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Session CP3: Notions of Aboriginality in cross-cultural training

1. Robyn Forester: Cultural appreciation programs in FaHCSIA: meeting the needs of Reconciliation Action Plans

Full paper | Audio | Video | Slideshow pdf 228KB

Abstract

The role of the Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Workforce Strategies Team is to develop solutions to address the immediate challenges surrounding Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander workforce strategies and to establish the foundations for continued improvements in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander recruitment, retention and career development within FaHCSIA.
Cultural Appreciation has been identified as a major component of the FaHCSIA Reconciliation Action Plan. A formalised Cultural Appreciation Program is available to all staff. The program is delivered by fully training Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff. To date 16 Facilitators have been trained and 15 programs have been delivered. An additional 10 workshops have been scheduled for February 2009. A key resource used within the program is the recently released second edition of The Little Red Yellow Black Book: An Introduction to Indigenous Australia by Bruce Pascoe & AIATSIS
The program provides participants with an introduction to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander issues. In some instances the course work is tailored to address the specific needs of a work area given that some programme areas have more involvement with policy development and service delivery to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities than others. The program commenced a roll out in October 2008.

Author bio

Robyn Forester manages the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Workforce Strategies Team within the Department of Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs.

2. Naomi Parry: Engaging with Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander communities in child care services

Full paper | Audio | Video | Slideshow pdf 257KB

Abstract

Engaging with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Communities: A project to support Blacktown and Mt Druitt children’s services in their engagement with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families is a pilot programme that aims to increase participation rates for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children in child care services in the Blacktown Local Government Area. Drawing on the strengths of the local community, CCSA has been working with services to increase their confidence in working with Aboriginal and Islander communities and organisations, to build relationships and connections and to promote inclusive practices and programming.

In conjunction with the work of bodies such as AIATSIS who have been actively researching successful models of both Indigenous organisations and existing governmental agencies, Robyn & Naomi’s perspectives offer an invaluable insight to how best to improve outcomes and achieve systemic change that will truly help close the gap.

Author bio

Naomi Parry of Community Connections Solutions Australia (CCSA) has been working on a project funded by Children’s Services Central, the NSW Professional Support Co-ordinator, and the Indigenous Professional Support Unit NSW/ACT, as part of the Australian Government’s Inclusion and Professional Support Program.