National CHSP Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Cultural Safety Community of Practice

Join a national community of CHSP providers committed to meaningful change.

The new Aged Care Act enshrines the right for older people to receive aged care services that are culturally safe, culturally appropriate, trauma-aware and healing-informed; and for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people a right to opportunities and assistance to stay connected to their community, Country and Island Home.

Beyond box ticking and optics, this is about the slow and at times challenging work of bringing about meaningful cultural change within CHSP organisations and strengthening relationships for improved care for older Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, families and communities.

What is involved?

This national Community of Practice is for CHSP providers and welcomes people across all organisational levels and stages on this ongoing journey building cultural safety. It is offered as a series of three 1.5-hour online sessions, and we encourage registrants to commit to attending all three sessions.

This Community of Practice aims to provide a supportive space to share insights, ask questions, and build lasting change within the aged care sector. There will be guest presenters, facilitated discussion as a large group and breakout sessions for sharing in smaller groups.

Why come along?

 This is an opportunity to:

·       Learn from other providers’ experience and knowledge, what is working for them and what barriers they face

·       Reflect on practice, progress and next steps for your service

·       Identify actionable improvements that evidence regulatory obligations while embedding meaningful change

·       Contribute to conversations about an aged care sector that not only meets requirements but strives for the right to cultural connection, safety and healing

·       Be inspired and encouraged by a national community of leaders and practitioners who are prioritising cultural safety for older Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people

Speakers

In our first session on 22 October 2025, we will reflect on what supports cultural safety and the importance of both self-reflection and understanding the history of the communities where you live and work. Truth telling from Dunghutti woman Aunty Rhonda Smith and Minjungbal man Uncle Garry Kafoa grounds our discussion within the context of contemporary Aboriginal experiences.

Event Series Dates and times:

·       22nd October 2025, 12:00 to 1:30pm AEDT

·       28th January 2026, 12:00 to 1:30pm AEDT

·       29th April 2026, 12:00 to 1:30pm AEST

Please add all three sessions into your calendar to ensure you don’t miss out.

Cost: Free to attend

If you have any questions, please contact Lilly or Danni via sectorsupport@yourside.org.au or Meredith via sectordevelopment@socialfutures.org.au

This is an activity of the National CHSP Sector Support and Development Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Working Group.

Activity leads: Social Futures, Booroongen Djugun, Momentum Collective and Your Side.