cultural safety
UPHOLDING A CULTURALLY SAFE ENVIRONMENT
The Kokatha Aboriginal Corporation (KAC) is committed to creating and maintaining a culturally safe environment for all Kokatha people, staff, members, and stakeholders.
Cultural safety means more than awareness — it is about ensuring that every individual feels respected, valued, and able to express their cultural identity without fear, discrimination, or exclusion.
Everyone involved with KAC has a shared responsibility to uphold these values and to speak up if they witness or experience behaviour that compromises cultural safety.
WHAT IS CULTURALLY UNSAFE BEHAVIOUR?
Culturally unsafe behaviour can occur when actions, language, or decisions:
- Disrespect or dismiss Kokatha culture, customs, or Traditional Owners;
- Exclude, silence, or undermine Aboriginal voices or perspectives;
- Misuse cultural knowledge, imagery, or stories without permission;
- Ignore cultural protocols when on Country or engaging with Elders; or
- Create environments where people feel judged, tokenised, or culturally diminished.
- Feelings of spiritual discomfort or distress, such as witnessing visions, having unsettling dreams, hearing voices or sounds, or sensing negative energies.
KAC'S COMMITMENT
KAC is dedicated to ensuring all staff, members, and partners:
- Work in environments free from discrimination or cultural harm;
- Understand and follow Kokatha cultural protocols; and
- Contribute to a workplace culture grounded in respect, inclusion, and cultural integrity.
Cultural safety is essential to our identity as Kokatha people — it protects our community, strengthens our organisation, and upholds our connection to Country.
If You’re Unsure
If you’re unsure whether a situation or comment may be culturally unsafe, you are encouraged to seek advice or guidance from the Kokatha Heritage Team or a trusted Knowledge Holder. Speaking up early helps prevent harm and supports a stronger, more respectful workplace and community.
REPORTING CULTURAL SAFETY CONCERNS
KAC encourages anyone who feels culturally unsafe, or who observes unsafe behaviour, to report their concerns in a confidential and respectful manner.
You can report concerns if you are a:
- Kokatha member or Traditional Owner
- Employee of Kokatha Aboriginal Corporation
- Contractor, partner, or stakeholder working with KAC
- Visitor or participant in KAC-led activities
Reports may relate to workplace interactions, meetings, fieldwork on Country, or community engagements.
Our Response Process
Once a report is received:
- The concern will be acknowledged and logged confidentially.
- A culturally appropriate staff member or representative will be appointed to review the matter.
- The issue will be assessed and addressed in consultation with relevant parties and, where appropriate, with guidance from the Kokatha Culture and Heritage Committee or Knowledge Holders.
- Outcomes and actions will be communicated to ensure accountability, learning, and resolution.
Where serious breaches occur, KAC may take disciplinary, contractual, or legal action in line with organisational policies.
To download a Cultural Safety Incident Form, please click on the button below.