Caring for First Nations Children

On the lands of the Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung People, 40 kinship, foster and permanent carers of First Nations children came together for a Learning and Development Retreat at Cleveland Estate, Lancefield. Over two days, carers immersed themselves in a series of enriching sessions designed to foster connection and learning.

The retreat commenced with a powerful Welcome to Country and Smoking Ceremony led by Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung Elder Uncle John Terrick and Wurundjeri man John Xiberras. This culturally significant opening set the tone for a weekend of learning, reflection, and shared stories.

After a fun carer introduction session, carers engaged in an excellent session on Keeping Kids Connected to Culture, facilitated by Clarisse Slater, Aboriginal Therapeutic Specialist, Facilitator and Consultant and Senior Manager of VACCA’s External Training and Relationships Team. The session equipped carers of First Nations children with resources and knowledge strengthening their role in championing culture for the children and young people they support.

Later that afternoon, carers joined Uncle Lionel Lauch of Living Culture in an inspiring session on connection to culture. This session blended discussion and deep listening, concluding with a meditative Yidaki (Didgeridoo) experience.

Saturday evening allowed carers to unwind over a shared dinner and entertaining trivia competition.

The second day began with Wayapa Wuurrk®, led by Justine Cooper of The Barefoot Spirit. This uplifting session incorporated gentle movement and Indigenous earth connection practices and supported carers to explore wellbeing through a lens of environmental and cultural mindfulness.

This was followed by a lovely hands-on Traditional Weaving Workshop with Cassie Leatham of Wild Blak Arts. Carers crafted woven armbands from native grasses, learning about the stories and traditions embedded in the practice of weaving.

The retreat concluded with an informative session led by the Grandparent, Foster, and Kinship Carer Adviser from Services Australia, providing carers with valuable insights into navigating support services.

Carer Kafe acknowledges the Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung People, on whose traditional lands this retreat took place. We pay our respects to Elders past, present, and emerging, recognising their enduring connection to land, water, and community.

Feedback from carers highlighted the impactful cultural focus, wellbeing activities and sense of community built throughout the weekend.

“I gained some excellent information and supportive statements with regards to indigenous children connecting to culture.”

“Excellent venue and brilliant presenters, staff and all people who put this together were wonderful.”

“Great weekend away meeting other carers and being able to yarn and share stories of struggles and successes.”

“I wanted tools and companionship and this conference delivered both beyond my expectations.”

“I’ve met some beautiful people and learnt some new skills. Thank you for a fantastic retreat.”

“More informed about First Nations Social and Emotional wellbeing. Connected with wellbeing practitioners.”

“Workshops were culturally sensitive, informative and interesting. I learned new things I previously didn’t know.”

“Excellent speakers – the cultural side was amazing. I felt validated with my culture practices.”

“I got to talk to really honest and understanding people in the same boat as me.”

“Listening to Lionel and how passionate he is to help his people stay connected has ignited a fire within me to help within my community.”

It was so wonderful to see 36 carers of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children attend our first retreat of the year at Hotel Bellinzona at Hepburn Springs from Saturday 20 April – Sunday 21 April held on the traditional lands of the Dja Dja Wurrung people. Starting with a Smoking Ceremony from Elder Jason Kerr, our first day was filled with connections, shared knowledge and a powerful keynote from AJ Williams-Tchen, a proud Wiradjuri Social Worker, Nurse and Youth Worker discussing the responsibilities and possibilities of caring for First Nations kids and young people.

The second day exploded with energy including a morning of weaving bracelets with artist and former paramedic Cassie Leatham from Wild Blak Arts. She then led carers on an incredible bush walk informing them on bushtukka. In the afternoon, we learnt about dadirri, an ancient mindfulness tradition led by We Al-li facilitator Lee Couch and ended with Wayapa, a relaxing practice combining narrative meditation and physical movement.

Feedback from kinship, permanent and accredited foster carers attending indicated the retreat was a unique and important opportunity to connect with other carers and Aboriginal culture.

”It was a wonderfully put together retreat with amazing people and it was obvious they genuinely cared about us carers and the challenges of our life being carers.

“So much more than I expected! Such a beautiful backdrop, great presenters, an amazing group of carers, great organisation”.

“Thank you so much for organising this event you guys were all so helpful, amazing, friendly, hospitable and accepting. I really appreciate being able to attend, I was inspired to learn more about culture and to hear so many people with the same struggles.”

”So nice to get away and spend time reflecting and connecting with other like-minded people and experiences.”

“Very relaxed and came away with a lot of new and inspiring information.”

”I feel so honoured to be caring for Aboriginal children and being able to walk this walk, and learn, and grow together with them. That the way forward is together. ”

”Culture is more than just family – it is environment – community – activities and an inner sense of belonging and being part a great extended family community.”

“I feel valued as a foster carer because of this weekend.”

“It was great to be amongst people who actually understand what life as a carer is like.”