Self determination and choice
The participant’s own voice should guide planning. Discuss the goals that matter to you, the choices you want to make and who, if anyone, you want involved in decisions.
First Nations support
Culture, choice and connection.
Disability support for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander participants begins with listening to the person, their priorities and the people they choose to involve.
Cultural safety starts
with the person.
A respectful conversation about disability support should make room for identity, culture, family, community and the choices of each person.
Cultural safety is experienced by the person receiving support. It is not something a website can declare on their behalf. We invite participants to explain what respectful support looks like for them and to raise concerns when something does not feel right.
Principles for a better conversation
Family, kinship and community
Participants may want family, kin, Elders or trusted community members involved. Ask who should be part of the conversation and obtain permission before sharing information.
Connection to Country
Talk about the places, relationships, cultural activities and community connections that matter to the participant. Discuss how support planning can respect these priorities alongside practical availability.
Communication on your terms
Tell us your preferred language, how you like to communicate and whether an interpreter, advocate or trusted person would help. Allow time for understanding rather than making assumptions.
Respect for diverse communities
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples are not one homogeneous group. Countries, languages, histories and protocols differ, and no individual should be expected to speak for every community.
Safety, trust and worker preferences
A trauma informed conversation should be clear about what will happen, why information is needed and what choices are available. Participants can discuss culturally appropriate worker matching, gender and other preferences; availability must be confirmed.
Talk about culturally responsive support planning
You can discuss cultural and communication preferences at the first enquiry. There is no need to share a personal story, trauma history or cultural information you do not want to disclose.
Worker matching
Ask about worker preferences, relevant skills and current availability in your location. A request for an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander worker, particular language or cultural knowledge is a preference to discuss, not a guarantee of a match.
Working respectfully with others
With the participant’s permission, planning can consider how family, Elders, community organisations and existing health or support services should be involved. Their involvement should never be assumed, and local protocols should be respected.
Questions about capability
Ask the national team about the specific workforce capability, training or local relationships relevant to your proposed support. Discuss what can be demonstrated for your proposed service before deciding whether it meets your preferences.
Your questions
Clear answers. A place to start.
Who provides disability support for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander participants?
Prime 1 Care welcomes support enquiries from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander participants and their chosen representatives. Discuss your location, support needs, cultural preferences and worker matching requirements. Specific workforce capability and availability must be confirmed.
Can I ask for a culturally appropriate worker?
Yes. Tell the team what matters to you in a worker match, including language, gender, cultural understanding and communication. Available options need to be discussed openly; a particular match is not guaranteed.
Can I involve an Elder, family member or community organisation?
Yes, if that is the participant’s choice and the person or organisation agrees to be involved. Discuss consent, the role of each person and what information may be shared.
One national team
A conversation shaped by you.
Tell us what you want from support, how you prefer to communicate and who you would like alongside you.
National Enquiries: 02 9129 0300