Listening First, Leading Always: Safe Hands SA Wins the Community Regional Impact Award

Some businesses measure success in course numbers. Jacqui from Safe Hands SA measures it in trust — the kind built one community, one conversation, at a time. That approach has earned her the Community Regional Impact Award, recognising four years of training that goes well beyond a certificate.

"As a Registered Nurse, I've seen firsthand how important it is for people to have the confidence to step forward and help in an emergency," Jacqui said. "That's the foundation Safe Hands SA was built on."

More than a course

Safe Hands SA works with businesses, schools, childcare services, sporting clubs and community organisations across metropolitan Adelaide, regularly travelling into regional South Australia to deliver training where it's needed most. Before every course, Jacqui and her team take time to understand the workplace, the people and the risks they face — tailoring scenarios and activities while still meeting all requirements of the nationally recognised course.

That commitment extends beyond the classroom. Free downloadable resources, workplace guides and practical first aid information give clients something to keep using long after the course ends. Safe Hands SA also delivers free training for volunteers with organisations like Puddle Jumpers and Backpacks 4 SA Kids, along with reduced rates for their staff.

A lesson from Ceduna

One trip shaped everything that followed. On their first visit to Ceduna, Jacqui's team realised their usual approach wouldn't cut it — different learning styles and cultural considerations meant they needed to understand the community before the community could understand them. Rather than guessing, they reached out to local representatives and the Allens Training team for guidance, then adapted delivery with more demonstrations, visual resources and discussion.

"None of us has all the answers," Jacqui said. "By working alongside local community representatives, the Allens Training team, and other trainers, we delivered a much better experience for our learners."

That lesson now shapes every course Safe Hands SA delivers, regional or metro.

Lifting the whole network

Jacqui's impact isn't limited to her own clients. She helped organise South Australia's first two Allens Training Professional Development Days, creating space for trainers across the state to connect and share ideas.

"Supporting each other doesn't take anything away from our own businesses," she said. "It strengthens the quality of training across the Allens network."

Her advice to other partners? Listen first. Ask questions before the course starts. Share what's worked for you. And look for small ways to add value beyond the course itself — because those are the things that build trust.

Congratulations to Jacqui and the Safe Hands SA team on a truly well-earned award.