The University of Newcastle will take a leading role in shaping more inclusive, respectful and culturally responsive workplaces after opening its renowned cultural capability training to businesses and organisations across the region.
Developed by the Wollotuka Institute in partnership with local Aboriginal community members, the program goes beyond awareness-raising. It equips organisations with practical tools to embed respect, understanding, and cultural responsiveness into everyday decision-making, team dynamics, and customer engagement.
Wollotuka's Cultural Capability facilitator, Kayla Faulkner, said the training is more than just a learning opportunity – it's a powerful platform for truth-telling, reflection, and connection.
"I'm incredibly proud of the program we've built and the meaningful impact it has in fostering respect, understanding, and cultural responsiveness across our community," she said.
"It's an engaging and respectful way to start to learn about Aboriginal culture, history, and perspectives – and it's creating real change.
"It challenges people to reflect, listen, and reframe how they work with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and communities. What we see is staff walking away with more confidence, more respect, and a real commitment to action."
The program combines accessible online learning with tailored workshops delivered in partnership with local Aboriginal cultural educators, designed around the needs of each organisation.
It is already making an impact in sectors from hospitality to education to architecture, with local organisations including The Wests Group Australia, Kaplan Australia, EJE Architecture, and Terras Landscape Architects taking part in the pilot program.
For The Wests Group, where more than 100 staff have already completed the training, the impact has been immediate.
"Our team is frontline and customer-facing, so it's not just about our workforce – it's about building relationships with the community," Wests acting group chief people officer, Rachel Jones, said.
"We've delivered the training across all departments, fostering a more inclusive and culturally responsive environment." Wests' Rowena Brown added.
"It didn't even feel like training! I walked away wanting to share what I'd learned and thinking about how we can better include Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in our organisation."
The University has already seen the benefits of cultural capability training internally with its own staff and students. Extending the program to industry is the next step in its commitment to helping workplaces across the Hunter and beyond lead with cultural integrity, strengthen community connections, and contribute to a more inclusive society.
"Every organisation has a responsibility to create safe and respectful spaces," Ms Faulkner added.
"The University of Newcastle is proud to be walking alongside businesses as they strengthen their cultural capability. It's not only good for workplace culture – it's good for business, and it's good for the community."
The program was launched at the University's Industry Open Day this week, where employers could see first-hand how cultural capability training is transforming local workplaces.
Designed with respect for the broader landscape of cultural education while aiming to complement and strengthen existing offerings, the training complements the work of other Aboriginal organisations delivering cultural education.
Organisations interested in partnering with the University to strengthen workplace culture are invited to connect with Wollotuka.
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