7.5 Case Studies

Waltja Tjutangku Palyapayi

Waltja Tjutangku Palyapayi Aboriginal Corporation is a community-based organisation, working with Aboriginal families in remote Central Australia and the APY lands in South Australia. Waltja Tjutangku Palyapayi is Luritja language, meaning for “doing good work with families” and the name encapsulates the Waltja story.

Managing staff 

Waltja Tjutangku Palyapayi has consistently committed funds and in-kind support for staff professional development since incorporation. All new staff members undertake a three-month probation period with induction, training and supervision by a senior worker. The probation review process includes self-appraisal, supervisor appraisal, and a probation review meeting between the CEO, Supervisor and staff member. The CEO and Executive Directors also conduct yearly performance appraisals with all staff members, during which staff identify training needs and future aspirations.

These processes work together to make sure Waltja staff are performing at the best level possible while quickly identifying any potential issues regarding staff performance and addressing them in a timely manner.  All in all, this means that the local communities are getting the maximum benefit from staff members and their organisation.

Waltja Tjutangku Palyapayi Aboriginal Corporation is a community- based organisation, working with Aboriginal families in remote Central Australia and the APY lands in South Australia. Waltja Tjutangku Palyapayi is Luritja language, meaning for “doing good work with families” and the name encapsulates the Waltja story.Waltja Tjutangku Palyapayi Aboriginal Corporation is a community- based organisation, working with Aboriginal families in remote Central Australia and the APY lands in South Australia. Waltja Tjutangku Palyapayi is Luritja language, meaning for “doing good work with families” and the name encapsulates the Waltja story.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Legal Services Queensland

Staff development and training

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Legal Service (Qld) Ltd (ATSILS) deliver criminal, family and civil law services as well as community legal education, law reform, prisoner care services and a deaths in custody (and police complaints) monitoring role.

Legal staff development and training is integral to the quality of client service delivery. Externally, staff are sent to a wide variety of training programs, conferences and seminars with a particular emphasis on developing their skills further. Staff development is also supported via the Studies and Continuing Professional Development Policy which gives staff time off to attend university lectures or sit exams.

Internally, ATSILS provide a fortnightly Continuing Professional Development Program. These internal presentations also attract external participants, such as solicitors and barristers from the private bar. In addition, ATSILS conducts periodic multi-day workshops for staff, as well as managers, with a central focus on managerial skills. Ongoing development and mentoring is also a facet of the structure of ATSILS with line managers and seasoned professionals providing advice and guidance on an ongoing daily basis.