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Considerations for Organisation Readiness

Is your organisation ready to meaningfully engage with the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Lived Experience Centre and our Representatives from our National Group?

First-of-its-kind in Australia and an International example, the
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Lived Experience Centre seeks to elevate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voices in Mental Health and Suicide Prevention.

Set up with cultural safety front of mind and with paid participation for all activities, we recognise the significant contribution Lived Experience from First Nations people has in mental health and suicide prevention.

Key Considerations:

Adequate Renumeration and Resourcing

  • Will you commit to paying Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Lived Experience appropriately in your activities?
  • Do you have scope in your budget for adequate planning and psychological support?
  • Have you allowed for reasonable time frames within your proposal?

Safety of Participants

  • Will you commit to having at least 1 (recommended 2) Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Lived Experience representative/s on your opportunity?
  • How will you, to the best of your ability, ensure cultural safety and that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander voices are weaved into the conversations meaningfully?
  • How do you plan to minimise harm and maximise benefits for First Nations people engaging in this project and with your organisation?
  • What psychological support will be available when engaging Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Lived Experience? Does your budget allow for this?

Recognition and Respect for Expertise

  • How will Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander input be integrated into the work that you are doing?
  • Will there be co-authorship on any publications that engage Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Lived Experience?
  • What opportunities will be available beyond the life of the project for any Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Lived Experience Input? e.g., Presenting at conferences, ongoing opportunities
  • Is there scope for additional individuals beyond the initial plan? We may receive more interest than expected

Organisational Indicators for Safety:

  • Is your organisation connected into the Centre’s online Portal and engaging in available resources?
  • What is your organisational commitment to First Nations Peoples? (e.g., Funding of identified positions, having a RAP or strategic document, Acknowledgement of Country practices etc)
  • How many First Nations People are in your organisation, and in leadership? What are their experiences?
  • In what ways does your organisation engage with the members and issues of your local First Nations community?
  • How do you recognise First Nations voices on dates of significance e.g., 26/01, NAIDOC week, Reconciliation Week, Anniversary of the Apology or during political movements etc

Acknowledgement

We acknowledge all Traditional Custodians of this vast and diverse continent now known as ‘Australia’. We honour the Ancestors, Elders, and Knowledge Holders who have cared for Country, its ecosystems, waterways, skies, and cosmos since the beginning of time. Their connection to Country is sovereign and enduring, and will forever remain unchanged by the impacts of colonisation.

We want to acknowledge First Nations Lived Experience. For First Nations Peoples, experiences of living have been passed down for thousands and thousands of years. It is how we survive, thrive, care for each other and Country. Our experiences are the foundation of relationships, of knowledge, that we carry in our Spirit. We acknowledge all lived experiences of First Nations Peoples that are brought to this work, and recognise the power and impact these experiences have on creating meaningful and impactful change for our Communities.

Always was, always will be Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander land.