Join Jade Brook and Chris Vanstone to explore practical approaches of engaging in co-design with First Nations Communities and Peoples.

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 including the development of services, policy, governance models and community strategies. 

This workshop will be helpful for those wanting to strengthen their co-design practice within a First Nations context and for learners newer to a co-design approach.

This workshop does not provide cultural awareness and privilege awareness training. We can recommend First Nations-led organisations who deliver this.

This workshop was originally developed with Aunty Vickey Charles. Aunty in Residence, always.

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.

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 you'll receive

  • Pre-session reading and reflective activity

  • Three hour workshop + one hour follow up facilitated by Jade Brook and Chris Vanstone

  • Opportunities to connect with people exploring co-design in settings across Australia

  • Practical frameworks, processes and practices for co-design with First Nations communities

  • Case studies of successful engagement with First Nations communities

  • Lifelong access to resources and guidance on the TACSI Learning Hub including via the Learning Hub smart phone app

Five skills you’ll learn

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

  • Identify frameworks for embedding cultural considerations into your work

  • Explore frameworks for engagement and co-design processes developed for First Nations communities

  • Practice applying a framework for Allyship in your work

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

Timing and pricing

Four hours total

Time & Duration:
Workshop - Tuesday 21 October 2025, 12.30 - 3.30pm AEDT (3 hours)

Follow up - Tuesday 4 November 2025, 12.30 - 1.30pm AEDT (1 hour)

Technology:
Hosted online via Zoom
Learning materials accessible via web browser 

Price: 
To support learners with limited access to professional development funding, we offer two prices for enrolments.

For organisation-funded learners:

This price is for learners with access to organisational funding such as professional development budgets.

AUD $600 per participant inclusive taxes (AUD $545 ex GST in Australia)

For self-funded learners:

This price is to support learners without access to funding from an organisation. 

AUD $400 per participant inclusive taxes (AUD $363 ex GST in Australia)

Receipt:
On purchase you will receive a receipt by email that will show GST for customers in Australia.

Group booking and paying by invoice:

To make a group booking or pay by invoice, email [email protected] with your details.

This workshop can also be delivered to your organisation, tailored to your needs, at a time that works for your team. Contact [email protected] to find out more.

Scholarships:

Limited free places are available for First Nations people, people with lived experience, young people (18-24) and low-income earners. Visit Scholarships for details including how to apply.

Purchase

To support learners with limited access to professional development funding, we offer two prices for enrolments.

  • $600.00

    Organisation-funded learners

    Buy

  • $400.00

    Self-funded learners

    Buy

Course curriculum

  1. Welcome

  2. Many Threads of Allyship

  3. Allyship Stories

  4. Cultural Canvas

  5. An Aboriginal Perspective on Co-Design and Innovation

  6. Principles and Mindsets

About this course

  • $600.00
  • 3 + 1 hour workshops
  • Online delivery

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

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FAQs

  • Are there any scholarships or subsidies?

    Yes, we offer limited free places for First Nations people, people with lived experience, young people (18-24) and low-income earners. Visit Scholarships for details including how to apply.

  • Will I get a certificate?

    Yes, you will be presented with a certificate on completing the course.

  • Can I register a group?

    Absolutely. Creating the conditions for innovation and change is a collective endeavour. Enrolling as an organisation (or group of organisations) will help you build a shared understanding and shared language, while giving you the opportunity to work through challenges specific to your context. Visit our Team Training for tailored learning options or contact our Learning Coordinator, at [email protected] about group booking options.

  • Can I pay by invoice?

    Yes, you can email us at [email protected] to request an invoice.

  • Can I get a tax invoice?

    When you purchase via our secure online platform a tax invoice will be sent to your email address.

  • How long will I have access?

    You will have lifelong access to the course materials.

  • What if I realise I can’t attend the course after purchasing it?

    Courses are non-refundable. If you are not able to make a course, 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 a later course. At any point before the start date you can transfer your place to a colleague at no additional cost. Contact our Learning Coordinator, via email at [email protected] if you have any questions.

  • Who can I talk to about any other questions?

    You can email our Learning Coordinator at [email protected]