THE ‘Sharing Our Stories’ resource was developed for professionals and organisations to assist them to begin, or continue along their journey towards improving access for Aborginal and Torres Strait Islander individuals, families and communities.

The ‘Sharing Our Stories’ video follows the journey of three family and community service organisations who took part in the Inclusive Service Support Project (ISSP) Pilot from 2011-2014. The video captures the key stages and elements of each organisation’s journey sharing their experiences, key messages and practical tips to assist other professionals to reflect and improve on the way they work with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

The ‘Sharing Our Stories’ resource aims to encourage and support individuals and organisations to make the commitment to building relationships and trust, to building knowledge and skills, to providing equal opportunities and access to programs and services for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families and communities. This resource promotes a whole of organisation approach, working towards sustainability, so that the focus of this work becomes an intentional and integral part of everyday business, at every level of the organisation.

The ‘Sharing Our Stories’ video is intended to be viewed individually or in a team setting to promote reflection and lead discussions that are focused on the various stages and elements that are key to this journey. A reflection worksheet has been developed to assist you to get the most out of the resource.

As a team activity we suggest you take 30 minutes to view the video followed by 30 minutes for discussion.

Before watching the ‘Sharing Our Stories’ video, read the questions below. (You will revisit these questions in your reflection and discussion time after you watch the video )

  1. What do you consider to be the main factors that your organisation requires to begin or to continue this journey?
  2. How can your organisation begin or continue to build relationships and trust?
  3. Who are the key stakeholders that you need to be consulting with?
  4. Who are the key stakeholders that you need to develop partnerships with?
  5. What are some different approaches or changes that your organisation can put in place?
  6. What do you consider to be the main challenges of this work? Why?
  7. What experiences do the people in the video share that are similar to your experiences?
  8. What do you consider to be the main benefits of this work?
  9. What are the key messages or tips from the video that stand out for you? Why?
  10. What training topics, resources or support would assist you to do this work more effectively?

Print the ‘Sharing Our Stories’ Reflection Worksheet and read through Part A before watching the video.

Download Sharing Our Stories Reflection Worksheet

Watch the video. While you are watching make notes on the ‘Sharing Our Stories’ Reflection Worksheet in the spaces Part A.

After watching the video allow for some reflection and discussion time for the questions in Part B of the ‘Sharing Our Stories’ Reflection Worksheet.

This can be done individually or as a team and will take about 30 minutes.

Make action plans to incorporate this learning into your workplace.

  • What changes to my current work practice might I make to incorporate or try out this new knowledge and skills?
  • What information do I need to share to move forward and who do I need to share this with?

Additional information in the form of fact sheets and resources have been developed to assist and guide you along your learning journey.

(See ‘Aboriginal Access Resource List’ for more links)