Meaningful First Nations Engagement

ACA WA warmly invites you to a national webinar with Whadjuk/Ballardong Noongar and Nanda Yamatji man, Patrick Garlett-Forrest. Patrick is an Associate Lecturer in Architecture at Curtin University and Founder of Boorloo Indigenous Services. Patrick will start by taking us back to basics, discussing how to strengthen culturally respectful practice and deepen engagement with First Nations communities.

Patrick will guide us through key principles and practical approaches that support more informed, authentic, and accountable project work. The session explores three core themes:

Acknowledgement of Country: we will unpack what an Acknowledgement of Country truly represents, why it matters in professional practice, and how it can be delivered with genuine understanding and intent, including how to avoid common pitfalls such as tokenism, and what best practice looks like.

Indigenous Engagement Plans: the (koort) heart of the presentation. This section explores what an Indigenous Engagement Plan is, why it matters beyond mere compliance, and what makes a plan meaningful and effective. We will highlight common missteps and offer guidance on embedding respectful engagement throughout a project's lifecycle.

Building Relationships with Local Indigenous Communities: the session concludes with a discussion on developing long-term, reciprocal relationships — understanding local context, showing up consistently, creating mutual benefit, and maintaining accountability well beyond a project's completion.

This webinar is open to architects practising Australia-wide.

We welcome you to join us in a shared commitment to better practice across our profession. We hope this will be the first in a series of many workshops to come.

WHERE & WHEN

Live online. Recording available.
1pm AEST Wednesday 15 July 2026
(WA 11am–12pm, NT & SA 12.30–1.30pm, Qld, ACT, NSW, Tas & Vic 1–2pm)

Completion of this 1 hour webinar and submission of the self-checked assessment task will deliver 1 formal CPD point.

Learning outcomes – By attending this webinar, participants will be able to:

• Better understand key principles of culturally respectful practice and meaningful engagement with First Nations communities.
• Explain the purpose of an Acknowledgement of Country and apply it with authenticity and respect.
• Recognise the value of Indigenous Engagement Plans and their role in supporting engagement beyond compliance.
• Apply practical approaches to embedding respectful Indigenous engagement throughout project delivery.
• Identify strategies for building authentic, long-term relationships with local Indigenous communities.

AACA NSCA  Practice Management & Professional Conduct – PC 3, PC 8, PC 17; Detailed Design & Construction Documentation – PC 36.

The webinar will include time for Q&A and a CPD assessment task. Certificates will be provided following participation in the full webinar and online submission of answers to CPD questions.

CONTACT