Community First Development Resources

Cultural Safety Framework

The cultural model that guides how we work respectfully with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, communities, knowledges and each other.

The Community First Development Cultural Safety Framework has been developed by the Indigenous Knowledges Working Group (IKWG) and reflects our commitment to cultural safety, Indigenous leadership, self-determination and culturally grounded practice.

The visual Framework is the primary representation of this model. The written guidance and the recordings on this page, shared by IKWG members, support understanding and application of the Framework across the organisation.

The Framework supports:

  • A culturally safe workplace for staff, volunteers and directors.
  • Culturally safe engagement with communities and stakeholders.
  • Ethical use and protection of Indigenous Cultural and Intellectual Property (ICIP).
  • Community-led approaches, Indigenous leadership and self-determination.
  • Consistent, culturally grounded practice across the organisation.

Cultural safety is a shared responsibility and is embedded in everything we do.

Select any circle in the Framework, or a principle below, to hear IKWG members speak to it.

The Framework

Cultural safety sits at the centre, guided by cultural authority, with nine guiding principles and the practice standards that connect them.

Cultural Safety Framework — Community First Development Guided by Cultural Authority Guided by Cultural Authority Create safe environments Respect decision-making structures Free, prior informed consent Act on Cultural Advice No Harm approach Reflect on practice Recognise cultural load Respect restricted knowledge Respect cultural timing/ Sorry Business Address racism Ensure people feel valued Intervene when behaviour is unsafe No imposed solutions Co-design approaches Community set priorities Protect ICIP Attribute knowledge holders No reuse without permission Be transparent Escalate concerns early Take responsibility for impact Mutual respect Build trust over time Work must benefit Community Listen and grow Participate in training Adapt based on feedback Support colleagues Value lived experience Support culturally safe workplaces Maintain boundaries Don't share what isn't yours Handle sensitive info carefully Engage Elders Follow local protocols Acknowledge Country appropriately Guiding PrinciplesCultural AuthorityPractice Standards Cultural Safety Cultural Safety Indigenous Leadership & Self- Determination Indigenous Knowledge & Data Sovereignty Accountability & Integrity Relationships & Reciprocity Continuous Learning Inclusive Organisational Practice Confidentiality & Cultural Responsibility Respect for Culture & Community Our purposeGuiding PrinciplesPractice standardsAdditional practice standardsCommunity & Elders

Guiding principles

Each principle has a recording from an IKWG member. Press Listen to hear it.

Cultural Safety Framework developed by the Indigenous Knowledges Working Group. Recordings are shared by IKWG members for learning; please do not reuse them outside this context without permission.

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