About this session

In the Top End, care does not begin with a checklist. It begins with relationships.

In this webinar, Trish Spicer and Kellum Steele from Danila Dilba in Darwin shared their experience working alongside Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people as they navigate the aged care system, offering a unique Top End perspective on culturally safe care and community engagement.

As Aged Care Engagement Officers, Trish and Kellum support individuals and families to access services while advocating for care that is culturally safe, appropriate and grounded in community.

Drawing on their professional and lived experience, they reflected on the importance of approaching early interactions with openness, understanding the impact of culture and community, and recognising the role that Country and relationships play in shaping care experiences. Their insights highlight both the challenges and opportunities of delivering care in the diverse communities of Australia's Top End.

The discussion explored practical ways health professionals can strengthen culturally safe practice, build trust over time, and move beyond the fear of getting things wrong in order to engage more confidently and respectfully with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

Topics explored included:

• What matters most to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander patients, families and communities

• Approaching early interactions in ways that build connection and respect

• Developing trust, particularly where there may be past experiences of trauma or mistrust

• Building confidence in culturally safe care through listening, reflection and ongoing learning

Facilitator

Sarah Begley - Clinical Nurse Consultant – Aged Care and Palliative Care Vice President, Palliative Care Nurses Australia (PCNA)