Projects Department

Kate Davis

Position: Senior Project Officer

Kate Davis has been with Western College for many years. Originally from Bourke, Kate relocated to Melbourne where she worked in domestic violence before returning to Bourke where she spent many years in the community establishing a women refuge before moving to Dubbo. Kate has a long history in the design of programs for marginalised learners and is well respected in the, local community.

Kate has a Bachelor of Social Science majoring in Psychology, TAE along with qualifications in Communication. Kate runs the links to learning, Partnering Education, along with our CGEA (Certificate in general education for adults) and Literacy and Numeracy programs while providing input into all courses for marginalised learners. During 2011 Kate was recognised as a “Hidden Treasure” and added to the honour roll recognising her consistent and tireless work with the disadvantaged.

Kate is passionate about engaging marginalised learners and promoting an environment in which learning builds skills and confidence. Kate attributes her success to her four beautiful children and partner. Their support, tolerance and patience allow her to be so successful in her programs.

Qualifications: B. Soc Sc Psychology major, Certificate IV in Training and Assessment (TAE)

Emma Gersbach

Position: Project Coordinator

Emma has lived in Dubbo for the majority of her life completing her schooling at St Johns College. Emma has recently joined Western College after returning back to Dubbo from university where she completed her degree in Business (Management/Human Resource Management). Emma has an extensive background with Job Services Australia.

As the Project Coordinator at Western College Emma has been able to adapt her previous knowledge and experience to successfully coordinate and monitor three programs funded by the Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations (DEEWR). This includes the Language, Literacy and Numeracy Program (LLNP) and the Access program, both of which are tailored to assist disadvantaged jobseekers to develop their skills and provide a pathway to employment. Similarly, Emma is also involved in the Parental and Community Engagement (PACE) program in conjunction with local schools which is aimed at assisting Indigenous parents and children by developing their skills through accredited training and building a stronger relationship with the school.

Emma is extremely motivated to assist and expand programs for disadvantaged people within the local community.

Qualifications: B. Bus (Management / Human Resource Management)

Kerri Capill

Position: Project Officer - Beacon

Coming from the South Island of New Zealand two years ago, Kerri has an extensive background working and teaching in the agriculture industry, with a focus on wool production through to wool processing and marketing. Kerri’s first introduction to Dubbo was during a visit in 2008 where she was researching the Australian Wool Classing system as part of revamping the New Zealand wool classing tertiary qualification to align with Australia. Kerri made industry connections during the second visit and continues working casually in the wool industry as a qualified Wool Classer.
In 2010 Kerri joined Western College assisting the compliance section with validating teaching and assessment documents. Since then she has been teaching a variety of courses from computer programs to Certificate II in Agriculture and Certificate III in Horticulture on a casual basis.

Kerri’s prior experience as a Training Manager enabled her to adapt into a new role facilitating and monitoring a large contract with OEC. This contract specialised on delivering training to indigenous communities in remote locations throughout Western NSW.

Kerri is looking forward to completing her Vocational Graduate Certificate in Adult Language, literacy and Numeracy with Western College and their LLNP program. This study will formalise Kerri’s passion in breaking down the learning barriers some  adult students face.

Qualifications: Certificate IV in Training and Assessment (TAA), Certificate IV in Wool Classing, Diploma in Wool Classing, Currently completing Vocational Gradual Certificate in Adult Language, Literacy and Numeracy.

Kate Ellem

Position: Projects Officer - Breakthru

Kate has lived in Dubbo since 2003. Since completing her Bachelor of Teaching at UNE, Armidale.

She has taught in Tamworth and Alice Springs and has always been interested in Special education.

She has been with Western College since 2006 and works with adults from Breakthru People Solutions in a  tailored training role Monday to Friday 9 - 3.30. 

Karen Martin

Position: Projects Officer - LLNP