Our First Nations program history and shared wisdoms
Woven throughout all Bouverie does is a First Nations perspective, with First Nations staff advising and consulting on the work of all program areas.
In 2026, Bouverie proudly marks 20 years of shared wisdoms with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families, communities, and industry partners. This milestone honours two decades of walking together—listening deeply, learning collectively, and strengthening connections grounded in respect, culture, and community leadership.
As we celebrate this journey, we acknowledge the Elders, knowledge holders, and community partners who have shaped our learning and continue to guide our path forward.
Our history and shared wisdom
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Origins (2006)
Department of Human Services funded the Bouverie Centre to develop an internship program for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health workers employed by Aboriginal Community Controlled Organizations (ACCOs)
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Graduate Certificate in Family Therapy
Over 200 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander graduates have received a Postgraduate Certificate in Family Therapy.
24 unique cohorts across Australia.
See more details below
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Research Publications in Family Therapy
Browse the list of publications below.
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Conference Presentations and Plenaries Featuring Bouverie’s Indigenous Programs
Browse the list of international and national conference presentation below featuring the Bouverie’s Indigenous Programs.
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Practice and Service Development
Capability building professional development
- Healing Informed Practice
- Skill Up! Working with First Nations Families
- Cultural adaptation of other Bouverie training: eg. Child’s Play, Clinical Supervision, Single Session thinking, Group Reflective Practice
- Past workshops
- Working with Traumatized Families: Maintaining Social and Emotional Wellbeing for Ourselves and Our Communities
- Family Focused Approaches to Healing Violence: Understanding Violence’s Place within the System, Our First Nations Communities and Families, and Individuals
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Family Services
Workin’ with the Mob Clinic
We have a dedicated team called Workin’ with the Mob who see Indigenous and non-Indigenous families.
Learn more at our Family Therapy Services page.
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Awards and service recognition
2019
La Trobe University Excellence in Health Research and Translation Awards. Strengthening Connections. First Nations Women in Prison project
2025
The Jeff Lipp Award
Workin’ with the Mob Practice-Research Team
Partner with Us
Join us in shaping the next chapter of shared learning and leadership in family therapy and systemic practices. Whether you’re a community organisation, an industry partner or someone committed to strengthening outcomes for First Nations families, we invite you to walk alongside us. Together, we can deepen our impact, honour cultural knowledge, and continue building practices that support healing, connection and self determination.
Select the tab below for more detailed information about our shared wisdoms.
Key Facts
From 2008 until 2026
- Over 200 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Graduates
- 24 unique cohorts across Australia
Timeline of delivery of the Graduate Certificate of Family Therapy: First Nations
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Shepparton
2008
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Ballarat
Gippsland
2009
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Metro Melbourne
2009 - 2013 -
Mildura
2011 - 2016 -
Cooktown
2017 -
Heywood
2018 -
Far North Queensland
2020 - Current -
Victorian Aboriginal Child and Community Agency (VACCA)
Organisational Training
2020 - Current
For individuals or organisations interested in studying with us
Learn more about the Graduate Certificate in Family Therapy: First Nations here
Featured publications
Research Publications
(Listed from most recent to oldest.)
Family-Centered Support for Women Prisoners to Reduce Recidivism Risk
Booth, A. et.al. (2025) | Journal of Offender Therapy and Comparative Criminology
Working Systemically with Australian First Nation Families
In A Practical Guide to Family Therapy.
Moloney, B. et al. (2024) | Routledge.
First Nations perspectives and approaches to engagement in infant‐family work:
Attending to cultural safety and service engagement
Elliott, A. et al. (2023) | Australian and New Zealand Journal of Family Therapy
Reflections on a “black and white” model of teaching family therapy to First Nations students
Latham, R. et al. (2023) | Psychotherapy & Counselling Journal of Australia.
Supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Families to Stay Together from the Start
O'Dea, B., Bhathal, A., & Marriott, R. (2022)| Australian Journal of Social Issues.
Single session thinking and practice in global, cultural, and familial contexts.
Hoyt, M. F., Young, J., & Rycroft, P. (Eds.). (2021) | Routledge.
Following the river’s flow: single session approaches with Aboriginal families
Elliott, A., Dokona, J., & von Doussa, H. (2020) | Australian and New Zealand Journal of Family Therapy.
Aboriginal Family Therapy Training Program
Elliott, A., McIlwaine, F., Stone, N., & Proctor, K. (2015) | Lowitja Institute.
A black and white model for teaching family therapy
Moloney, B. (2014) | Australian and New Zealand Journal of Family Therapy
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2014 |
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2015 |
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2017 |
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2018 |
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| 2019 |
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2021 |
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2023 |
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2025 |
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