Last night 20 participants from SES units and CFA D15 Brigades underook joint CFA and SES Cultural Awareness Training which was hosted by the Ballarat SES unit in Dowling Street Ballarat.
The session is designed to give participants in brigades and units:-
- Improved understanding of local culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) communities
- Increased confidence when communicating with CALD communities
- Operational hints and tips
- Increased knowledge of available resources
During the session participants undertook a number of activities and participated in group discussions on how to better engage with the culturally diverse communities in the area, what to consider, what resources are available to be used and to promote self-reflection about their own attitudes and pre conceptions.
At this stage the session is being piloted in different locations, before being made available to members that may wish to host a session that their brigade or unit.
Session participant Heather Hutton said “the session was very valuable and it was great to meet other volunteers from the district and SES that were interested and passionate about developing opportunities and strategies to effectively communicate with and engage diverse communities”
The session that was delivered is Part 1 of the Cultural Awareness Training Package with Part 2 focussing more on the use of the engagement tools and presentation to CALD communities.
Author: Sherene Mounier - District Volunteerism Coordinator