Training for the community services sector
The Community Education Team offers a series of training workshops in city and country areas each year.
To download the most current training calendar click here.
Each one day workshop available through the training calendar costs $148.50 (incl.GST) and includes morning tea and lunch. Every participant receives a workbook, resource package and certificate of attendance.
To register for any workshops click here.
The Rights Stuff – a free workshop for consumers
Developed by the Ombudsman specifically for consumers of community services, their families, carers and advocates, The Rights Stuff is an entertaining, informative and empowering look at your rights as a consumer. This one day workshop covers the Ombudsman’s role, the rights of consumers of community services, tips for dealing more effectively with providers, resolving issues, how to make a complaint and how to resolve issues. Helpful resources and contacts are also provided.
The Rights Stuff is available free of charge for groups of ten or more people. For further information, contact our training support officer on (02) 9286 0900, toll free (outside Sydney) on 1800 451 524, or email training@ombo.nsw.gov.au
Community Services Training Presenters
Padmadakini Coombes
Team Leader Complaints Handling Review & Community Education
Paddy Coombes is a learning and development professional with over has 25 years experience in consultation, management and direct service provision. Originally trained in social work, Paddy is a warm and inspiring facilitator who has developed and delivered numerous training programmes with both the public sector and for NGOs. Her expertise has found application across a broad range of settings including child and family services, the legal and correctional systems and community consultation. Paddy has worked for the NSW Ombudsman, in the Community Services Division, for the past four years.
Gabe Morahan
Community Education Officer
Gabe Morahan started her career as a youth worker and has spent the last 15 years working in various community organisations both here and in the UK. Most recently she has worked for the NSW Anti-Discrimination Board and for Lancashire Youth and Community in community education and training roles. In the UK she completed a two year FE Certificate (in teaching adults) and a Certificate in assessing trainers.
Other team members
Irene Craig
Complaints Handling Review
Irene Craig has worked in direct service roles, management and senior management positions for over 25 years. She has worked in child protection, foster care, residential care, quality assurance and disability services in Australia and the UK
Tracylee Arestides
Community Education Officer – Communications
Tracylee has worked in communications for both the private sector and NGOs for almost 20 years. She has an extensive background in writing and research and has implemented communications programs for an array of organisations ranging from Family Planning NSW to Macquarie University’s Customised Accessibility Service to the Down Syndrome Association of NSW.
