Golden-hour view over Far North Queensland grasslands and ranges, with a large gum tree in the foreground.

Our cultural approach

Culture is not a separate activity

Cultural capability is embedded in governance, recruitment, supervision, assessment, service planning, incident review, partnerships and continuous improvement — not treated as a separate or symbolic activity.

Five pillars

How cultural capability shows up in practice

Respect

We recognise that every community, family and person is different. We ask, we listen, and we follow local guidance rather than assuming what is appropriate.

Identity

Knowing who you are and where you belong is protective. We support children and young people to hold their identity, language, family story and connections.

Truth

We are honest about our role, our limits and what we can deliver. We do not overstate our authority, our approvals or our capacity.

Connection

We work to strengthen connection to family, kin, community and Country, because those relationships carry people through hard times.

Care

Care is practical and consistent — showing up, following through, and treating people with warmth as well as professionalism.

In our systems

Where cultural capability is embedded

Indigenous leadership and First Nations decision-making
Cultural safety as a workforce expectation, not an add-on
Connection to family, kin, community and Country in support planning
Recognition of local cultural protocols in every community we enter
Cultural support planning for children and young people
Community consultation before and during service delivery
Consent and privacy at every step
Local employment and workforce development

Cultural advisers and an Elders Advisory Council

Garkazi Care is establishing cultural advice arrangements appropriate to the communities we work with. Names of Elders and advisory members will be published only once individuals have given consent and the organisation has approved the final list.

The role of cultural advice

“Elders and cultural advisers do not replace statutory decision-makers, qualified practitioners or formal safeguarding processes. Their involvement is consent-based, culturally appropriate and subject to privacy requirements.”

Avoiding tokenism

We do not use cultural imagery, artwork or language as decoration. Cultural work is resourced, recorded and reviewed like any other part of our practice. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, communities and language groups are distinct, and we do not treat them as interchangeable.

Young people gathered around a freshly caught fish on a sandy shoreline. — Learning, connection and shared experiences grounded in place and community.

Shared cultural activity

Learning through connection

Cultural capability grows from shared experience, relationship and place. Activities like fishing, gathering and storytelling are part of how knowledge, identity and care are passed on.

Acknowledgement of Country

Garkazi Care acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of the lands and waters across Far North Queensland where we live, work and provide support. We honour Elders past and present and recognise the continuing strength, cultures and contributions of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

This Acknowledgement is provided for local review and approval by the appropriate Traditional Custodians and cultural authority.