Training and Professional Development
As well as our regular offerings of Cultural Competency and Working with Interpreter training at our Glenorchy and Launceston offices, we provide bespoke training solutions for government agencies, service providers, health services, not for profits, and community groups, as well as corporate and business sectors.
Our training sessions are grounded in lived experience and informed by Tasmanian-specific data and research, drawing on our deep understanding of Tasmanian migration and settlement stories. Our role in helping new arrivals to settle in Tasmania means we understand the local challenges faced by people from refugee and migrant backgrounds.
Training is an important part of our mission to work with mainstream organisations to deliver culturally sensitive and inclusive services, and develop cross-cultural competency at individual and organisational levels.
MRC Tas has been delivering cultural awareness and specialist training for over 35 years. We deliver a regular program of cultural competency training workshops at our Glenorchy and Launceston offices. We also design and deliver customised trainings for Government agencies, service providers, health services, not-for-profit and community groups, as well as the corporate and business sectors.
Our training sessions are grounded in lived experience and informed by Tasmanian-specific data and research, drawing on our deep understanding of Tasmanian migration and settlement stories. Our role in helping new arrivals to settle in Tasmania means we understand the local challenges faced by people from refugee and migrant backgrounds.
Our training focusses on the knowledge, understanding and skills required to effectively communicate with and work alongside people from diverse backgrounds. Training materials and exercises are built from evidence-based research as well as practical experience working alongside people with lived experience of different cultures and migration pathways. Our training is engaging, interactive and experiential, and recognises that cultural competency is an ongoing process.
Our trainers
Our trainers have lived experience of migration, as well as relevant qualifications in Community Services, Human Resources, Social Work and Research. Sessions on refugee experience and mental health are co-delivered by experienced Counsellors and mental health professionals. All sessions are co-delivered by Bicultural workers who have lived experience relevant to the training focus.
How to register
You can register for scheduled trainings through Humanitix.
For groups of less than 8 who want to attend a scheduled session, you can register directly below.
If your group is larger, or you require a customised session, please get in touch for a quote by emailing the training team on training@mrctas.org.au
A list of our current training sessions and packages are below. We are continuously refining and adding to our packages, so if you have specific requests, please get in touch.
Training Programs
Our training team delivers a range of cultural competency programs, which can be delivered to groups of 10 – 30 people at the MRC Tas offices or can be delivered on-site at your organisation’s premises.
Our ‘Cultural Conversations: Cultural Competency’ core training and ‘Working with Interpreter training are scheduled throughout the year to run at our Glenorchy and Launceston offices and are open to the public. Registrations and prices are available through Humanitix –
South – https://events.humanitix.com/cultural-awareness-training-9r3k277b
North –
Cultural Conversations – cultural competency (3 hours)
This session provides the foundational knowledge and understanding needed to work effectively with people from diverse cultural and linguistic backgrounds, covering: overview of migration to Tasmania, the broad concepts of ‘culture’ and cultural competency, experiences of people subject to forced migration, common refugee experiences prior to arrival in Australia, Settlement challenges, cross-cultural communication skills.
Working with Interpreters (2 hours)
This session provides participants with greater understanding, knowledge and skills required to work with interpreters when providing services to people who do not speak English well or at all, covering: Role of interpreters, Role of service provider, Accessing interpreter services, Strategies for communication, Case scenarios and role plays
Customised Training
Organisations including Government Departments, Schools, community groups and businesses can request training be delivered at their workplace.
Our training team can develop customised and bespoke sessions and packages to meet your staff’s professional development needs. Training can be designed to suit small or large groups in person or online, from 1 hour sessions to full or multi-day sessions anywhere in the State. Contact the Training Coordinator to talk about your needs. After an initial consultation we will provide a detailed quote for your consideration.: training@mrctas.org.au
We have delivered customised training for a range of organisations, including:
Hazell Bros, Department of Premier and Cabinet, Department of Education, Children and Young People, Department of Justice, Utas Centre for Legal Studies, Headspace, Lifeline, The Link, Statewide Independent Wholesalers Limited, and many more.
Specialist Mental Health Training
safeTALK workshops
Phoenix Centre and LivingWorks Education
This 3.5 hour safeTALK workshop is for everyone who wants to help prevent suicide: front line workers, clergy, volunteers, parents, youth (age 15 and older), police officers, teachers, bicultural workers, interpreters or anyone who wants to learn suicide prevention skills.
Participants will learn four basic steps to recognise persons with thoughts of suicide and connect them with appropriate resources.
Most people with thoughts of suicide invite help but these opportunities can be missed, dismissed or avoided, leaving people more alone and at greater risk. safeTALK workshop prepares you to help by using TALK (Tell, Ask, Listen and KeepSafe).
Trauma-Informed Practice. (2-3 hours)
The Phoenix Centre
This workshop provides information and understanding to assist community organisations to work with people from refugee and asylum seeker background from a trauma-informed perspective. It covers: Definition of trauma, exploring current models and theories, Impact of trauma on brain development, inter-generational impacts, Experiences of people from a refugee background, minimising the risk of re-traumatisation, Awareness and strategies to identify the impact of refugee experience in particular suicidality, signs and symptoms.
National Youth Settlement Framework
National Youth Settlement Framework – Information Session (2 hours)
This session focuses on young people aged 15 to 25 years of age who have migrated to Australia. It is hosted by MYAN TAS, delivered by staff from MRC Tas who deliver the Multicultural Youth Tasmania (MYT) Program, and a young person with a lived experience of migrating to Australia.
An overview of the National Youth Settlement Framework is provided, and participants will increase understanding of settlement experiences of young people and increase capacity to identify their specific needs, as well as an overview of services offered by the Migrant Resource Centre Tasmania, Multicultural Youth Tasmania (MYT), including youth programs and referral pathways.
Application of the National Youth Settlement Framework ( 7 hours)
This session focuses on young people aged 15 to 25 years of age. It is hosted by MYAN TAS, delivered by staff from the Migrant Resource Centre Tasmania who deliver the Multicultural Youth Tasmania (MYT) Program, and young people from the MYAN Tasmania Youth Advisory Group – with a lived experience of migrating to Australia.
One in four Australian young people are from a refugee or migrant background. Their engagement as active citizens in Australian society has significant and long-term benefits for each young person, their families, communities, and a diverse and socially cohesive Australia.
However, young people from refugee and migrant backgrounds often face particular challenges in accessing the support and opportunities they need. Their settlement needs are distinct from adults and they commonly face additional and more complex transitions than their Australian-born counterparts.
This workshop is guided by the National Youth Settlement Framework (NYSF) (the first of its kind in Australia), and will enable participants to respond more effectively to specific needs of young people aged 15 to 25 years of age from refugee and migrant backgrounds.
Participants can expect an interactive workshop, with exploration and discussion of case studies, and application of practical guides and resources. Participants will receive a copy of the National Youth Settlement Framework (NYSF) and an attendance certificate.
To request training for your staff, or schedule a professional learning day, please contact us on 03 6221 0999 or training@mrctas.org.au