make you doubt what you can bring to the table”.

While Verhonda has always been supported to pursue further study, sometimes balancing education with workload and life responsibilities hasn’t always been easy—challenges many can relate to.

To new TIS staff, she offers this advice:

“Be creative in how you deliver TIS messaging— find ways to make it meaningful and relevant to your community. Don’t be afraid to speak up and share your ideas. Take the opportunity to connect and build relationships with TIS workers at jurisdictional and national workshops. Find inspiration from other TIS teams, there’s so much deadly work being done across the country.”

Key Resources

• Funding Opportunities
  Access grants and funding to support your training.
• Events Calendar
  Stay up to date with upcoming workshops, webinars, and events.
• Job Opportunities
  Explore current vacancies to continue your career journey.
• Courses
  Explore a range of different courses and training opportunities.

For further information

If you have any questions regarding workforce development matters please contact Kerindy Clarke at TISWorkforce@nintione.com.au