Learn about cultural safety to create inclusive, safe and welcoming spaces.

Cultural safety is about providing an environment that considers and respects the cultural identity, values and norms of the peoples attending your activities. These cultural values and standards may often differ from your own and majority of society.

For Australia’s First Peoples, culturally safe practices and attitudes demonstrate an understanding, acceptance, and respect for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander cultural identities, cultural ways, and our ongoing connection to culture, Community and Country.

VACCHO’s Introduction to Aboriginal Cultural Safety training offers foundational knowledge and awareness on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, identities and cultures while exploring the basics of cultural safety and simple ways to put it into practice. Our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander facilitators enhance participant experience and learning by sharing cultural knowledge and lived experience in a safe learning environment where questions are encouraged and welcome.

The session covers

Understanding cultural safety and its importance in increasing service accessibility and effective engagement with Australia’s First Peoples.
The historical and ongoing impacts of colonisation and colonial policies on Australia’s First
Peoples culture and Communities
Trauma-informed practice
First Peoples diverse identities; respectful terminology and language
Cultural Load and its impacts on individuals, Communities, and organisations
How Equity and Self-determination are vital to cultural safety
Foundational skills to implement cultural safety into practice
Fostering respectful relationships with First Peoples and Communities
A timeline of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Strength and Resilience

For more details contact Barry Kennedy on 0447 821 599 or barry.kennedy@melbournewater.com.au

One of MW’s organisational goals is “We will walk Country together” which supports Traditional Owner self-determination and our commitment to reconciliation. The artwork “We will walk Country together” captures the essence of the partnership between Melbourne Water and the Traditional Owners who have been Caring for their Country for thousands of years.

Hear from Worimi artist Gerard Black sharing the story behind the art "We Will Walk Country Together" - Gerard Black - YouTube