Cultural Safety Commitment

North Central LLEN is committed to creating culturally safe, inclusive, respectful and equitable environments where all children and young people feel safe, valued, heard and able to participate, regardless of their background, identity or personal circumstances.

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We recognise Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the First Peoples of Australia and acknowledge the strength, resilience, cultures, histories, knowledge and continuing connections to Country, community and culture of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

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We recognise that cultural safety is fundamental to the safety and wellbeing of Aboriginal children and young people. We are committed to environments where Aboriginal children and young people feel their identity and culture are respected, valued and supported, and where they can express and enjoy their culture without discrimination or fear.

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We recognise that children and young people in rural communities may experience additional barriers to participation and access to opportunities. We are committed to identifying and reducing these barriers and ensuring our programs and services are respectful, accessible and responsive to individual and cultural needs.

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North Central LLEN does not tolerate racism, discrimination, harassment, vilification or culturally unsafe behaviour. Racism and discrimination in any form are unacceptable within our organisation, our programs and activities, including the Buloke Loddon L2P Program.

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We demonstrate our commitment to cultural safety by:

• respecting and celebrating Aboriginal cultures, identities, histories and connections to Country and community;

• listening to and valuing the voices and experiences of Aboriginal children, young people, families and communities;

• supporting Aboriginal children and young people to express their culture and cultural identity;

• identifying, addressing and responding to racism, discrimination, bias and culturally unsafe behaviour;

• providing accessible and culturally appropriate ways for children and young people to raise concerns or make complaints;

• supporting our Board, staff and volunteers to build their cultural awareness, understanding and capability;

• considering cultural safety in our policies, programs, partnerships, communications and organisational practices; and

• working with Aboriginal people, organisations and communities to continually strengthen culturally safe practice.

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Our commitment to cultural safety forms part of our broader commitment to diversity, inclusion and belonging. We welcome and value children and young people from diverse cultural backgrounds, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people, young people with disability, LGBTQIA+ young people and those experiencing social, geographic or economic disadvantage.

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Cultural safety is everyone's responsibility at North Central LLEN. We will continue to listen, learn and strengthen our practices so that children and young people engaging with North Central LLEN and its programs are safe, respected, included and supported to participate.