Overview
In response to a growing need for cultural competence, Blacktown City Council approached
Muru Mittigar to facilitate Aboriginal cultural awareness training for their staff. The
training, conducted over a three-hour session, aimed to provide participants with a
comprehensive understanding of Aboriginal culture, history and protocols.
The session covered essential topics such as the difference between a Welcome to Country
and an Acknowledgement of Country, the impact of past policies on Aboriginal people, the
Stolen, Hidden and Lost Generations, and the influence of colonisation. The training also
explored Aboriginal art styles and the significance of storytelling within Aboriginal culture.
What We Did
Muru Mittigar’s tailored cultural awareness program for Blacktown City Council was delivered
at our Western Sydney Culture Hub. The session was designed to respect the cultural heritage
of local Traditional Owners, ensuring that no aspect of the training encroached upon their values.
Our corporate training programmes focus on the diversity of Indigenous cultures within the
workplace, promoting a broader understanding of how cultural distinctions impact communication,
attitudes and actions. This creates a platform for participants to gain a deeper respect and
appreciation for Indigenous culture.
Central to the program was the recognition of how culture shapes beliefs and behaviours, which
is key to fostering an inclusive and respectful workplace. The training helped participants
understand how to engage with, manage, recruit, retain and support Indigenous staff while
respecting the local Traditional Owners’ cultural heritage.
Approach / Staff Duties
The training was led by Uncle Wayne Cornish and Phillip Goh, both of whom brought a wealth of
knowledge and experience. They utilised PowerPoint presentations to guide participants
through the history of Aboriginal culture and its impact on contemporary society.
The session included the opportunity for participants to write their own Acknowledgement
of Country, allowing for personal reflection and engagement with the material. Open dialogue
was encouraged throughout, creating a space for questions and discussion, further deepening
understanding and fostering inclusivity.
Results / Special Achievements
Following the training, staff at Blacktown City Council reported increased confidence in
understanding and differentiating between a Welcome to Country and an Acknowledgement of
Country. The staff also gained the ability to adapt their acknowledgements to reflect their
personal connection to the land and the people.
The training fostered a stronger sense of teamwork and inclusion, with participants expressing
a renewed understanding of the importance of cultural awareness in the workplace. The programme
also facilitated a more profound understanding of Aboriginal history and the lasting impacts of
colonisation, resulting in heightened cultural sensitivity and awareness across the council.
Testimonials ⭐
“I thoroughly enjoyed the training, as Wayne is very knowledgeable with history events
from 1788 to the present. Wayne explained the importance of the ‘Welcome to Country and
the Acknowledgement of Country’ and answered our questions with clear answers. I feel
that Wayne covered a lot in the session. I recommend all staff members to be a part of
this training, as it allows an insight into First Nations people’s past, present and how
we can move forward towards the future. This training was 10/10 for me. I think there were many
things I valued throughout the session, but the importance of making Welcome to Country
and Acknowledgement of Country something that comes from your heart is what I will take from this.
I value my learnings from Uncle Wayne and how wonderfully he explained the significance
of storytelling at different levels. Our learnings of history and what our Aboriginal brothers
and sisters went through in the past shall not be forgotten. It was mind-blowing where the Missions/Stations
were located. Everything about Wayne’s delivery was amazing and engaging.”
This positive feedback demonstrates the success of the training and highlights the lasting
impact it had on participants’ understanding of Aboriginal culture and the significance of
cultural protocols. The training programme proved to be an invaluable learning experience for
Blacktown City Council staff, reinforcing the importance of cultural awareness and respect in
the workplace.
