Essentials of Co-creation - October 2026

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 and stories and learn about:

• What co-design is and is not, honouring First Nations ways

• 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

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

• How to recognise power-sharing approaches

• When not to co-create (or not yet) 

We aim to strengthen your advocacy, confidence and impact.

You won't learn how to deliver workshops or facilitate co-design. Like any skill, leading co-creation takes time.  

🧠 Who this course is for

This is an introductory course with something for everyone, even experienced community practitioners. Participants may have significant experience in other places, but may not have been exposed to design approaches beyond sticky notes. Or, want to learn how to better advocate 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, move, turn camera off, not use eye contact)

• taking one break per 50-60 minutes

• 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.