Cultural competence is a dynamic and evolving practice that empowers individuals to engage ethically and effectively across cultural differences. It begins with understanding who we are, how we're positioned in the world, and how that shapes our interactions with others. Cultural competence is a deeply personal journey that supports the creation of culturally safe spaces, enables ethical decision-making, and can enrich our work with our clients and our peers.
Led by Associate Professor Gabrielle Russell from the University of Sydney's National Centre for Cultural Competence, this interactive session invites participants to explore cultural competence as a lived, relational, and responsive practice. Participants are invited to reflect on how cultural competence emerges through personal self-reflection, responsiveness to those we work with, and the willingness to question our assumptions—both in our professional roles and personal interactions.
Through facilitated dialogue and reflective inquiry, participants will unpack what it means to embed cultural competence meaningfully within your own context. This session offers a space to reflect, connect, and act with intention supporting your development as a culturally competent individual who can make a difference in your own practice and relationships.
LEARNING OBJECTIVES
- Understand the foundations of cultural competence - Participants will be able to describe what cultural competence means and why it is essential for ethical and effective practice.
- Reflect on personal identity - Participants will examine how their own backgrounds and experiences, influence their interactions with clients and colleagues across cultural differences.
- Recognise the role of self-reflection and responsiveness- Participants will identify ways in which cultural competence emerges through ongoing self-reflection, responsiveness to others, and a willingness to question assumptions in both professional and personal contexts.
- Explore strategies for creating culturally safe spaces- Participants will discuss practical approaches to fostering culturally safe environments and making ethical decisions in diverse settings.
- Commit to Action for Continued Development
Participants will set personal intentions for further developing cultural competence, including identifying next steps to embed these practices meaningfully within their own work and relationships.
PRESENTER BIO
Associate Professor Gabrielle Russell is the Academic Director at the University of Sydney's National Centre for Cultural Competence. Her multidisciplinary research explores cultural competence at the intersection of cultural studies, Indigenous methodologies, health and wellbeing, Whiteness, critical race theory, and organisational change. Gabrielle's work focuses on developing ethical and responsive leadership capabilities, challenging systemic inequities, and embedding cultural competence across higher education and other sectors.
When: Friday 6 February 2026
Time: 2 pm – 4 pm AEDT (Presenter time)
4 pm – 6 pm NZDT
11 am – 1 pm AWST/SGT/HKT
Duration/CPD: 2hrs
Where: Zoom
Cost: $40 (+GST for Aust. members)
Open to: ANZACATA Practising/On Leave/Student members
Max: 30 participants
Recorded session: Yes
Cancellation Policy:
When you register and pay to attend one of our events, you are holding a space on our calendar that is no longer available to other members. In order to be respectful of your fellow members and the presenter, please email us as soon as you know you will not be able to attend the event. We keep our events as affordable as possible and need to pay presenters the fee they request. While we understand sometimes urgent matters come up, if registrants cancel at the last minute, we struggle to pay presenters. A full refund will be given if the cancellation occurs more than 24 hours before the event. If the cancellation occurs less than 24 hours before the event, 50% of your registration fee will be refunded only to defray our costs.
