Professional Development Training Workshops
““Well balanced training. Paradigm shifting. I really enjoyed and valued the practical focus of the workshop. I plan to set up a program using this approach. I feel I have a deeper understanding. Such an interesting perspective to take back into one’s engagement with the world.””
““This has truly been the best training I have participated in my professional development journey, and I am confident in its applicability across a wide range of contexts. The workshop and the book both stand out for their practical approach, clear explanations of key concepts, and use of real-world examples... [T]he book’s accessible language indirectly speaks to universal themes that resonate deeply with traditional African values and indigenous conflict resolution practices. I wholeheartedly recommend both the book and the training.””
“If you have an interest in Group Conferencing or in transforming conflict or supporting people to move forward from a family - group - or community breakdown, this training will be extremely useful. It will give you a model that can be learned and applied and is shown to be effective. Great presenters! Very focused training! No down time!
Concrete, practical, directly relevant.”
“I appreciated the overview of Affect Theory, and the interdisciplinary background to explain the how and why of restorative practice has made me rethink many of my approaches to this work. The training modelled what restorative practice can look like in any setting, and laid out clear guiding principles to equip participants to use the concepts confidently. I have no doubt that I will apply these incredibly simple and practical strategies in my work, but also in my life. Truly one of the best trainings I’ve ever attended”
“The three day workshop took me on a journey through emotion, understanding and insight. The approach of “practice by doing” is simply great. You sit observing others and listening to the outstanding coaches, David and Alikki, but it is actually when you get to practice yourself which this workshop enables you to do so well that you truly learn, and adjust your approach. Conferencing is different to mediation, and mediation is different to negotiation.
Each has its own internal logic and its use in different situations. It was difficult to walk away from empathetic lawyering, which is crucial as a legal aid lawyer, and difficult to shake the habit of summarising key points, as you do in mediation. It was immensely useful to practice the different skills required to be an effective conferencing convenor. The workshop offered all the necessary opportunities for reflective practice, and I would highly recommend it to others. ”
““I like the model of ‘explain, demonstrate, practice’ with audio visual support…real time examples…hearing about others’ experiences…and the facilitators co-presenting - which made great use of their diverse ranges of skills and knowledge. I did love the theory and references, and this will inform my usual ADR practice.””
“I found the training extremely useful - and fun. Until I facilitated a session during the training, I had been unaware of the power of the group process to bring about such decisive change. I would recommend this training to anyone thinking about running group sessions, regardless of the name of the process.”
““The poignancy and power of Group Conferencing (GC) really resonated with me. I can really see just what a powerful tool GC is in resolving conflict and restoring right relationships… The training made a significant impact on how I might work. I would absolutely recommend the facilitators’ skill, knowledge, training ability and experience. Love the experiential component and the underpinning principles of working this way.” ”
““The training is very informative, interactive, and well-facilitated. I enjoyed all aspects of it.””
“I would definitely recommend this workshop to anyone working in the social services sector. I would emphasise the skill of changing conflict into cooperation. This training will enable me to work with families in a very different way. The skills I have learnt will create opportunities for families to participate in a process that enables them to be heard and to create a journey of recovery.”
Rose Solomon: Policy and Continuous Improvement Leader, Boorndawan William Aboriginal Healing Service
“This workshop will help to deepen understanding of restorative frameworks and processes, as well as give some practical knowledge and skills to begin the journey in Restorative Conference facilitation.”
Murray Hodge-Neill, Positive Behaviour for Learning Team, Hedley Beare Centre for Teaching and Learning: ACT Education Directorate
“I would emphasise the utility of restorative practices and how they can benefit everyone, and the work that we do in research. I would also emphasise that this training is the one to do because of the trainers [who] both hold an immense wealth of knowledge and experience [and] leave participants with a sense of optimism and motivation. It’s worth noting that three whole days of training is quite a lot under usual circumstances, with participants fading out as we get to the end of the day, but that didn’t happen in [this] training. […] I actually wanted more.”
Stephanie Price, PhD: Sexual Violence Research and Prevention Unit, University of the Sunshine Coast
“The workshop inspired and motivated me to do more restorative practices, which are super effective in working with conflicts.”
Indigo Nguyen: SV Support/Education, Brisbane Rape and Incest Survivor Support Centre (BRISSC)
“In the short-term it has been a real boost to my confidence in the utility of talking and listening through issues in a structured way to resolve issues. I really liked the juxtaposition of theory and demonstration via role plays…and the highly sensitive way in which [the workshop] was designed and run.
Sato Juniper: Associate Director, Graduate Research, University of Western Australia
“The training was really well rounded and provided good insight into group conferencing and restorative justice as a whole. There was a balanced mix between group, presentation and interactive teaching methods which kept things varied and engaging… One of my projects is to develop a project outline for how an Aboriginal specific group conferencing model could work, this [training] provided me with a deeper understanding and experience [of how]. The variety of skills and knowledge that you walk away with, and that understanding the workings of group conferencing and restorative justice extends far beyond what you may think and has uses in your own personal life and relationships.”
Sam Nolan: Executive Officer, [Victorian] Eastern Metropolitan Regional Aboriginal Justice Advisory Committee
“You come away with a solid understanding of the theory underpinning restorative approaches, practical experience in convening, and an understanding of how restorative approaches can be applied in a wide range of settings.”
Nicola Flook: Manager, Policy and Advocacy, Jesuit Social Services, Northern Territory
“Learning about group conferencing in formats other than for youth justice [was really useful]. I have additional skills to facilitate positive outcomes [&]…the ability to manage conflictual situations through good communications and a clear framework that creates a high chance of success.”
Lewis Burnside: Manager: PIVOT Youth Crime Prevention Partnership, Melbourne