Program Details

This page will provide you with details of the goals, objectives and contetn of the program as well as dates, venues and important details for all participants.

Description of Program

The CRT is a two day program that explores Aboriginal culture and identity from pre and post colonisation in order to examine how we can more effectively implement diversity strategies in the work environment and in service delivery. Discussions and modules are designed to generate innovative and responsible communication and work practices with Aboriginal Australians.

• Download the program outline details [PDF, 57kb]

Goals

1. To support the department and relevant sector funded agencies to improve working relationships and service delivery associated with the health and wellbeing of Aboriginal Australians and enhance their relationships with members of Victorian Aboriginal Communities.
2. To create and foster a workplace culture within the department that values and utilises the contributions of Aboriginal employees.

Objectives

The program is designed to:

1. Improve the cultural competence of Health, Housing and Community sector service organisations by providing staff with the opportunity to develop their skills, knowledge and understanding of Aboriginal culture, traditions and cultural practices.
2. Develop skills and knowledge of Aboriginal Australians, their cultures and society so that you are more responsive to the needs of Indigenous colleagues and communities.
3. Develop and implement strategies that will ensure effective relationships and engagement with Aboriginal Australians and communities.

Content

• To meet the objectives the following content will be explored:
• the key concepts of identity - what types of things contribute to building your identity?
• the effect of pre and post colonisation to the identity of the Aboriginal community
• stereotyping of diverse groups
• a case study and the Kulin people of central Victoria
• family, employment, spirituality, Lore and law for Aboriginal people
• statistics - how Aboriginal people are represented
• identification of workforce and service delivery issues for Indigenous people
• developing short and long-term strategies to meet identified workforce and service delivery issues
• departmental policies and procedures for developing partnerships and consultations with the Victorian Aboriginal community

Delivery

Delivery of the Cultural Respect Training commenced in March 2006, and the current contract with the Koorie Heritage Trust finishes in April 2008. Approximately 25 programs will be delivered each year. Participants will need to attend the training on two consecutive days.

While places are available to 20 participants, the target participation rate in each year for departmental and community sector employees has risen from 70/30 in year one to 50/50 split wherever practicable from July 2007 to April 2008.

Venues

The Cultural Respect Training programs will be delivered from a number of rural and metropolitan venues, including the Koorie Heritage Trust Inc located in Melbourne's city centre.

Allocation of the 25 programs, is offered each year across the department's eight regions and head office.

Note: All Head Office and North and West Metropolitan region programs will be delivered at the Koorie Heritage Trust Inc at 295 King Street, Melbourne.

Refer to the CRT Schedule for details on the locations for the training. Further information can also be obtained by contacting the relevant departmental CRT program coordinators.

Schedule

• CRT Schedule - HTML
• CRT Schedule - [PDF, 59kb]

The CRT will be delivered from a number of rural and metropolitan venues, including the Koorie Heritage Trust Inc located in Melbourne's city centre. Contact the relevant departmental crt program coordinator for specific venue details.

Program Coordinators

• CRT Coordinators Contact List - HTML
• CRT Coordinators Contact List [PFG, 52kb]

Departmental Program Coordinators will receive and prioritise all nominations to ensure that a range of departmental and Health, Housing and Community sector agencies can participate in the training.

The department will also maintain waiting lists for future programs.

Participants will receive an email confirming acceptance of their nomination or advice that they have been placed on a waiting list for future programs.

Some staff may not be able to attend the training of their first choice. If and when additional places become available, they will be offered, in the first instance to staff already on the waiting list for training.