All Tasmanian State Service (TSS) employees – particularly those who work with Aboriginal people, are in a leadership role, conduct recruitment activities, write policy and programs, or provide a service – are encouraged to attend an Aboriginal Cultural Respect training session.
A priority under the TSS Aboriginal Employment Strategy, the training responds to the need for an accessible, consistent, quality controlled and culturally authentic Aboriginal training package for TSS employees.
This one-day immersive training session supports you to play an active role in implementing culturally informed practices and services to ensure the work we undertake is culturally safe and respectful across the whole of the TSS.
Throughout the day, you will be invited to reflect on your own work practices, deepen your understanding of Tasmanian Aboriginal culture, and explore meaningful ways to engage respectfully with Aboriginal people to build strong, authentic partnerships.
This unique learning experience is led by Nicole Smith (Palawa), with the support of Louise Adams (Mutti Mutti, Wadi Wadi, Wotjobaluk). Both share their insights and knowledge into Aboriginal people and culture in Tasmania. You will hear first-hand stories from Aboriginal people working within the TSS and examine the ongoing impacts that past and current policies and practices have had, and continue to have, on Aboriginal people in Tasmania.
Program
| 8:45-9.00 | Registration |
| 9.00- 10.00 | Welcome and getting to know each other in our shared learning space |
| 10.00-10.45 | A glimpse into the complex, multifaceted and transgenerational |
| 11.00-12.30 | Real people, Real Stories, Real experiences – Reality of Tasmanian Aboriginal mobs and family |
| 1.00-2.00 | The Stolen Generations Bringing Them Home video Aust. Human Rights Commission |
| 2.00-3.45 | Transforming Government: draw on shared learning to inform new workplace thinking and doing |
| 3.45-4.30 | Expressionism: expressing the training experience through your fingertips |
*The State Service Management Office reserves the right to adjust the program without notice.
What you will learn
By the end of this session, you will be able to:
- Explore ways to transfer learning into workplace practice.
- Contribute to building culturally safe and respectful workplaces.
- Explore what we don’t know and perhaps need to know.
- Understand that almost every Aboriginal person is impacted by trauma, loss and grief because of historical and current government policies and practices.
- Create opportunities for shared cultural discovery, continued learning and mutual respect.
Who should attend?
This training is designed for TSS employees at all levels.
If you work with Aboriginal people, manage or supervise, are in a leadership role, conduct recruitment activities, write policy and programs, provide a service, then this course is for you.
This training has been made available for affiliates of Arch so they can experience the same training as their TSS colleagues.
Lead facilitator: Nicole Smith, Aboriginal Employment Project Officer (Aboriginal Employment Strategy), State Service Management Office
Nicole is a truwulway, palawa woman and her work is deeply rooted in community, culture and creating opportunities for Aboriginal people. She brings extensive experience working across the Tasmanian State Service, with a strong background in education, cultural interpretation, and community engagement.
Nicole helped to develop the permanent children’s exhibition mapiya lumi | Around Here for children and young people from birth to seven years for the Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery (TMAG). She is a co-author of 2 childrens books, Here on Sea Country and We Love Country.
Nicoles experience includes delivering Cultural Competency Training and other educational programs with the Tasmanian Aboriginal Centre. Her work continues to focus on creating culturally respectful spaces and opportunities for Aboriginal people within the Tasmanian State Service.
Upcoming sessions
Please note: This training is only available to TSS employees and affiliates of Arch.
