Call for nominations to take part in cultural capability training pilot

We are working closely with the Victorian Aboriginal Legal Service (VALS) to support the implementation of the First Nations Cultural Capability Uplift (FNCCU) project.

Launched last year, the FNCCU is a state-wide initiative designed to build the cultural capability of legal professionals across Victoria. The project is led by VALS in partnership with the Law Institute of Victoria (LIV) and Victoria Legal Aid, initiated in response to recommendations from the inquest into the death of Veronica Nelson.

The FNCCU includes a foundational training program, designed to address key capability gaps by equipping legal service staff with the knowledge and practice skills needed to deliver culturally safe legal services. This includes an e-learn module and in person full day training which VALS are ready to pilot.

VALS are seeking the participation of VLA legal professionals including panel practitioners in supporting the pilot, providing an opportunity to experience the program early and contribute valuable feedback.

Who the training is for

The training has been created for legal professionals at different stages of their careers, in these roles:

• legal practitioner
• legal assistant
• paralegal
• those working in non-legal support roles.

Training locations

The in-person training will be delivered in two locations — Bendigo and Preston. We have been allocated 20 places (10 across each location) at no cost.

Preston

Monday 22 June 2026 – e-learn enrolment (pre-requisite)

Tuesday 7 July 2026 – In person training at VALS, 9.15 am – 4.45 pm.

Bendigo

Monday 22 June 2026 – e-learn enrolment (pre-requisite)

Thursday 9 July 2026 – In-person training at Larnangurrak (our place), Dja Dja Wurrung Corporate and Community Centre, 9.15 am – 4.45 pm.

What’s the time commitment?

• 2.5 hours to complete e-Learning pre-requisite within two weeks prior to the in-person training day.
• full day attendance for in-person training (9.15 am – 4.45 pm)
• Pilot participants must be available and committed to completing two modules to ensure the pilot can be properly evaluated and validated as fit for purpose.

An evaluation of experience will be built into training activities at each stage.

Apply now

Please register your interest by close of business on Monday 15 June.

Please note there are only 10 places available per location, it is not guaranteed nominees will secure a place in the pilot training.

We will confirm places with nominees after the closing date once we know the level of interest in participation.
There will be an opportunity to participate in the final training package once the pilot phase has been completed.

Contact us

If you have any questions, please contact our First Nations Services team via FirstNationsSrv@vla.vic.gov.au