Why This Three-Part Approach Matters

Through our three-journey framework, we learn how existing frameworks force impossible choices between cultural connection and authentic identity. We gather evidence of how current training approaches fail to address the reality that many community members genuinely believe homophobia is culturally authentic, having been so thoroughly colonised by foreign religious influences.

Our road trip methodology recognises that supporting First Nations LGBTIQA+SB identity integration requires deep understanding of local cultural contexts, family structures, and community dynamics. This cannot be achieved through single consultations or generalised approaches.

By building relationships over time, we learn how trauma recovery through cultural reintegration might work differently in different communities. We understand that healing frameworks must be community-specific while maintaining core principles of cultural sovereignty and diverse identity affirmation.

Perhaps most importantly, our three-journey approach models decolonial practices in its very structure. Rather than extracting knowledge through brief consultations, we invest in ongoing relationships. Rather than imposing timelines, we follow community-determined pacing. Rather than taking community knowledge to develop external resources, we ensure community ownership of everything we create together.

This approach establishes applied standards of care that are assessed by community, not just systems. It embeds healing-based frameworks and community validation as core measures of cultural safety, creating training that serves community needs rather than institutional compliance requirements.

Our road trip approach serves dual purposes: developing effective training and building evidence for the inadequacy of existing frameworks. Through our three journeys, we document specific examples of framework failures, record community language describing current harms, and gather explicit community endorsement for new approaches.

This evidence strengthens our position with the Australian Skills Quality Authority (ASQA) as we seek accreditation for our innovative training unit. Rather than arguing that existing frameworks are adequate, we demonstrate their inadequacy and position OFMH as establishing new industry standards that genuinely serve First Nations LGBTIQA+SB communities.

Central to our three-part approach is the understanding that this is not a consultation process with a defined end point. We are building relationships that we hope will continue beyond project timelines. We offer practical support to communities where possible, contribute to youth activities, and ensure that all intellectual property developed through our collaboration remains with communities.

Our road trip methodology embeds reciprocity principles that recognise the immense value of community knowledge and lived experience. We approach each journey with humility, understanding that we are receiving gifts of trust and wisdom that require ongoing responsibility and relationship.

Our three-journey framework will take us across all five Northern Territory regions, recognising that First Nations LGBTIQA+SB experiences vary significantly across different cultural groups, geographic locations, and community contexts. We research traditional owner groups and protocols before each visit, adapt our approaches to local cultural requirements, and maintain flexibility in our methods to honour diverse communication styles and preferences.

This geographic breadth ensures that our training development reflects the diversity of First Nations LGBTIQA+SB experiences while identifying common themes and needs that can inform systemic change. It also demonstrates to regulatory bodies that our approach has broad community support and addresses widespread inadequacies in current cultural safety frameworks.

Throughout our three journeys, we maintain careful documentation that supports our Vocational Education and Training (VET) accreditation submission. We gather evidence of community endorsement rates, document examples of current framework failures, and build comprehensive evidence portfolios that demonstrate the necessity of our innovative approach.

Our road trip methodology ensures that our introductory training unit emerges from genuine community need and knowledge rather than imposed external standards. This community-led development process strengthens our regulatory position while maintaining the integrity of our decolonial approach.

Our three-part road trip approach represents the foundation for broader systemic change in how cultural safety training is developed and delivered. By demonstrating that meaningful community engagement takes time, builds relationships, and centres community knowledge, we challenge institutional approaches that prioritise efficiency over effectiveness.

The training unit we develop through this process will serve as proof of concept for community-led VET development, potentially influencing how other training packages are created for First Nations communities. Our road trip methodology models an approach that could transform consultation practices across multiple sectors.

Most importantly, our three journeys ensure that when we complete our introductory training unit, it genuinely serves the safety needs of First Nations LGBTIQA+SB communities because it emerges from their knowledge, reflects their priorities, and remains under their control.

Through patience, respect, and genuine commitment to community-led processes, our road trip approach creates the foundation for cultural safety training that actually works - not just for institutional compliance, but for the safety, healing, and wellbeing of First Nations LGBTIQA+SB people across the Northern Territory and beyond.