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PrintOxfam Australia 'reflects' with program partners
The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples’ Program met with partner organisations for a five-day reflection in March 2007. The reflection was held at the Centre for Appropriate Technology in Alice Springs and attended by 30 people representing Oxfam and 12 partner organisations.
Reflections provide the opportunity for staff and partners to come together to look at the successes and challenges of the work we have done and to plan for the future. Reflections help us to monitor and evaluate programs, learn new skills and share with each other the work we do across Australia.
Over the first two days participants showcased their work using the “stories of most significant change” model which set the scene for the week's discussions. One major factor in the week’s success was using skilled and experienced Indigenous people as facilitators and workshop leaders. A number of workshops were held using the wealth of expertise available locally in Alice Springs.
Workshops included "negotiation and advocacy" by Pat Turner, "media skills" by Imparja TV and "cultural safety" by the Congress Social and Emotional Health Branch. Jacqui Katona facilitated the week reflection and also ran a workshop on asset-based community development. Oxfam Australia led sessions on the Close the Gap campaign and the Oxfam Australia strategic plan 2007–2013.
A highlight of the week were visits to local Indigenous organisations including Central Australian Aboriginal Congress, Central Australian Aboriginal Media Association, Central Australian Aboriginal Alcohol Planning Unit, Tangentyere Council, Alice Springs Youth Accommodation and Support Services, and the Gap Youth Centre.
Oxfam Australia values the contribution and guidance of our partners in developing the future directions of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples’ Program and wishes to thank all of the organisations in Alice Springs who made our reflection such a success.
Photo: David Nixon