Your Side’s Journey Toward First Nations Cultural Competency
By Danielle Ballentine, CEO Your Side
An Industry Story
At Your Side, our story is one of commitment and evolution—a journey shaped by the changing landscape of aged care and the unique needs of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. It began in 2020, when we recognised that cultural competency was more than a box to check; it was a vital part of ensuring every elder, especially those from the Stolen Generation, received the respectful, responsive support they deserve.
We share this article, and Your Side’s journey, to inspire other aged care providers to learn from our experiences and adopt practices that foster cultural competency and respectful, responsive care for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
Why We Set Out
In 2020, we launched our cultural awareness initiative with a clear purpose. Australia’s First Nations peoples were becoming one of the fastest growing client groups in the NDIS, representing more than 10%—a staggering 53,000 participants nationwide. Another 10% of First Nations people accessed Home Care, totaling 23,000. With 24,000 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people over 50, and one in five being Stolen Generation survivors entering aged care. We knew it was time for urgent action. The facts spoke for themselves: culturally safe and responsive services were not something to talk about, and we needed to take meaningful action.
Building Cultural Awareness
Guided by these insights, we partnered with Bradlee Commins from BC Consulting to initiate our first step and deliver cultural awareness training. Through small, interactive sessions, our staff explored the current Australian context, and the intersection of First Nations cultures, learning the foundation of respectful, effective engagement.
Reflecting and Growing: The RAP Journey
In 2021, we strengthened our commitment by beginning the planning of our Reflect Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP). This structured process encouraged us to look inward – to honestly assess our practices and drive real change. By implementing a RAP, we are starting to see benefits of improved cultural safety in the workplace, deeper relationships, and accountability as we address the five dimensions of reconciliation.
By 2023, we further made our efforts public, endorsing the Voice to Parliament, inviting open conversations about reconciliation and social justice within our communities and workforce.
Expanding Our Influence
In 2024, we deepened our commitment by partnering with fellow community aged care providers, government agencies, and Aboriginal-led organisations to establish the Sector Support, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Working Group. We invited Murrawin to lead a consultation process, exploring where and how we can make a meaningful impact across the sector. Together, our focus is on building greater understanding and strengthening support for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and organisations, all grounded in the Statement of Rights within the Aged Care Legislation.
Beyond Awareness: Towards Competence
As part of our Reflect RAP process, we realised that cultural awareness was the first step. We needed to move toward cultural competence, meaning that we needed to align our practices and build confidence in trauma informed practice and cultural safety when supporting First Nations people.
We partnered with Yarning Crescent, working closely alongside Tony Moran, whose extensive experience in case management, facilitation, and cultural training was invaluable. Tony led us through a co-design process to develop a tailored program specifically for aged care workers supporting clients under Support at Home. This program was shaped by the real-life experiences of First Nations people from the Stolen Generation, blending deeper cultural awareness with trauma-informed practices. Together, we established a practical approach for delivering culturally safe care within the sector.
Participants of this program reported:
“I would rate the session a 5 out of 5., particularly for the recognition and the resilience and resistance of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, especially as we work in systems that are often deficit-focused” – Jessie, Carefinder
“I found the Yarning Crescent training session extremely valuable and directly relevant to my practice. As I currently support some Aboriginal clients, the session helped me reflect more deeply on culturally safe engagement and strengthened my understanding of how to build trust through respectful, relationship-based approaches.” Indira, Support at Home
“I particularly liked that it was designed in a participative model where we discussed practical examples and had the opportunity to consider how the principles can be applied in our day-to-day practice. It strengthened my understanding of culturally responsive approaches and reinforced the importance of ongoing learning in this space. ” Deepika, Commonwealth Home Support Program (CHSP)
Our journey toward cultural competence is ongoing. We’re committed to listening, learning, and acting, so our services are not only inclusive, but genuinely safe and respectful for all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples we serve.
This is our story so far.
Our commitment remains strong to delivering safe, equitable aged care services with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, partners, and workforce.
If you would like to connect with facilitators for cultural consulting and training programs, please see the contact information provided below.
BC Consulting – Aboriginal Engagement & RAP Advisory Australia | BC Consulting
Murrawin – Murawin | Indigenous Engagement, Research & Placemaking Consultancy
Yarning Crescent – Yarning Crescent – Imagination and Engagement