On Thursday 18 December, Outcare’s senior leadership team stepped away from meetings, emails, and the usual pace of the workday to sit together in a circle of learning. Led by respected cultural educator Dennis Simmons and the Maar Koodjal team, the session was a step forward in our commitment to walk alongside the people and communities we serve.
From the moment Dennis delivered his Welcome to Country, leaders were invited into a space of truth‑telling, reflection, and connection. He shared the many layers of Aboriginal culture – how communication works through body language and tone, how regions and Country shape identity, the roles of Elders and emerging leaders, and the deep significance of Men’s and Women’s Lore. Each teaching helped our team shift from “knowing about culture” to understanding culture, and why this understanding matters in every conversation we have with clients.
Dennis also reframed the concept of “walkabout,” an English-language term, explaining that it isn’t wandering – it’s a purposeful, personal journey of finding direction, often alone, on Country. He reminded us that every Acknowledgement of Country, when spoken with sincerity, offers hope that we are moving toward a more inclusive and respectful future.
As the day unfolded, we talked about trauma – how Aboriginal people must heal in their own time and in their own ways, but how allies can play a role by listening, holding space, and approaching every interaction with empathy. Dennis created an environment where leaders could ask questions freely, without judgement. Every discussion connected back to Outcare’s programs across Western Australia and highlighted the responsibility we share: if we want to deliver the right support to those who need it most, we must first understand the cultural contexts they live in.
The work we do is not simply operational – it is relational. Clients trust us with their stories, their hopes, and often their hardest moments. Cultural understanding enables us to meet people where they are, communicate respectfully, build trust, and deliver services that genuinely honour and respect their experiences. Investing time in cultural learning is, at its core, an investment in better outcomes for the communities we serve.
The day concluded by the river at Gilbert Fraser Reserve, where Dennis, David, Karun and others reflected on the partnership between Outcare and Maar Koodjal. As we took time to connect with the waterways of the Derbarl Yerrigan, it was a moment of grounding – people, purpose, and place coming together – and a reminder of the work still ahead.
This experience was the next step in an ongoing journey. Outcare will continue to hold cultural awareness training for employees throughout the year, strengthening our commitment to respect, understanding, and genuine partnership.
