Sonia, who teaches Certificate III and IV in School-Based Education Support, says the training has reshaped her approach to teaching more than 50 future education support workers.
“It was about learning First Nations’ ways of learning and making that connection to what we're already doing,” she said.
Daily Acknowledgements of Country are now a regular part of her class and often led by students.
“It’s not necessarily always me. My students have written their own acknowledgements and they’re feeling more confident in doing that,” Sonia said.
The classroom walls reflect this shift – with handmade wooden flags, student-written acknowledgements and the seasonal calendar of the Kulin Nation proudly displayed.
Outdoor learning and nature-based activities are now the norm, with students recently designing a numeracy activity using natural materials out on Country.
“It’s about understanding where students live, where they’re from and what Country they’re on,” she said.
Sonia’s students are embracing the change, recognising how relevant it is to their future roles as education support workers in schools that are actively incorporating First Nations’ perspectives.
“They’ve learnt the importance of learning about Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture,” she said.
Sonia says the training helped her overcome long-held fears – which she believes hold back many educators.
“We just weren't at the point where we were brave enough to incorporate anything into our classes because we were so afraid of getting it wrong,” she said.
“This training kind of gave you that permission – that it's okay, that it's scary, but just do it.”
Delivered by Nalderun Aboriginal Education Corporation, the workshops are part of a pilot program supported by the Victorian Government and led by Bendigo TAFE and Kangan Institute. The program aims to embed First Nations relational world views and pedagogies into mainstream teaching and learning.
This initiative builds on the foundations of Bendigo TAFE and Kangan Institute’s Innovate Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP), which guides how we embed respect, strengthen relationships and create opportunities and culturally safe spaces where First Nations staff and students thrive. The RAP is a bridge between commitment and change – shaping how the organisation teaches, leads and grows.
View a video showcasing the powerful project: here
Full 10 minute version available: here
Quote attributable to Bendigo Kangan Institute Acting CEO Janelle Arena
“This work is more than professional development – it’s transformation. Our educators are embracing First Nations knowledge systems to create classrooms that are inclusive, culturally rich and deeply human.
“It reflects Bendigo TAFE and Kangan Institute’s commitment to Reconciliation and to walking alongside First Nations communities in how we teach, lead and grow.”
Quote attributable to Nalderun Aboriginal Education Corporation CEO Kathryn Coff
“Training in truth telling and First Nations ways and perspectives is a lifelong ongoing journey for anyone who teachers in mainland Australia. There are many amazing training courses out there that everyone can continue to do and people should always be checking in with their local Native Title groups.”
“It’s been a beautiful start to hopefully a long-term relationship between Nalderun and Bendigo Kangan Institute, working together in this two-world space, hopefully making strong sustainable change for all future generations. Because of the hard shared history of this land, it can at times be an uncomfortable period of learning for everyone, but it’s so exciting to be able to work together for better outcomes for especially Mob and all other students.”
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