TURRUK
An immersive learning journey for communities and workplaces to explore and understand cultural intelligence more deeply through respectful relationships with First Peoples.
What is Turruk?
Turruk is a signature program of Initiatives of Change Australia, rooted in acknowledging the wisdom and resilience of Australia’s Indigenous peoples and communities. Participants engage in culturally safe yarning circles and workshops for critical and creative reflection, guided by diverse First Nations perspectives. Truth telling about the past and present is coupled with deep listening to enable transformation and purposeful action.
Unlock a world of cultural understanding and connection with Turruk—a program co-designed with First Nations leaders and participants. This transformative journey draws on the methodology of Initiatives of Change International’s Trustbuilding Program, which is active in 12 countries— and was recognised with a prestigious United Nations Intercultural Innovation Award in 2021.
Turruk events range from three-hour workshops to five-session programs in themed yarning circles led by First Peoples. Unique Turruk programs have been developed in partnership with First Nations community bodies, including the Aboriginal Advancement League and the Murnong First Peoples Gathering Place. Turruk events have also been offered via platforms such as the National Sustainable Festival, and through collaboration with corporations such as Aurecon and Woods Bagot.
The five principles of trust-building
that Turruk focuses on are:
Attendees’ Reviews
For several years, Turruk has focused on building holistic understanding around the ‘Voice’ by exploring, ‘Treaty’, ‘Truth and Makaratta’, ‘Healing and Justice’. The Turruk in Community model will continue to focus on topical issues for First Nations and non-Indigenous people to promote understanding and scale impact for nation-building and healing.
“Congratulations on the Turruk Trustbuilding course, I learnt so much through the journey and it has sparked so many ideas! I had no preconceived notions of what to expect, or what I would take from it—only that I come with an open mind and heart—and the experience has been incredible. Confronting, challenging, humbling, and inspiring all at the same time. I have also met some incredible people, and hope it is the start of some amazing friendships and collaborations to come! As part of our Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP), we have items relating to learning, understanding, knowledge building and empathy—I look forward to collaboration opportunities we have for creating a bespoke corporate program and connecting with some of your other activities.”
Bronwyn McColl, Reconciliation Steering Committee, Woods Bagot
“It has been a privilege to learn from Sarah Naarden, Uncle Shane Charles, Uncle Glen Loughrey and Alannah Marsh. The history, stories and knowledge that we as a studio have begun to learn during this course will greatly assist in the development of each individual’s journey and the studio’s cultural intelligence in our reconciliation journey together.
Turruk creates a space for safe learning and discussion. A key moment over the 5 weeks of Turruk have been the discussions following each session. The ideas that have been sparked along the way of how these learnings could assist in our design approach hold great opportunity … I look forward to further collaboration with Initiatives of Change in the future and to continue my learning journey.”
Tahlia Landrigan, Interior Designer, Woods Bagot
