Learning How We Work, Together

Team development · Paraburdoo

Learning how we work, together

Two days of learning, connection and time on Country brought staff from Yinhawangka Aboriginal Corporation and Yinhawangka Foundation together in Paraburdoo.

DiSC training Team connection On Country August 2026

YAC and Yinhawangka Foundation staff together in Paraburdoo following DiSC training — Staff from YAC and Yinhawangka Foundation came together in Paraburdoo for two days of learning and connection.

Perth-based staff travelled to Paraburdoo for the occasion, creating an opportunity for colleagues from across the organisation to spend time together in person. For some team members, it was also the first time they had met face to face.

Thursday

Understanding our communication styles

The first day focused on Everything DiSC profile training facilitated by our inhouse Certified Practitioner Abdullah Ehtesham - People and Capability Manager.

DiSC is a personal development tool that helps people better understand their own working and communication styles, as well as how they can adapt when working with others.

Through discussions and activities, staff explored their individual profiles, reflected on their preferences and learned more about the different styles represented across the team.

Staff worked through activities and explored the different communication styles represented across the team.

Abdullah Ehtesham wearing a foil hat during a light-hearted moment in the training — Abdullah brought plenty of energy, warmth and humour to the day.

There were a few unexpected props, plenty of good-natured discussion and some very decisive opinions about whether to take a break or finish early.

Abdullah brought energy, warmth and genuine enthusiasm to the training, encouraging everyone to participate, reflect and have a laugh along the way.

The session gave staff an opportunity to learn more about themselves while also developing practical ways to communicate and work more effectively with colleagues.

Friday

Beginning the day at the Ranger Shed

Friday morning began at the YAC Ranger Shed, where the team gathered in the yarning circle before heading out together.

Starting the day in the circle gave everyone another opportunity to connect before the group travelled to Mussell Pool at Cheela Plains with Lands Manager Hamish James.

YAC and Foundation staff gathered in the yarning circle at the YAC Ranger Shed — The team began Friday morning together in the yarning circle at the YAC Ranger Shed.

Time on Country

Stepping outside the usual workday

The team travelled to Mussell Pool at Cheela Plains, where the group spent time on Yinhawangka Country, shared damper made by Emily and enjoyed a cuppa from the billy by the fire.

It was a relaxed opportunity to talk, laugh and get to know one another beyond the usual workday.

YAC and Foundation staff walking together in the bush near Mussell Pool — Staff set out together for a bush walk during the visit to Mussell Pool.

The shaded gathering place beneath a large tree at Mussell Pool — The group gathered beneath the shade to share damper, a cuppa and time together.

After a full day of learning, the time together offered space to slow down and enjoy the landscape and each other’s company.

For Perth-based staff in particular, being on Yinhawangka Country provided a stronger connection to the Country, community and purpose that guide the organisation’s work.

Time to connect

Away from desks, meetings and screens, colleagues had the opportunity to speak with people they may not usually work alongside and learn more about one another outside their usual roles.

Team members relaxing in camp chairs during the visit to Mussell Pool

Staff spending time together outdoors at Mussell Pool

Staff talking and relaxing together during the team visit

Sharing stories, laughs and time together beneath the trees at Mussell Pool.

YAC and Yinhawangka Foundation staff taking a group selfie during the Paraburdoo team trip

Growing stronger together

Bringing staff together in Paraburdoo created valuable opportunities for connection across YAC and Yinhawangka Foundation.

It allowed colleagues who usually work across different locations and areas of the organisation to learn more about one another—not only how they communicate at work, but who they are outside their roles.

As YAC and Yinhawangka Foundation continue to grow, opportunities to come together, strengthen relationships and build shared understanding will become increasingly important.

The two days were a welcome reminder that strong organisations are built through listening, understanding and making time to connect.