This short workshop will provide participants with a common grounding in approaches to engaging with First Nations communities and Peoples.

The course will be facilitated by Jade Brook, who is Kaurna and Nharangga with ties to Ngarrindjeri and Barkindji Country; with a TACSI co-facilitator experienced with working with First Nations Groups.

The workshop is informed by Jade's experience of engaging Aboriginal community in the design of healthcare spaces; and TACSI’s experience of co-design and innovation with First Nations groups which includes the development of policy, service design, governance design and development of community strategies. 

Our facilitators will work with you to tailor the course to your needs including selecting case studies relevant to your context. 

The workshop will cover 

  • Frameworks for embedding cultural considerations into your work. 
  • Frameworks for engagement and co-design processes developed for Aboriginal communities
  • A framework for Allyship 
  • Case studies of successful engagement with First Nations Communities 

This workshop is a compliment and extension to cultural awareness training and privilege awareness training. We can recommend First Nations organisations if you're interested in developing your learning in this area. 

Your facilitators

Jade Brook

First Nations Associate, Third Camp

Jade Kartanya Brook is the firstborn daughter of the Brook family, her fathers namesake and proudly Kaurna, Nharangga, with cultural ties to Ngarrindjeri and Barkindji Country. Jade is a passionate storyteller, facilitator, and cultural connector who fosters relationships and cultural integrity in every space she walks. Her art, teachings, and presence reflect a bold and vibrant commitment to healing, truth, and story. In 2024, Jade was awarded with South Australia’s Active Citizenship Award for her leadership and impact and currently holds positions as Founder and Director of Third Camp, Head of Strategy and Aboriginal Engagement for the new Women's and Children's Hospital Build, Tier 1 Consumer and Engagement Strategy Committee member BHFLHN, and sit on the Adelaide Hills Reconciliation Working Group. Jade loves growing Indigenous foods and fresh vegetables, often spending her time in her garden on Peramangk Watta, where she lives with her son Jacob, cheeky chickens, and their loyal red dog, Alice.

Simone Mandl

Principal Regenerative Communities, TACSI

A participatory designer and generative researcher, Simone has over 16 years’ experience working with communities and organisations to create visions for sustainable, equitable futures through fieldwork, co-design and design-led research. Simone is passionate about re-imagining cultural narratives that enable people to lead, imagine and invest in regenerative futures.

Chris Vanstone

Chief Innovation Officer & co-CEO, TACSI

Chris started his career designing biscuits and razors before transitioning into social innovation over 20 years ago. As TACSI co-CEO and CIO, he’s responsible for keeping TACSI at the cutting edge of social innovation, playing a big role in the development of our practice, major initiatives and strategy. Chris’ goal is to democratise social innovation. He’s always striving to get important concepts into the world in ways that are clear.

What participants will do together

  • Reflect on the mindsets and practices for engaging with First Nations people

  • Identify frameworks, processes and practices that you can take from TACSI’s projects to incorporate into your own

  • Reflect on what you would like to take forward from the workshop into your practice

  • Develop a shared understanding and common language to talk about engaging First Nations Peoples

Included in the workshop package:

  • 1hr introductory conversation to support tailoring the workshop

  • Up to 2hrs of tailoring workshop materials to fit your needs

  • 4hrs of online workshop delivery with two facilitators for up to 25 people (or in person with additional travel costs)

  • Lifelong access to resources and guidance, for up to 25 people via the TACSI Learning Hub including via the Learning Hub smart phone app

What learners said

Reviews of previous version of this workshop hosted by Aunty Vickey Charles and Chris Vanstone

“If you’re considering this course, I can’t recommend it enough. The facilitation style creates a relaxed, engaging space where everyone feels comfortable asking questions and participating. One of my biggest takeaways was learning the importance of asking communities whether they want to engage in a co-design process or prefer to be consulted—an approach that has transformed how I plan my work. This course truly shifts your mindset, grounding you in thoughtful, community-led design.”

Senior Innovation Specialist, The Smith Family

“Great facilitation and frameworks alongside visuals very informative and inspiring a lot of reflection.”

Participant, 2024

“If you are already looking at student agency to lead your planning, consider this course for down-to-earth practical ways to consider wider community-based social innovation and increasing your impact through co-design.”

Program Manager, The Smith Family, 2024

“[I liked most:] The purposeful yarning accompanied by innovative ideas, visuals and 'real world' resource examples. Opportunity to practice and spend time in a deeper listening space. Doing it with TSF colleagues from around the country! I had many [ah-ha moments]! the importance of visuals, storytelling and helpful pre-planning curious questions to better understand perspective for clarity re assumptions from the start (building with authenticity the right conditions for innovation).”

Program Coordinator, The Smith Family. 2024

“[my ah-ha moment was] realising I could even apply the Stepping Stones to strategic support conversations that I have every day. [as a result of this course, I will] Try and apply a First Nations perspective to more aspects of my job and life generally.”

Family Partnership Coordinator, The Smith Family

“This session was extremely insightful and thought provoking. It was facilitated in a relaxed and conversational way, and I left having had many light bulb moments in relation to my own growth and what we might consider implementing in my immediate team and more broadly in my workplace.”

Program Lead, Systems Navigator. Karitane 2024

Pricing and booking

Contact our Learning Coordinator, at [email protected] to discuss your needs, how this workshop could be tailored to meet them and to make your booking.

Duration:
4 hours 

Delivered either as one four hour block or 3 + 1 workshops a fortnight apart to embed the learning.

Technology:
Online workshops hosted online via Zoom or Teams 
Learning materials accessible via web browser or app

Price: 

AUD $6,000 inclusive GST for up to 25 participants

AUD $5,454.55 ex GST

+ travel costs if delivered in person

FAQs

  • Who can I talk to about any other questions?

    You can speak with our Learning Coordinator [email protected]

  • Can I pay by invoice?

    Yes, please contact our Learning Coordinator [email protected] to request an invoice.

  • How long will my team have access?

    Your team will have lifelong access to the course materials.

  • Will my team get a certificate?

    Yes, your team members will receive an individual certificate on completing the course.

  • What if a team member can’t make all the sessions?

    Your team member will still have access to all the materials from that session. We do not record sessions, but we recommend they connect with your team to catch up before the next session.

  • What if I need to cancel the course after purchasing?

    Courses are non-refundable. If your team are not able to make a course at the agreed time, and let us know more than 14 days before the start date, we will issue you a credit note (valid for 12 months) for use in another date. Contact our Learning Coordinator [email protected] if you have any questions.

  • Can I get a tax invoice?

    Yes, you will receive a tax invoice once payment is processed.

  • Can I pay in instalments?

    Yes you can. Contact our Learning Coordinator [email protected] to arrange.