Following the success of Warrnambool’s Cultural Safety Training workshop, the first Murray Cultural Safety Training workshop was held in November. The Victorian Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation (VACCHO) facilitated the workshop in Mooroopna. It was the second of six to be held across Victoria in 2018-19, in partnership with VACCHO.

Much like the previous workshop, a number of health professionals from across the region attended, including RWAV Outreach service providers. Overall, the participants were very pleased with VACCHO’s session with all attendees reporting that the workshop had been beneficial. Evaluations from the day showed that the participants took away vital learning outcomes, and expanded their knowledge and understanding about the impact of the trauma to which Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders are subject. These workshops are a vital resource in providing adequate healthcare services that are culturally safe, promote positive practice and build awareness and the confidence to communicate more effectively when supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders communities.

Some feedback from participants included:

“[This training] made me more aware why Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders may have health & mental health problems.”

“[The workshop provided] a better perspective on the trauma that is still pervasive amongst Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders.”

“My eyes have been opened to the trauma and injustices that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders people have faced.”

“I felt comfortable to be able to speak without fear of offending.”

“Certainly recommend this to others.”

RWAV strongly encourages Outreach service providers to engage in this free training opportunity to foster informed conversations and enhance service delivery practice to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.

Our next Cultural Safety Training will be held at Ramahyuck District Aboriginal Corporation Sale on Thursday 21st February 2019.