This full day professional learning experience is designed for CHSP and Support at Home-funded organisations seeking to strengthen culturally safe practice with Aboriginal Elders and communities.
Cultural safety is an expectation within the new aged care system. This immersive experience on Country creates an impact that standard classroom training cannot – staff return more confident, more culturally responsive and better equipped to put learning into practice.
Staff return with
Clear next steps your team can take to strengthen respectful engagement with local Aboriginal communities
Greater confidence in culturally safe communication with Elders and families
Practical ideas to strengthen your team’s service delivery
A deeper understanding of how culture, Country and connection shape the wellbeing of Elders
About the day
Join us at the Dharnya Centre – the cultural heart of Yorta Yorta Country – nestled within Barmah National Park’s ancient river red gum forest.
Spend a meaningful day alongside your aged care peers, guided by Yorta Yorta Knowledge Holders and community members. Through personal stories and cultural practices, you'll explore Yorta Yorta perspectives on caring for Elders – and what Country can teach us about connection, respect and belonging.
This is a rare opportunity to listen, reflect and ask questions in a supportive, immersive environment.
The participants are starting to build some fabulous relationships. Because Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal providers attended, they’re now linking up and feel more confident connecting.
What’s included
Smoking ceremony and Welcome to Country
Cultural awareness workshop with Robynne Nelson
Guided 1-hour walk through Barmah Forest (easy grade)
A lakeside chat with Uncle Col, a 91 year old Yorta Yorta Elder
Live music from Yorta Yorta singer songwriter, Madi Colville Walker
Refreshments and camp oven lunch
This experience has given me the tools to create more meaningful change. I’d like to go back and have a good think about how I’m going to share this with my team.
Who should attend
This day is for people working in:
CHSP-funded aged care
Support at Home-funded aged care
Sector Support and Development
It’s a great way to start your organisation’s National Reconciliation Week activities.
Robynne’s session gave fantastic insights into what we need to do as organisations. I’m going back with a real sense of what needs to happen – and with tools to create more meaningful change.
Meet your knowledge guides
Robynne Nelson is a Yorta Yorta, Dja Dja Wurrung and Waywurru woman with 40+ years’ experience across community, government and agency roles, including nursing, recruitment, private enterprise, community development and work with Aboriginal organisations.
For the past 27 years, she has delivered Aboriginal cultural competency education, cultural mentoring and community development projects across Victoria and into NSW, and her work also extends to cultural governance and international research.
Robynne is known for delivering honest, respectful sessions grounded in truth-telling that create a safe space for participants to listen, reflect and ask questions, with practical insights for organisations on strengthening relationships with local Aboriginal communities. She is also a published author.
Aunty Vicki Walker, a proud Yorta Yorta woman, is the SSD Connect Alliance’s First Nations advisor for Loddon Mallee and Hume.
In this role, Aunty Vick works closely with Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations, supporting them to navigate sector changes and strengthen their capacity.
With a career grounded in Aboriginal education, cultural awareness and community development, Vicki is recognised for her advocacy for Elders, her passion for language revitalisation, and her commitment to keeping cultural safety and respect at the heart of service delivery.
Her connection to Country, warmth and collaborative spirit underpin her work with community and colleagues alike.
Uncle Col Walker
Gracie Atkinson
Ralph Hume
Accommodation
Planning to stay nearby? Here’s some local options:
Presented by
SSD Connect Alliance, Sunraysia Aged Care Network and Gateway Health
Take the next step in culturally safe practice.
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Although funding for this event has been provided by the Australian Government, the material contained herein does not necessarily represent the views or policies of the Australian Government.