Cultivating Connections Forum
Cultivating Connections Forum
Woor-Dungin | Share
Share Impact . Share Connection . Share Prosperity
Woor-Dungin means share in the language of the Gunaikurnai people and sharing is at the heart of everything we do.
From bringing Aboriginal organisations, philanthropy, government, researchers and community together on Country, to connecting organisations with resources, building relationships between sectors and supporting community-led change, we have built partnerships and helped turn ideas into action.
At this year's Cultivating Connections Forum we're sharing the successes of more than 20 years of community-led collaboration, highlighting the achievements of the Rethinking Criminal Records Checks project, and introducing our next major initiative, the First Nations Economic and Cultural Prosperity Project.
Throughout the day, you'll hear from inspiring speakers, discover First Nations tourism and hospitality initiatives, experience bush foods and take part in an interactive Yarning Circle to help shape the future of Aboriginal-owned enterprise.
The Forum is an opportunity to celebrate what we've achieved together, strengthen existing partnerships and make new connections that can turn community aspirations into action.
Come and share your story, your ideas and your vision for what comes next.
Share Impact | Rethinking Criminal Records Checks
Few projects show the power of collective action as clearly as the Rethinking Criminal Records Checks project.
In 2016 Woor-Dungin responded to concerns raised by Aboriginal community members about how old and irrelevant criminal records were preventing people from accessing employment and opportunities.
From this we established and coordinated the Aboriginal-led Criminal Record Discrimination Project, bringing together a network of more than 50 community members, Aboriginal organisations, legal experts, researchers and advocates.
Through community storytelling, research and collective advocacy, the project helped build momentum for important legislative reform, contributing to the introduction of Victoria's Spent Convictions Act 2021. |
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Ten years later we continue to build on this success, collectivly developing with RMIT University, Winda-Mara Aboriginal Corporation and VACCHO, research and practical resources to support Aboriginal job seekers and help employers adopt fairer, more culturally informed recruitment practices.
This is a powerful example of the Woor-Dungin approach to creating change
We listen to community, bringing the right people together, mobilise knowledge and resources, and support collective action that influence systems.
Antoinette Saliba from RMIT University will join the forum to share outcomes of this work, introduce the practical tools and resources developed, and explore the continuing opportunities for fairer employment and justice reform for First Nations job seekers impacted by irrelevant criminal records.
Share Connections | Yarning Circle on First Nations enterprise
Bring your ideas, share your experiences and help shape the next chapter of this work.
Woor-Dungin holds community led yarning circles every month, and this Cultivating Connections forum we'll explore the possibilities in the Community controlled space for tourism, hospitality, bush foods and cultural enterprises, including shared marketing, investment, partnerships and sustainable business growth. |
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We want to hear from organisations already developing enterprises, those with ideas taking shape and partners interested in supporting their growth.
Whether you represent an ACCO, Traditional Owner group, philanthropic foundation, government agency, university, community organisation or business, this is an opportunity to build relationships that matter.
| Featured Interview with Associate Professor Skye Akbar We are delighted to share an interview with Associate Professor Dr Skye Akbar, an Enterprise Fellow at Adelaide University and a proud Waljen woman of the Wangkatja Peoples. Joining us from her home on Kaurna Country, We interviewed Skye who brings her deep expertise in regional enterprise, First Nations tourism, and sustainable community development to a fascinating conversation. Hear her insights on the economic opportunities cultural tourism can create, how tourism can strengthen culture and community, and how to close the gap between market demand and Aboriginal business participation. |
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Her Interview will help open an exciting conversation about possibilities ahead for Community Organisations interested in this space.
Share Prosperity | First Nations Economic and Cultural Prosperity project
Across Victoria, Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations are exploring exciting ways to grow their economic independence while strengthening culture, community and connection to Country.
From bush food production and cultural tourism to cafés, catering, hospitality training and community-owned enterprises, these ventures are creating opportunities to generate income while supporting the wider aspirations of their communities.
In response to these conversations, Woor-Dungin is introducing the Economic and Cultural Prosperity Project.
This emerging initiative aims to bring interested ACCOs, TO's and First Nations businesses with social good missions together in a collaborative consortium, strengthening enterprise capability, access to funding and investment, shared promotion and partnerships.
Rather than organisations having to build everything alone, we want to explore what becomes possible when we share our strengths, knowledge, relationships and opportunities.
A taste of First Nations Food and Culture
| Be treated to a delicious lunch inspired by indigenous ingredients and be guided for a walk along the Darebin Creek Spirit Trail, exploring local Aboriginal history, cultural knowledge and the seven Kulin Seasons by our hosts at Barrbunin Beek. |
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Hear stories and opportunities behind First Nations food, cultural experiences and hospitality ventures supporting community organisations on the ground.
Why Attend?
Hear from people leading change, discover practical approaches to collaboration, meet potential partners and explore how your resources, experience or ideas could contribute to community-led prosperity.
Secure your ticket today and be part of what happens next.
Hear from leading voices in Aboriginal tourism research and criminal records reform
Be among the first to learn about the ECPP and help shape it
Meet ACCOs, Traditional Owner groups, philanthropy, government, researchers and corporate partners in one room
Taste native foods and discover the opportunities growing in food and hospitality
Celebrate 20+ years of relationships that have driven change
Leave with new partners, practical tools and ideas ready to put into action
Showcase Your Organisation
We invite First Nations organisations to host a display table at the Forum.
| Share your programs, services, community initiatives, social enterprises, cultural experiences, products and business ventures. This is an opportunity to raise your organisation's profile, connect with funders and partners, promote employment and enterprise pathways, and build support for your work. |
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Register your interest to secure a display opportunity and help us showcase the incredible work happening across our communities.
Tickets for good, not greed Humanitix dedicates 100% of profits from booking fees to charity
