The Queensland Centre for Domestic and Family Violence Research (CDFVR) has been recognised for encouraging a learning culture within its own ranks and also within violence prevention services and other related agencies.

State Communities Minister Lindy Nelson-Carr recently announced that the CDFVR, based at CQU Mackay, had been highly commended in the Awards for Excellence in Workforce Development, in the category of 'Encouraging a Learning Culture'.

(L-R) Lynn Hart, Hesta Super (Category Sponsor), Heather Nancarrow, Linda Apelt, Director General, Department of Communities and Disability Services Queensland.

CDFVR Director Heather Nancarrow said that a learning culture was central to the Centre's effectiveness and an element of every activity it undertook.

She said CDFVR strategies included:

making available research results to inform policy and practice;

ongoing monitoring and evaluation to ensure continuous improvement;

and a team-work approach to encourage, support and challenge thinking and practice.

Ms Nancarrow said research findings were conveyed to sectoral stakeholders in various ways, including a newsletter, a website, a monthly e-bulletin and on-line discussion circle (the e-Yarning Network) and videoconferenced seminars.

"We evaluate each activity to provide data for reflection and adjustment, where necessary, to ensure stakeholder needs are met to an optimum," she said.

"We also have a team approach, ensuring the opportunity for diverse views to be incorporated into development and implementation.

"Examples include our Research and Education Advisory Domain (READ); the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Reference Group; and the Training Advisory Committee."

Ms Nancarrow said the range of activities undertaken to encourage a learning culture had strengthened the Centre's capacity to improve service delivery.

"The award is a tribute to all staff at CDFVR, who are committed to delivering quality services to the domestic violence sector in Queensland," she said.

Heather Nancarrow (right) and CDFVR Education Officer Michelle Bradford

"Prevention services and others working in related fields are better informed and have access to more resources for the development of evidence-based policy and practice.

"The range of learning resources and mechanisms are contributing to a consistent, quality response to domestic and family violence across government and non-government agencies."

Minister Nelson-Carr said the Awards, announced on October 24, helped to showcase initiatives geared to building the skills of workers, strengthening workplace strategies and bringing about an even higher standard of service.