To top

Facebook-f Instagram Linkedin-in
Member Login
Get Help Now
About Us
Strengthening Our Sector
Our Voice
Closing The Gap
Get Involved

Project Waterways

Price:

Free

This two-day workshop is specifically designed for individuals and organisations in the child and family services sector, regardless of experience level and is fully funded for eligible participants, by the Department of Social Services (DSS).

  • Workshops run from March to May 2025
  • Various locations across New South Wales
View all dates and locations

AbSec events and workshops are designed to bring together individuals, communities, and organisations dedicated to supporting Aboriginal children, families, and communities across New South Wales.

Free

Fully-funded Cultural Responsiveness & Trauma Informed Practice workshops

We’re excited to announce our partnership with SNAICC and other leading organisations for our upcoming Project Waterways! 

This nationwide rollout is designed to equip you and your team with a comprehensive understanding of the cultural needs and expectations of Indigenous children and families, empowering you to drive real, meaningful change. 

Our aim is to strengthen the cultural and trauma-informed capabilities of organisations like yours to ensure better outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and families, aligning with Target 12 of the National Agreement to reduce the over-representation of Indigenous children in out-of-home care by 45% by 2031.  

If your organisation receives funding under DSS Outcome areas 2, 3 or 4, you are eligible to join our fully funded training sessions.  

Access tools to identify and address systemic barriers in child protection services.
Gain a deep understanding of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultural contexts.
Learn about practical strategies for culturally sensitive engagement.

Meet our practitioners

Our Trainers and Assessors are passionate educators with extensive expertise in culturally informed training. They deliver interactive, practical, and engaging workshops that inspire participants to grow both personally and professionally.

With a deep respect for Aboriginal cultures and a focus on inclusivity, our trainers adapt their approach to meet the unique needs of each client, ensuring every participant gains valuable skills and knowledge.

View all locations

John Byrne

Trainer, Consultant, and Facilitator

Dane Callaghan

Trainer, Casework Manager, and Community Facilitator

Check out available dates near you!

Have five or more people you would like to register? 

Make a group booking

Select a month to get started.

Project Waterways: Wollongong

  • 10-11 March, 9am-4pm
  • Location to be advised
Two-day workshop on Dharawal Country of the Gadigal and Dharug peoples. Food provided.
Register now

Project Waterways: Canberra

  • 24-25 March, 9am-4pm
  • Location to be advised
Two-day workshop on the Country of the Ngunnawal, Ngunawal and Ngambri peoples. Food provided.
Register now

Project Waterways: Lismore

  • 25-26 March, 9am-4pm
  • Location to be advised
Two-day workshop on Bundjalung nation of the Widjabul/Wia-bal peoples. Food provided.
Register now

Project Waterways: Queanbeyan

  • 26-27 March, 9am-4pm
  • Location to be advised
Two-day workshop on Ngunnawal land of the Ngambri/Kamberri peoples. Food provided.
Register now

Project Waterways: Wagga Wagga

  • 1-2 April, 9am-4pm
  • Location to be advised
Two-day workshop on the nation of the Wiradjuri peoples. Food provided.
Register now

Project Waterways: Port Macquarie

  • 1-2 April, 9am-4pm
  • Location to be advised
Two-day workshop on the nation of the Birpai peoples. Food provided.
Register now

Project Waterways: Gosford

  • 7-8 April, 9am-4pm
  • Location to be advised
Two-day workshop on the nation of the Darkinjung peoples. Food provided.
Register now

Project Waterways: Parramatta

  • 10-11 April, 9am-4pm
  • Location to be advised
Two-day workshop on the nation of the Dharug peoples. Food provided.
Register now

Project Waterways: Bourke

  • 28-29 April, 9am-4pm
  • Location to be advised
Two-day workshop on the nation of the Ngemba, Barkindji, Kunya Kooma, and Murrawarri peoples. Food provided.
Register now

Project Waterways: Wilcannia

  • 1-2 May, 9am-4pm
  • Location to be advised
Two-day workshop on the nation of the Barkindji peoples. Food provided.
Register now

Project Waterways: Penrith

  • 5-6 May, 9am-4pm
  • Location to be advised
Two-day workshop on Dharug Country of the Mulgoa Clan. Food provided.
Register now

Project Waterways: Coffs Harbour

  • 12-13 May, 9am-4pm
  • Location to be advised
Two-day workshop on the Country of the Gumbaynggirr peoples. Food provided.
Register now

Project Waterways: Armidale

  • 14-15 May, 9am-4pm
  • Location to be advised
Two-day workshop on the Country of the Anaiwan and Kamilaroi peoples. Food provided.
Register now

Project Waterways: Sydney CBD

  • 19-20 May, 9am-4pm
  • Novotel Sydney International Airport
Two-day workshop on Eora Country of the Gadigal and Bidjigal peoples. Food provided.
Register now

Project Waterways: Bankstown

  • 21-22 May, 9am-4pm
  • Location to be advised
Two-day workshop on the nation of the Wangal, Bidjigal, Dharug, and Gweagal peoples. Food provided.
Register now

Sydney CBD

13-14 February, 9am-4pm

Newcastle

17-18 February, 9am-4pm

Maitland

19-20 February, 9am-4pm

Wollongong

24-25 February, 9am-4pm

Bankstown

3-4 March, 9am-4pm

Parramatta

5-6 March, 9am-4pm

Nowra

12-13 March, 9am-4pm

Tamworth

17-18 March, 9am-4pm

Canberra

24-25 March, 9am-4pm

Lismore

22-26 March, 9am-4pm

Wagga Wagga

1-2 April, 9am-4pm

Gosford

7-8 April, 9am-4pm

Parramatta

10-11 April, 9am-4pm

Bourke

28-29 April, 9am-4pm

Wilcannia

1-2 May, 9am-4pm

Penrith

5-6 May, 9am-4pm

Coffs Harbour

12-13 May, 9am-4pm

Armidale

14-15 May, 9am-4pm

Port Macquarie

19-20 May, 9am-4pm

Sydney CBD

26-27 May, 9am-4pm

Bankstown

28-29 May, 9am-4pm
Facebook-f Instagram Linkedin-in

1800 888 698

Aboriginal Carer Support

132 111

Child Protection Helpline

Sign up to receive our emails

1800 888 698

Aboriginal Carer Support

132 111

Child Protection Helpline

Sign up to receive our emails

We acknowledge the Gadigal and Wangal People of the Eora Nation,  the land on which our office stands, and pay respect to Elders past, present and emerging. We acknowledge the Elders, leaders and advocates within our sector and pay our respects to them as knowledge holders within this space and every space. 

AbSec acknowledges the Stolen Generations who never came home and the ongoing impact of government policy and practice on Aboriginal children, young people and families.

We acknowledge the Gadigal and Wangal People of the Eora Nation,  the land on which our office stands, and pay respect to Elders past, present and emerging. We acknowledge the Elders, leaders and advocates within our sector and pay our respects to them as knowledge holders within this space and every space. 

AbSec acknowledges the Stolen Generations who never came home and the ongoing impact of government policy and practice on Aboriginal children, young people and families.

Copyright © 2025 AbSec NSW Child, Family and Community Peak Aboriginal Corporation. All rights reserved.

John Byrne

Trainer, Consultant, and Facilitator 

John Byrne is a Tharawal man who is a highly experienced Trainer, Consultant, and Facilitator with an Australian Aboriginal cultural perspective. With over 20 years of experience, John has facilitated leadership training for Tier 1 organizations across more than 60 cities worldwide, spanning sectors like not-for-profits, mining, oil, gas, and manufacturing. He is adept at engaging diverse stakeholders and translating complex theories into practical, actionable insights. 

John holds a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology, a Bachelor’s degree in Philosophy, a Certificate IV in Training and Assessment, and is a Master Practitioner of Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP). His expertise extends to developing training curricula, leading high-impact workshops, and creating innovative learning models adopted by organizations internationally. His thoughtful, culturally sensitive approach consistently earns high praise from participants and partners alike. 

Dane Callaghan

Trainer, Casework Manager, and Community Facilitator

Dane hails from the Thunggutti/ Dunghutti, Dharawal, Biripi and Gumbaynggirr Nations, with over 15 years of experience in child protection, foster care, and community development. 

Dane was born on the Mid North Coast, and raised in The Kempsey, Taree, and La Perouse Communities where he grew up with a close family and community network. 

Dane previously served as Manager of Casework for Burrun Dalai Corporation Inc., and managed an OOHC team consisting of both child protection and foster care support, Dane was team responsible for the welfare and development of over thirty children and twenty carers. 

His expertise spans case management, compliance, and stakeholder engagement, with a focus on maintaining high standards under the Office of the Children’s Guardian and the Child and Young Persons Act of 1998. 

With a strong background in leadership and coaching, Dane has facilitated workshops, supported staff development, and created effective compliance systems. Dane is known for his collaborative approach, effective communication, and ability to create safe, culturally aware learning environments. 

Dane has completed a Diploma in Leadership and Management, Conduct and Document Complex Assessments and Community Services, building on his existing qualifications, including a Diploma in Case Worker Management. 

Member Login

Join our growing network of individuals and organisations and gain access.
Become a member

Get Help Now

If you need immediate assistance, AbSec is here to support you.

We offer resources and guidance for children, young people, carers, and families at risk. Find the help you need and connect with the right support services.

I'm a Carer
We’re a Family At Risk
I’m a Child or Young Person

About Us

AbSec is the peak organisation advocating for the rights and well-being of Aboriginal children, young people, and families in NSW.

Learn more about AbSec, our mission, and our commitment to supporting Aboriginal children, families, and communities through advocacy, capacity building, and sector leadership.

Who We Are
Our Sector
Our People
Our Members
Our Strategic Plan
Our Governance

Strengthening Our Sector

Building a resilient and effective sector that can better support Aboriginal children, young people, families, and communities.

Our initiatives and programs are designed to enhance the capacity and capability of Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations and NGOs.

Campaigns We Support
Quarterly Sector Forums
Social Sector Transformation Fund
Learning & Development Centre
Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Child Placement Principle

Our Voice

This section offers insights into the key policies and initiatives we champion, representing our commitment to advocating for the rights and well-being of Aboriginal children, young people, families, and communities.

Aboriginal Case Management Policy
Family is Culture
Aboriginal Guardianship Support Model
News & Media
Reports & Publications
Adoption Is Not An Option
Out-of-home Care & Child Removals

Closing the Gap

AbSec is dedicated to closing the gap in health, education, and wellbeing for Aboriginal children and families.

Explore the various initiatives and programs we support to drive systemic change and improve outcomes for our communities.

Aboriginal-led Commissioning

Get Involved

Discover how you can make a difference with AbSec.

From donating to becoming a carer, there are numerous ways to support our vision and help Aboriginal children, young people, families, and communities thrive.  

Donate
Events
Contact Us
Become a Carer
Become a Member
Work With Us
Partner With Us

AbSec would like to acknowledge the Traditional Owners of the land in which we work and pay respect to Elders past, present and emerging. AbSec acknowledges the Stolen Generations who never came home.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are warned that this website may contain images of deceased people.