Cultural Competency Training for Storytime team, Council Hub and Library staff

This interactive Cultural Competency Training is designed for staff who work with children and families from diverse cultural and linguistic backgrounds. Our communities are increasingly diverse, and families may bring different experiences, cultural values, parenting practices, communication styles and expectations when engaging with early years programs and community services. Through facilitated learning, practical discussion and the perspective of a lived experience speaker, this session will explore how we can build greater cultural awareness and create environments where children and families feel welcomed, understood and included. The session will explore: • Understanding culture, identity and our own unconscious assumptions • How culture can influence parenting, family roles and expectations around children • Responding respectfully when cultural practices or expectations differ from our own • Using cultural curiosity and humility rather than assumptions • Practical strategies for culturally safe and inclusive practice Participants will have opportunities to reflect on their own practice, and ask questions in a respectful learning environment. Day/ Date: Monday, 23 November 2026 Time: 10:00am – 2:00pm Morning tea and lunch provided