A group of 25 Chifley College Staff, and two Bamara Training facilitators Jamie-Lee Lalic and Jamie Williams, standing in a group in front of a projector screen for Cultural Awareness Training in a classroom.

On Monday 13 October, Bamara Training delivered engaging and highly successful Cultural Awareness Training, hosted on Darug Country and commissioned by Chifley College Dunheved Campus.  

The session drew a strong turnout from staff across various departments, including wellbeing, administration, library, mathematics, and school learning support. 

Facilitated by proud Bundjalung woman and Bamara’s National Cultural and Wellbeing Services Operations Manager, Jamie-Lee Lalic, the training was designed to help participants strengthen their understanding of cultural awareness, and develop and nurture relationships with First Nations students, staff, and family members. 

Several participants who identified as First Nations also took part to further explore their culture, strengthen their sense of pride, and build meaningful connections with the younger generation of First Nations students. 

Bamara Training facilitator Jamie-Lee Lalic and Jamie Williams standing next to a table with Bamara tablecloth, boomerang, and a framed map of Indigenous Australia.

Jamie-Lee balanced her delivery with personal anecdotes drawn from her lived experience, weaving together a broad range of teachings and insights. Each participant received a course booklet to reflect on during the session and take home as an ongoing resource.

Participants, both First Nations and Non-First Nations, were open to participating in conversations surrounding Sorry Business, The Stolen Generation, and unconscious biases. Many demonstrated courage in asking questions, acknowledging what they didn’t know, and leaning into opportunities to learn and build genuine understanding.

There was also a shared connection through Dreamtime stories, with Chifley College staff sharing tales they’ve passed on to students, and Jamie-Lee offering a story of deep cultural significance from her own community.

Jamie-Lee Lalic delivering training in front of projection of Cultural Awareness Training slideshow.
Jamie-Lee Lalic delivering training to Chifley College staff, who are passing around the Map of Indigenous Australia to look at.
Jamie-Lee sitting next to a Chifley College staff member, talking.

“She was knowledgeable and engaging throughout the session, explaining concepts in a way that was easy to understand and connect with on a personal level. One thing that really stood out to me was when she said, “If it’s good for mob, then it’s good for everyone.” That message was powerful and perfectly captured the importance of inclusive and culturally responsive practice,” A Chifley College staff member said.  

The training emphasised the importance of cultural safety not just as a buzzword, but an integral practice for all workplaces, and the importance of respecting First Nations perspectives and experiences. 

Cultural Awareness Training aims to empower our participants, foster meaningful engagement, and encourage the sharing of knowledge based on respect and understanding. 

Further information

Cultural Awareness Training, delivered by Bamara Training, dives deep into the heart and soul of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture and history focusing on practical strategies for fostering stronger and more meaningful relationships.

If you have any questions, would like to discuss pricing for your participants, or incorporate a leadership series for your team, contact us today.