Embedding Cultural Safety at Mentone Grammar: A Six-Month Partnership in Practice

In 2024, Buneen Consulting partnered with Mentone Grammar to co-design a Cultural Safety Framework that would guide the school’s long-term journey toward cultural integrity and inclusion. This was not a compliance task. It was a strategic investment in systems change — grounded in reflection, accountability, and a willingness to listen deeply to community, staff, and students.

Project Overview

The goal: to embed cultural safety in a way that is tangible, measurable, and aligned with Mentone Grammar’s values and commitment to reconciliation.

The six-month engagement included:

• Cultural Review & Immersion
  On-site visits and yarning with Aboriginal community members connected to the school.

• Staff and Student Consultation
  Surveys and workshops from Years 6–12 to understand current attitudes, knowledge, and aspirations.

• Data-Informed Reflection
  Analysis of qualitative and quantitative data to inform practical, school-specific recommendations.

• Capacity Building Workshops
  Targeted training for leaders and key staff — focusing on cultural literacy, self-awareness, and systemic change.

• Framework Development
  Delivery of a tailored Cultural Safety Framework supported by tools, principles, and an implementation roadmap.

A Strengths-Based, Collaborative Process

The approach was culturally grounded, rigorous, and strengths-based — combining honest reflection with a commitment to action.

Buneen worked closely with school leadership to ensure that the process was:

• Culturally respectful and locally relevant

• Centred on listening, not assumptions

• Structured for long-term, system-wide impact

Mentone Grammar’s investment of time, resources, and community dialogue reflects a genuine commitment to growth — not just awareness, but accountability.

Why It Matters

Cultural safety in schools isn’t a workshop — it’s a shift in culture. It must live across systems, language, and leadership.

This partnership resulted in more than a framework. It created a clear pathway forward — with shared responsibility, community voice, and practical tools for change.

Buneen is proud to support education providers like Mentone Grammar who choose to embed truth, respect, and equity into every part of their learning environment.

📩 To explore a Cultural Safety Framework or partnership in education, contact:
info@buneen.au
🌐 www.buneen.au