Time: 9.30 AM – 3.30 PM (may finish early)

Date: Wednesday 11 and Thursday 12 March 2026

Location: MacKillop Family Services, Federal Mills, E14/33 Mackey Street, North Geelong VIC 3215. (Lunch included)

Presented by: VACCA

$50 voucher will be provided towards potential travel costs

Strengthening Cultural Connections (Replacing Nikara’s Journey)

CARING FOR ABORIGINAL OR TORRES STRAIT ISLANDER CHILDREN

Strengthening Cultural Connections reflects a wide range of topics and information that non-Aboriginal carers need at an introductory level when caring for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children.

Please note these sessions are for carers only. Staff can register to attend ‘staff only’ sessions here.

There are four modules of learning:

Module 1: Understanding Culture
Learning objectives

• Participants will be able to define what culture is
• Participants will develop and explore their own culture
• Participants will be able to explain the concepts of cultural disconnection and how it affects individuals and communities

Module 2: History of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People
Learning objectives

• Participants will explore key elements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people before colonisation
• Participants will develop an understanding of the timeline and key events of colonisation
• Participants will explore the immediate impacts of colonisation
• Participants will identify important government policies and legislation

Module 3: It’s not all in the past- contemporary issues for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people
Learning objectives

• Learners will develop a deeper understanding of the foundations of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture and knowledge systems
• Learners will develop an understanding of the long-term and ongoing impact of past experiences, policies and legislation on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families today.
• Learners will begin to identify practical ways of promoting cultural connections for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and young people
• Learners will be empowered to engage in and celebrate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander events and activities as allies

Module 4: Advocacy and your role as a carer
Learning Objectives

• Learners will develop an understanding of the Child Protection system to empower them when advocating for the cultural needs of children and young people in their care.
• Learners will understand microaggressions, privilege and discrimination and identify ways to advocate for children and young people who may experience discrimination

Please note these sessions are for carers only. Staff can register to attend ‘staff only’ sessions here.