Key Result Area Guideline 2:
Provide or coordinate cross-cultural training for hospital staff
- Cross-cultural training programs - a starting point
- Raising cultural awareness across the health service
- Aboriginal health information
- Asking the question about Aboriginality on admission to the health service
- Where to find information on Aboriginal culture, history and contemporary activities
- Recruiting and employing Aboriginal staff
Cross-cultural training programs - a starting point
Before you begin:
Seek input from the local Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisation because the history, culture and needs of each Aboriginal community may differ.
Many local Aboriginal organisations in Victoria have staff members who have participated in a Train-the-Trainer program for cultural awareness trainers. These people are the best people to consult in the first instance.
Consider supporting Aboriginal staff to complete appropriate training such as Certificate IV in Workplace Training and Assessment and/or a Train the Trainer module.
Local Aboriginal people should be appropriately paid for providing training to health service staff.
Ensure there are opportunities for dialogue between Aboriginal people and the health service staff undertaking the training - allow time to talk.
Tailor the content and length of training to meet the need - it may be providing better links between mainstream and Aboriginal services; building partnerships with Aboriginal organisations; or developing better discharge planning for Aboriginal patients
Plan which groups should be given priority to participate in training over the next five years. Should the Board and the Senior Managers train first? Who should be next? Who has most contact with Aboriginal people or where have most concerns come from? Is training included in every Orientation session for new staff? And so on.
Adapted from Wur-cum barra website
For links to examples of cross-cultural training approaches go to Wur-cum barra
This website also includes links to general resources and initiatives, including a resource kit for Non-Aboriginal Supervisors of Aboriginal staff, information about Reconciliation, and a booklet of best practice examples from local government.
Content and Format
For an example of a training session and suggestions for how to plan a cultural awareness program in a health service, go to a 
step-by-step guide from Angela Singh, Manager of the Aboriginal Education Centre at the University of Ballarat (Word File 57KB)
Training possibilities
In addition to the suggestions on the Wur-cum barra website -
The Koorie Heritage Trust (03 8622 2600) conducts cultural awareness training. Cost is dependent on content, location and numbers. Go to www.koorieheritagetrust.com
The University of Melbourne School of Rural Health at Shepparton runs cultural awareness workshops for students and other interested people. Contact Michael Tynan at the School of Rural Health on 03 5823 4500 or email mtynan@unimelb.edu.au
Some Indigenous Employment Program providers also run cross-cultural information sessions. The Central Highlands Area Consultative Committee (CHACC) sponsors a three-hour workshop run by local Aboriginal training consultants. For information, contact CHACC on 03 5337 2988.
Assumptions about training
Not all Aboriginal people have the desire or confidence to present training programs to health professionals. Do not assume that Aboriginal staff in the health service will automatically offer training. Provide opportunities and/or training for Aboriginal staff members to participate if they so choose.
Cultural awareness does not happen overnight - be prepared to implement a long-term plan for face-to-face training, follow-up training and other ways for staff to increase their awareness.
Contact: Koori Human Services Unit, Department of Human Services, 20/50 Lonsdale St, Melbourne 3000
Telephone (03) 9096 7032
Email: koori@dhs.vic.gov.au