Tiana Hokins – Tasmania

Adult learning has been a prominent theme throughout Tiana’s life – she has consistently been both a learner herself and someone who is dedicated to assisting other learners to thrive.

Early on, as a Youth Development Coach in the Northern Territory, Tiana took great care and joy in mentoring young adults through the journey of adult education. This also extended to her roles in the NT and Victorian youth justice settings, where she helped young adults to transition successfully from detention to a successful, meaningful life.

While at the Red Cross, Tian’s highlight was training and mentoring adult learners from all walks of life – from retiree volunteers through to police officers.

After completing a Graduate Certificate in Emergency and Disaster Management through Charles Darwin University and a Certificate IV in Training and Assessment, Tiana is now employed as a Community Storm and Flood Resilience Planner with the Tasmanian State Emergency Services.

Part of Tiana’s role is to implement Person Centred Emergency Planning (targeted at people living with a disability and other risk factors) across Tasmania’s northwest. This involves supporting adult learners through the online facilitation course, as well as upskilling volunteers to have inclusive and informed emergency preparedness conversations in their communities.

Tiana has been facilitating Get Ready for Emergencies (for people living with a disability) at the Devonport and Burnie Libraries on a monthly basis. She is now refocussing these sessions to expand the reach of SES into other areas of the region.

Throughout her career, Tiana has seen the profound impact that adult learning can have on individuals’ confidence, sense of purpose, and connection to their communities. So, as a mentor and facilitator, she has always made it a priority to create a learning environment where people feel safe, respected, and valued for who they are.

And Tiana doesn’t plan to stop learning, with a Level 2 Intelligence Officer training package and an upgraded Certificate IV in training and assessment in her sights. She would also like to pursue the Advanced Diploma/Masters Emergency and Disaster Management once her children are older.