Essentials of Co-creation (over two half days) - March 2027

Please note that this session is split over two days, a week apart. We've done this to improve accessibility (for you and us) and give you time to reflect between sessions. The sessions are:

• 10am - 2:00pm AEDT on the 11th of March (part one)

• 10am - 1:30pm AEDT on the 18th of March (part two)

The language of co-design is everywhere - but what is it genuinely? What are our roles? How do we advocate for honest and accessible practice?

📋 Session description

In this practical session, you’ll get tools, guidance and stories and learn about:

• What co-design is and is not, why we use 'co-creation'

• The different roles within co-creating (there is a role for everyone) 

• Some elements of good co-creation, using the Model of Care for Co-design 

• Why we need to widen our focus beyond co-design (including before and after)

• The skills we already have (in ourselves, our communities, cultures and organisations)

• How to recognise power-sharing approaches

• When not to co-create (or not yet) 

We aim to strengthen your confidence in recognising, advocating for quality co-creation.

You won't learn how to deliver workshops or facilitate co-design. Like any skill, holding people, power and systems in co-creation takes time.  

🧠 Who this course is for

This is an essentials course with something for everyone, even experienced community practitioners. Participants may have significant experience in other places, but may not have been exposed to approaches beyond sticky notes and advisory groups. Or, want to learn how to better advocate about good practise to others. We welcome people of all backgrounds. If you're not sure if this course is for you, or to enquire about other training options contact KA.

🗝 Investment

Individual professional: $450 AUD + GST. Place confirmed on payment. You can pay by invoice or card. 

Discounts are available for 

• First Nations practitioners ($200 + GST)

• Young people aged under 25 ($100 + GST)

• Groups of three ($1,100 + GST) saving of $250

We have two free places for community members from marginalised backgrounds living in Australia eager to learn about co-design, but whose financial circumstances won't allow them to pay for this training. If you're unsure about what option to select, or want to talk about payment options, contact KA.

🖥️ The workshop format

A mix of experiential learning, stories and accessible theory, with breaks every 50 minutes, and a half-hour break for lunch (you're cooking). Ahead of the session, you’ll receive a 10-ish minute task. After the session, you get materials to support your practice. Learn more about what to expect here.

Here are some specific strategies we use:

• sharing a code of care so that expectations are clear and marginalised people don’t have to ask for dignity

• sharing clear information on what to expect ahead of the course

• sharing explicit access invitations in each session to normalise many ways to know and be (for example, OK to stim, go camera off)

• taking one break per 50-60 minutes (take more if you need)

• using visuals, stories, words, examples and audio

• taking immediate accountability when we make mistakes

• not permitting AI bots to record names or content, unless the group agrees - asking whoever’s bot was used to delete permanent files

• where harmful words are shared by participants, calling them in (or sometimes out) and interrupting to deescalate and avoid further harm (this is very uncommon in our courses but we are prepared to act)

💌 Questions or requestsYou'll be asked about accessibility needs at the check-out. For other questions or requests, please contact KA.