Ways of Working with Aboriginal People is a two-part course focusing on delivering specialised cultural awareness training that meet the needs of the alcohol and other drugs, mental health and wider community services sector.
The training helps staff and organisations in the sector to develop and increase their capacity to work more effectively in culturally secure ways with Aboriginal people, including Aboriginal workers.
Interested in attending? See below a short breakdown of the specific trainings and dates to register:
Ways of Working with Aboriginal People - Part 1
Part one is knowledge and theory based and outlines topics such as, Aboriginal diversity, Aboriginal history, oppression, internalised oppression and the role they play in today’s context.
It also explores Aboriginal people’s holistic view on AOD use, mental health, the concept of social and emotional wellbeing and the Aboriginal Inner Spirit, as well as relevant Closing the Gap targets, statistics and Aboriginal empowerment.
What to expect:
- Aboriginal peoples' lives before, during and after colonisation
- An overview of historical events in Aboriginal history
- Aboriginal Diversity & cultural groups
- Internalised and External Oppression
- Understanding oppression and how to challenge it
- Developing cultural competencies
- Building a stronger future for Aboriginal peoples
Ways of Working with Aboriginal People - Part 2
Part Two builds on the knowledge gained in Part One, focusing on practical skill development, relationship building and Aboriginal ways of counselling.
Through practical models, videos and activities participants will explore culturally secure approaches to assessment, establishing rapport and working effectively with Aboriginal people.
What to expect:
- Skill based with a clinical focus
- An introduction to Aboriginal ways of counselling
- How to establish rapport (including skills rehearsal)
- Using Aboriginal AOD models for culturally secure assessment
- Aboriginal ways of establishing rapport
- Strong Spirit Strong Mind Story Telling Cards and
- Skill building activities to build confidence
The Training Calendar
Search Ways of Working or Select Ways of Working in the Event Types to find the correct course.
If no training dates are advertised, all courses are full and have been closed.
Page last updated21 October 2026