Engaging Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people

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Engaging Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people Tips for engaging

Acknowledge country or arrange a welcome to country from a local elder if appropriate. Do your research beforehand so that you’re sure to acknowledge the correct local people – in CBCity, it’s the Darug and Eora people. Here’s a script: I’d like to acknowledge the traditional custodians of the land we’re meeting on today, the Darug and Eora people, and pay my respect to their elders past, present and emerging. There are often many pressures on Elders’ time to take part in consultations, so consider an honorarium that recognises their time and efforts. An honorarium is a small payment that covers incidentals incurred through their participation, like transport and internet access. Consider conducting a meeting, workshop or consultation that’s specific to this community. This can help participants feel more comfortable to raise issues that are specific to their experiences and culture. Consider co-designing the event in partnership with the community. Allow time for leaders to increase the participation of community members. Invite the leaders to provide reports in person on the outcomes they have come to.

This will build trust and long-term relationships. Where to learn more

CollaborateNSW.org: Local government and Aboriginal communities working together, Local Government NSW Practical protocols for working with the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities within CBCity, City of Canterbury Bankstown CreativeSpirits.info, Jens Korff SydneyBarani.com.au, City of Sydney Aboriginal History along the Cooks River, Cooks River Alliance: cooksriver.org.au

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Where to learn more

Check out cb.city/communitydirectory for an overview of key networks and interagency meetings, and refer to the CBCity Engagement Toolkit for high-level planning tools.

Engaging seldom-heard groups

Engaging with hard-to reach groups and individuals, BetterTogether.sa.gov.au, Government of South Australia

Cultural and linguistic diversity

Cultural Diversity Plan (forthcoming), CBCity Community Collaboration Resource, Arab Council of Australia Cultural Competence Program, SBS and Multicultural NSW Engaging Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Communities: A guide for the Western Australian Public Sector, Government of Western Australia. Multicultural communities and people from culturally, linguistically and religiously diverse backgrounds: A guide to engagement, Tasmanian Government People with disabilities

Disability Inclusion Action Plan, CBCity Language Guide, People with Disability Australia Robinson, S., Dyke, J., 2004, Walking the Talk: A framework for effective engagement with people with disability, families and people who support them, Disability Services Queensland.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities

Reconciliation Action Plan, CBCity CollaborateNSW.org: Local government and Aboriginal communities working together, Local Government NSW Practical protocols for working with the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities within CBCity, City of Canterbury Bankstown Creative Spirits, Jens Korff Sydney Barani, City of Sydney