Regional Aboriginal Staff Networks
Focus on Support
We are strengthening opportunities for Aboriginal employees to engage in networks for personal and professional support and development.
Regional Staff Network events provide an opportunity for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander employees of the Victorian public sector to come together for shared learning experiences and networking in a culturally safe environment.
In 2022, Regional Staff Network events will resume as face-to-face workshops, operating out of the five regions and five metro areas across Victoria.
In these free workshops you’ll learn cultural safety strategies to help in your work and daily life. You will be taught about tools that you can take into any workplace to enhance cultural safety.
The workshops will run from 10am until 2.30pm and include a yarning circle so you can debrief, network, or just have a yarn. Refreshments and a light lunch are also included.
To register for a workshop, click on the booking links below.
Numbers for each workshop are limited – bookings are essential. Future sessions may be scheduled in response to demand.
If you have any questions or require access adjustments to participate in any of the workshops listed below, please contact the Aboriginal Employment Unit on (03) 7004 7123 or email aboriginal.employment@vpsc.vic.gov.au.
Last updated: 25/05/2022
2022 event schedule
Note: Metro events will be scheduled later in the year
| Region | Location | Date | Registration link |
| Gippsland | Bairnsdale | Wed 15 June 2022 | Click here to register |
| Loddon Mallee | Bendigo | Thu 30 June 2022 | Click here to register |
| Barwon South West | Lorne | Wed 20 July 2022 | Click here to register |
| Loddon Mallee | Mildura | Tue 2 August 2022 | Click here to register |
| Hume | Shepparton | Thu 4 August 2022 | Click here to register |
| Grampians | Ballarat | Tue 9 August 2022 | Click here to register |
Wayapa Wuurrk meditation
In this workshop you’ll be introduced to the Wayapa Wuurrk meditation technique, a combination of ancient earth mindfulness, narrative meditation and storytelling through a physical movement practice.
Wayapa Wuurrk is a registered member with the Kinaway Chamber of Commerce.
This session will run for 60 minutes and will be facilitated by Jem Stone. Places are limited.
Jem is a First Nations woman, who has been gratefully living on Wurundjeri Country since 2011. Working in the wellness industry for over 20 years, Jem is a Wayapa Wuurrk Practitioner and Trainer, Rebirthing Breathwork Therapist and Educator, creates and facilitates workshops to various audiences, from the corporate arena to pre-school aged children.
Date: Monday 6 December 2021
Time: 4pm
Where: Online (Zoom)
How to have difficult conversations
This workshop is being run by Career Steer. Career Steer is an Aboriginal owned and run organisation that provides career skills, coaching and training across all career stages.
Discover what makes conversations difficult and what you can do to make them less challenging. Learn how to deliver and receive difficult conversations in a way that ensures the intended message gets across.
You will also have the opportunity to practise some challenging everyday workplace scenarios that will bring your learning to life.
Career Steer is a registered member with the Kinaway Chamber of Commerce.
This session will run for two hours and places are limited.
Date: Thursday 9 December 2021
Time: 10am
Where: Online (Zoom)
Negotiation skills for the workplace and your career
This workshop is being run by Career Steer. Career Steer is an Aboriginal owned and run organisation that provides career skills, coaching and training across all career stages.
Learn what negotiations are, the different types, barriers to negotiating successfully and how to get what you want. We will negotiate in a safe environment within the group – it’s easier than it sounds!
Career Steer is a registered member with the Kinaway Chamber of Commerce.
This session will run for two hours and places are limited.
Date: Tuesday 14 December 2021
Time: 10am
Where: Online (Zoom)
Why we run Regional Staff Networks
Regional Staff Networks were established to bring together Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander staff living and/or working in a common region of Victoria.
The networks aim to:
- identify local issues impacting Aboriginal employment
- uncover learning and development opportunities
- provide a forum for Aboriginal staff across different organisations and regions to network and enrich their experience
- increase job satisfaction, cultural support and access to job-based support and resources
The long-term goal of the Regional Staff Network program is to develop a whole-of-sector network run by regional Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander staff, encouraging connection and collaboration across the state.