About Yalbangarra

The name ‘Yalbangarra’ is a combination of two Wiradjuri words, ‘Yalbilinya’ which means ‘learn / speak’ and ‘Winha-nga-rra’ which means ‘hear / think / listen’. The concept when the meaning of those two words are merged, embodies the learning experience intended from the training - listen, hear, learn, think and then share it with others.

Yalbangarra is an Aboriginal owned and run business that was founded in 2012 by Alison Simpson who facilitates Cultural Awareness training for anyone working, engaging or consulting with Indigenous Australians. There are a variety of Cultural Awareness workshops offered covering general information, cultural protocols, history, government legislation and forward progression.

The intention of this training is to inform and educate participants on the true history of our country, how this history has and does impact on current society and what we can do as Australians to progress as a nation. The overarching aim of the training is to assist in closing the inequality gap that exists between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and the general population of Australia by assisting in the development and strengthening of relationships between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians.

Yalbangarra facilitates this training because many workplaces lack the knowledge and skills required to work effectively with Indigenous people. This training is not designed to make participants experts in dealing with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, however it will be a starting point to provide confidence in knowing what is required to get the best outcome and where to seek appropriate support.

We believe that participation in this training has the potential to provide participants with a basic level of awareness and understanding of the importance of dealing with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in a culturally appropriate way, which can lead to healing and reconciliation.  

The inspiration behind the cultural considerations training package and to bring about change was / is our passion for:

• social justice and equity

• learning and sharing culture

• education and

• healing

Yalbangarra training does this by:

• Increasing knowledge and awareness of Aboriginal people, culture and behaviours to participants who deliver services to Aboriginal and or Torres Strait Islander people, with the expectation that participants develop and or improve their practice / service delivery when working with or assisting Indigenous people, creating more positive experiences

• Assisting organisations in embedding cultural awareness and responsiveness throughout and within their workplace

• Assisting in breaking down barriers and challenging negative perceptions and stereotypes

• Assisting participants in developing a deeper respect and increased appreciation of the diversity of Indigenous Australia and the contributions it continues to make in modern day society

• Increasing capacity for participants to be able to provide a culturally appropriate, collaborative approach to service delivery to achieve best outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander service users

The soul of Yalbangarra is Alison Simpson. Please read more below about Alison, her experience and her achievements. Alison is part of a large network of experienced cultural consultants, who she is able to bring together, when required, to develop thoughtfully developed programs customised specifically for your business or organisation.

Fees / Costs

Facilitation of full day (6hrs) Cultural Awareness Training for a maximum of 30 people, catering not included - $4,350

Facilitation of half day (3hrs) delivery of Cultural Awareness Training for a maximum of 30 people, catering not included - $2,350

Alison can travel to your site, however if the site / venue is further than 100km one way from Merimbula NSW, there will be additional costs for travel and accommodation. Current prices are not inclusive of GST.  

Alison also facilitates training in collaboration with other Aboriginal businesses and knowledge holders to provide not only Cultural Awareness training but on Country workshops and local knowledge. These immersion programs are over two days and are only provided in certain communities where there are established partnerships with local knowledge holders.