23 May Walking Together in Cultural Safety

Last Thursday, Homes North staff members Breanna Johns, Alpena Banfield, and Caitlyn Butler attended an Aboriginal Staff Network meeting facilitated by CHIA NSW. Feedback tells us our investment and support has proved both productive and inspiring.

A key focus of the day was refining and finalising the group’s objectives and Terms of Reference with a strong focus on culturally safe and supportive practices. Breanna, Alpena, and Caitlyn are part of the Listen, Learn & Action (LLA) group. Breanna said, “By the end of the day this name had become a meaningful anchor for our shared vision”.

The LLA group is tasked with reviewing CHIA NSW’s Cultural Safety Standards and Self-Evaluation Checklist. Breanna said, “It was a moment of pride to see the emphasis placed on cultural safety and to be part of an organisation that embeds these principles in daily service delivery”.

One of the most valuable aspects of the day was the safe, collaborative space created to share cultural challenges, reflect on lived experience, and support one another in navigating the complexity of working across cultures and systems.

Another highlight was the collective decision to hold their final network meeting of the year in a regional location—with Moree being nominated as a potential host. As a regionally-based organisation with strong ties across the New England North-West region of NSW, Homes North applauds Moree’s nomination, it is a place of great Aboriginal heritage, deeply rooted in the history, culture and ongoing contributions of the Kamilaroi (Gamilaraay) people.