My recommendation, do the operators certificate and you will know everything you need to know about operating a VHF.
The other way you could look at this is that it is not legal to operate a VHF without the appropriate operators certificate.
And since you appear to be around Brisbane then Victioria Point VMR (I believe) have been running (and will be running some more?) courses especially for VHF qualifications.
Maybe those on the site that did this course might add some more #.
Cheers, Kerry.