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 Aunty Vickey Charles, Aunty in Residence and Cultural Lead,  with a TACSI co-facilitator experienced with working with First Nations Groups.

The workshop is based on 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. 

This workshop is a compliment and extension to cultural awareness training and privilege awareness training.

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 

Your facilitators

Aunty Vickey Charles

Aunty in Residence & Cultural Lead, TACSI

Aunty Vickey Charles was an Alawa/Mara woman from the Northern Territory who grew up in Adelaide from the age of 18 months, due to government policy at the time. She spent her life raising awareness of Aboriginal Australia through her lived experience and work in government and not-for-profit sectors. Aunty Vickey has led TACSI on our cultural learning journey, to become a more culturally competent and culturally safe organisation. Her work included taking new-starters through a cultural induction, developing the Cultural Canvas that ensures TACSI projects begin grounded in the cultural context, and playing a key role in TACSI developing a Reconciliation Action Plan.

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

“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. Aunty Vickey’s visual storytelling was incredibly impactful, and the practical insights shared were pure gold. 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

“I loved the session, the conversational nature was different to the format of sessions I've previously been involved with and what made it great! Also - so many terrific resources referenced and shared and this is always, always, always what attendees are looking for!”

Hayley Angell, Senior Manager DEI, Chartered Accountants ANZ, Many Threads of Allyship Webinar

“This [course] will stimulate work that our Community of Practice Group 'sphere of influence' impacts - eg. where our gaps are, what approaches we need to do further work to improve eg. the training of volunteers and program Facilitator who deliver programs in our communities. This training will support Team conversations regarding our 'cultural canvas' work in community/communities 'localising' our National RAP.”

Program coordinator, The Smith Family

“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 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

“I am currently refreshing our Family Practice Framework and will incorporate some of the many gems in it.”

Practice Development Analyst, The Smith Family

“[What I I liked most was] The combination of tangible resources and ways to ensure you are conducting an inclusively structured project with the lived experience of Auntie Vickey. I am considering how I can implement what I learnt into my role that is not really people-facing - how can I make web pages/education documents more accessible and inclusive. ”

Program Analyst, The Smith Family

“I'm definitely going to be more aware of power imbalances, and of the unique kinds of power people hold”

Participant, 2023

“The co-facilitation was fantastic, enabling many additional aspects or ideas to be gently presented.”

Participant, 2023

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 

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.