7 Habits of an Effective Non-Aboriginal Liaison

Non-Aboriginal liaisons play a crucial role in fostering understanding and cooperation with Aboriginal communities. By adopting habits aligned with  Pearl’s Plan,  you  can build meaningful relationships, promote cultural safety, and support genuine collaboration.

1. Active Listening (Purpose)

Recognising cultural differences and building trust requires more than good intentions—it demands active listening. This habit ensures that Aboriginal voices are not only heard they are respected and valued. Trust takes time and effort to develop, and listening actively plays an important role in   achieving it.

Active listening means focusing entirely on what is being said without pre-emptively forming responses or making assumptions. It also involves understanding the cultural context of what is shared and recognising when silence or non-verbal cues carry significant meaning.

During a meeting with community members, put away distractions like phones or laptops. Listen to concerns without interrupting, then paraphrase key points to confirm your understanding. For instance, you might say, "So, what I’m hearing is that [the key concern]. Is that right?"

2. Cultural Humility (Place)

Understanding the history and culture of the local Aboriginal community is critical for respectful engagement. Cultural humility is about acknowledging what you don’t know and being open to learning and adapting. It’s about transferring your skills and knowledge into a new cultural context without imposing them.

Cultural humility is a mindset, not a one-time task. It requires continuous reflection on your own biases and a willingness to seek guidance from cultural custodians. Recognise that every Aboriginal local community is unique, and what applies to one community may not apply to another. So what works in Penrith might not work the same way in Katoomba, despite both  communities  being Darug.  

Before starting a project with a local  Aboriginal community, spend time researching their specific cultural practices and history. Reach out to local Elders or cultural advisors to gain deeper insights. As an example, if you’re organising an event, ask about protocols such as Welcome to Country or Smoking ceremonies and the specific traditions to observe.

3. Advocacy for Cultural Safety (People)

Cultural safety ensures that Aboriginal individuals feel respected and valued in every interaction. Advocacy for cultural safety requires understanding community roles and respecting who can speak or make decisions. This means creating environments where people feel safe to express their views without fear of discrimination or misunderstanding.

Advocacy for cultural safety extends beyond individual interactions to organisational policies and systems. It involves addressing power imbalances and challenging practices that may unintentionally harm Aboriginal people or exclude their perspectives.

Advocate for policies that incorporate Aboriginal cultural protocols into workplace practices. As an example, if your organisation is holding a team meeting, ensure that an Authentic Acknowledgment of Country is relevant and given in a meaningful way.  It’s not mandatory. Yet  you need to state why you are giving it, why it is important make it relevant to the meeting  and make sure  Aboriginal colleagues are consulted about the agenda.

4. Amplifying Aboriginal Voices (Practices)

One of the most important habits of a non-Aboriginal Liaison is ensuring Aboriginal voices lead decisions and discussions. This means stepping back and creating opportunities for Aboriginal leaders and community members to share their knowledge and expertise directly, rather than speaking on their behalf.

Amplifying voices is less about tokenism—it’s more about genuine inclusion. It requires acknowledging the expertise and authority of Aboriginal people  in matters affecting their communities and actively supporting their leadership and guidance.

If a community consultation is required, ensure that Aboriginal representatives are invited to lead the discussion. When presenting outcomes, highlight their contributions explicitly, such as, "This approach was shaped by [Elder or community leader’s name]’s insights."

5. Building Genuine Relationships (Partners)

True partnerships are built on trust, reciprocity, and long-term engagement. Aboriginal communities value relationships that go beyond formal agreements or professional networks. This habit is about investing time and effort into understanding community priorities and building connections based on mutual respect.

Building relationships means showing up consistently, honouring commitments, and being transparent about your intentions. Relationships are not built overnight; they require patience and a willingness to engage authentically.

Attending local  community events not just as a representative of your organisation make sure you attend  as a participant willing to learn. Over time,  your  presence builds trust and shows that your engagement is genuine. As an example, attending an annual NAIDOC Week or Reconciliation Week event can demonstrate your long-term commitment to the local community.

6. Continuous Learning (Promote)

Ongoing education about Aboriginal cultures, histories, and contemporary challenges is essential for non-Aboriginal liaisons. Continuous learning allows you to stay informed and adapt your actions to align with the needs and aspirations of the local community.

Learning is a lifelong journey, and it requires actively seeking out Aboriginal-led resources and perspectives. It’s about understanding the complexities of Aboriginal experiences, including historical trauma, systemic barriers, and cultural resilience.

Dedicate time each week to reading books or articles written by Aboriginal authors, such as Dr Tracey Westerman’s Jilya:How one Indigenous woman from the remote Pilbara transformed psychology or  Bruce Pascoe’s Dark Emu. Subscribe to newsletters from organisations like Reconciliation Australia to stay updated on current issues and initiatives.

7. Accountability and Reflection (Pass It On)

Taking accountability for your actions and reflecting on your impact ensures that your efforts align with the community’s needs. Sharing knowledge and insights with others should always be done respectfully and with consideration for cultural sensitivities.

Accountability involves seeking feedback, acknowledging mistakes, and making necessary changes. Reflection allows you to identify areas for improvement and ensure that the knowledge you pass on is accurate and beneficial.

After completing a project with an Aboriginal community, invite feedback from participants on what worked well and what could be improved. Use this feedback to refine your approach and share lessons learned with colleagues to enhance collective cultural competency.

By adopting these habits   non-Aboriginal liaisons can foster trust, respect, and mutual understanding with Aboriginal communities. These actions not only reduce the cultural load on Aboriginal colleagues but also contribute to sustainable and impactful partnerships to close the gap.

Which habit do you find most important in your role? Let’s discuss in the comments!