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Sponsorship helps bridge cultural understanding for Anchor Community Care staff
Recently, the Anchor Community Care team, who deliver out-of-home care, homelessness support and youth-at-risk services across Melbourne’s outer east and Gippsland, had the privilege of taking part in the Bullen Bullen Cultural Tour in the Dandenong Ranges. Thanks to sponsorship from CVGT Employment, staff were able to experience on‑Country learning through a guided walk on the local lands at the heart of the community Anchor serves.
The on-Country Aboriginal cultural training, delivered by the Wurrundjeri Woi-wurrung Cultural Heritage Aboriginal Corporation, helped to deepen Anchor staff understanding of Aboriginal connection to Country, local history, and the ongoing impacts of colonisation on Aboriginal people today. By situating the training on Country and being led by Aboriginal facilitators, the experience moved beyond theoretical learning to provide staff with an immersive, place-based understanding.
Local Wurrundjeri Traditional Owners led the cultural education, giving their unique perspective on their own Country and community.
“It made a meaningful contribution to our staff engagement initiatives and helped to strengthen our connection with Aboriginal organisations through shared cultural activities. The funding enabled practical, visible actions that supported cultural learning and relationship-building, aligning strongly with our organisational values and commitment to reconciliation.”
Georgina Van Stekelenburg
Executive Manager – Business Development and Support
Anchor Community Care
Importantly, the sponsorship allowed Anchor Community Care to foster authentic engagement rather than a one-off activity, creating a deeper understanding of culture and community among their team.
“It gave me a new appreciation for the deep knowledge of the land, animals and flora, and the fact that people have walked this country for thousands of years. I was especially fascinated to learn about the origins of football through Marn Grook, played with a possum-fur ball, and the incredible understanding of animals and resource planning.”
– Cathy , Anchor Community Care Staff Member
“The cultural walk was an incredibly enriching experience. It offered a unique opportunity to engage with Aboriginal culture through a different lens, deepening my appreciation and understanding. Sharing this experience with my peers made it even more special – it was both enjoyable and grounding to connect, reflect and learn together in such an authentic setting.”
– Adine, Anchor Community Care Staff Member
Learn more about CVGT Employment’s Sponsorship and Community Grants programs to see how we’re helping local organisations make a real difference.