Celebrating 25 years of commitment to rural health, education and community partnerships.
Cultural Training
embark is our Cultural Safety Training Program for students undertaking placements through the Department of Rural Health.
Developed in partnership with local First Nations communities and the University of Newcastle’s Cultural Team, embark provides opportunities to build knowledge, understanding and confidence in working respectfully with First Nations peoples and communities.
The program is grounded in local knowledge and respectful collaboration, with content and experiences tailored to the communities and Country where students live and learn.
Why cultural training matters
Cultural safety is an important part of providing high-quality, equitable healthcare. embark supports students to develop a deeper understanding of First Nations cultures, histories, health experiences and connections to Country, while reflecting on their own role as future health professionals.
The program aims to:
- Create culturally safe and respectful spaces for learning and discussion.
- Build knowledge and understanding of First Nations culture, history, health and connection to Country.
- Develop students’ confidence and skills to provide culturally safe healthcare.
- Encourage meaningful relationships and connections with First Nations communities.
What our students say
The Embark program was meaningful and immersive in a way that’s hard to replicate in a classroom, and I came away with a deeper appreciation for the history, culture, and ongoing connection to Country. Learning directly from Elders and members of the local Land Council made it genuine and grounded. The program created a space to listen, reflect, and better understand the significance of the land I now live on. I’m very grateful for the knowledge and stories that were shared so openly - it’s something that will stay with me.
Natalie Cox - JMP Y5 - Peel Clinical School 2026
The embark program
The name embark draws inspiration from tree bark, symbolising growth, resilience and connection to Country. The program’s unique symbol also reflects our rural footprint - covering 7 sites across NSW - representing the journey of students and the communities they serve.
The six focus areas of Embark are:
- e — Experiences & Engagement
- m — Mindfulness & Mattering
- b — Belonging & Behaviour
- a — Acknowledgement & Accountability
- r — Respect & Relationships
- k — Kinship & Community
Together, these focus areas guide students through a journey of learning, reflection, connection and growth.
Program content is localised across our footprint, incorporating local cultural, health and community knowledge to create meaningful and context-specific learning experiences.
The embark journey
Cultural resource hub
The Cultural Resource Hub provides a central place to learn, connect and explore the diverse cultures and communities across our footprint.
The hub brings together cultural education and training, resources and information, support services and contacts, giving you a place to continue your learning throughout your rural placement experience.
Get in touch
For more information about the Embark program or Cultural Resource Hub, contact our program team.
Email: embark@newcastle.edu.au
The University of Newcastle acknowledges the traditional custodians of the lands within our footprint areas: Awabakal, Darkinjung, Biripai, Worimi, Wonnarua, and Eora Nations. We also pay respect to the wisdom of our Elders past and present.