The program will be delivered over two days, providing information, resources and strategies for working with Aboriginal children, adults and families. In addition to exploring ways of doing things “differently” from an organisational position that is culturally inclusive and appropriate.

The content will focus on:

Day 1:

Working with Aboriginal people, families and communities in a culturally appropriate framework who have / are experiencing family violence.
Aboriginal ways of being, communication and engagement styles, The Strong Spirit Model, cultural identity, spiritual experience, emotional regulation activities, intergeneration and complex trauma, the effects of ongoing trauma on a person’s emotional development and a healing journey from an Aboriginal philosophy.

Day 2:

The second day of the workshop provides additional content around child development and attachment from an Aboriginal perspective, working with children and families with developmental and complex trauma (broken Spirit), in addition to opportunities for participants to use engagement, emotional regulation and assessment tools for working with Aboriginal children and adults impacted by family violence.

This program draws on a range of western and Aboriginal philosophies and is contextualized to meet the learning needs of the DFV, SV and Women’s Health and Well-being Sector.

Learning Outcomes:

Participants will have -

A broader understanding of Aboriginal culture
A practical approach to understanding and responding to trauma / family violence drawing from western and Aboriginal frameworks
Increased confidence engaging and working with Aboriginal people and organisations
Confidence in using a variety of engagement strategies in their work with Aboriginal children, adults, families and communities
In depth understanding of health and wellbeing from an Aboriginal philosophy which is relevant for Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal people.

Event Details:

Day One: Wednesday, 24th September 2025
Day Two: Thursday, 25th September 2025

Time: 9:00am - 4:00pm AEST Queensland Time (both days)
Location: To be announced, Cairns, QLD

Please note: This is a 2 part series. Participants are required to attend both dates.

Who should attend

This workshop is for workers in domestic and family violence, sexual violence and women's health and well-being services.

WorkUP's target group is specialist domestic and family violence, sexual violence and women's health and well-being services funded by Department of Families, Seniors, Disability Services and Child Safety. We will prioritise these registrations.

About the presenter/s

Janine Cattanach

Janine Cattanach is a Marrithiyel woman, a social worker and child play therapist (Master’s level trained). She specialises in working with children, adults and families who are experiencing complex and developmental trauma, she combines both Aboriginal and western ways of supporting people to grow their Spirit strong. She is the director of the Cultural Consultancy Group, providing consultancy, supervision and workshops and is a senior social worker in the child and parenting with The Royal Flying Doctor Service.

Travel support is available* – click here to apply. If you are unable to download the application form please email workforce@healingfoundation.org.au to receive a copy. *Target Group Services Only