Creating Safety Within: Facilitating the SAFE Method at the Self-Determination in Education Conference

In 2024, I had the privilege of facilitating a SAFE Method workshop at the Strengthening Aboriginal Self-Determination in Education Conference — a powerful gathering focused on embedding truth, identity, and cultural integrity into the fabric of education systems.

Over 70 Koorie Education Support Officers attended my session, and we explored what it really means to feel safe within yourself — a foundational aspect of the SAFE Method.

Safety in Self Starts with Honesty

I shared my own journey — openly and without filters. Not to inspire sympathy, but to show that real safety starts with self-awareness, self-respect, and self-responsibility.

To feel safe in the world, you first need to feel safe in your own skin. That requires honesty. That requires reflection. And often, that requires sharing your story with yourself before you can share it with others.

Through a series of stories, reflections, and guided processes, I walked participants through the “Self” domain of the SAFE Method — a journey of learning through trial, error, and eventually, clarity.

Impact & Insight

The questions and reflections from the group were incredible — thoughtful, deep, and grounded in care. It was a reminder that the people supporting our young mob in schools are hungry for new ways to create culturally safe, emotionally intelligent spaces — starting with themselves.

This session reaffirmed that the SAFE Method isn’t just a model. It’s a movement — and it begins with those who are willing to do the inner work first.