Purpose

FunHaus Factory is committed to fostering meaningful and respectful relationships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. As a leading regional arts and cultural organisation based on Darkinjung Country, our mission is to celebrate diverse stories, drive inclusion, and amplify First Nations voices across the Central Coast and beyond.

We are actively working to build a culturally competent workforce; engage in collaborative and reciprocal relationships with local Aboriginal communities and artists; and embed cultural protocols into our programming, governance, and operational practices.

 

Background

Cultural competency is an ongoing journey of learning, self-reflection, and transformation. For FunHaus Factory, this means:

  • Acknowledging the unceded sovereignty of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples;
  • Gaining knowledge of local histories, languages, and customs;
  • Creating culturally safe spaces for all people engaging with our programs;
  • Ensuring First Nations voices are prioritised in programming and decision-making;
  • Honouring cultural protocols, particularly around Welcome to Country, Acknowledgement of Country, and appropriate representation of Indigenous cultural material and stories.

This work is not performative—it is a critical and active contribution to truth-telling and reconciliation.

 

Our Current Actions and Commitments

FunHaus Factory is actively engaging in the following initiatives:

  • First Nations Engagement & Representation:
    We consult with local Aboriginal Elders, artists, and knowledge holders when programming work that represents or relates to Aboriginal culture. We also prioritise employment, creative opportunities and residencies for First Nations creatives across all disciplines.
  • Cultural Safety & Respect:
    All team members undertake cultural competency training. Our programming spaces are designed to be inclusive, trauma-informed, and culturally respectful.
  • Protocols in Practice:
    We follow best practice guidelines as outlined in the NSW Aboriginal Arts and Culture Protocols, including seeking permission to use Indigenous Cultural and Intellectual Property (ICIP) and ensuring First Nations people control the way their culture is represented.
  • Ongoing Learning & Advocacy:
    We continue to learn from and align with sector-wide initiatives such as AIATSIS Core Cultural Learning and the Museums & Galleries NSW Indigenous Engagement programs. We advocate for First Nations representation in regional cultural policy and development, ensuring our impact supports long-term systemic change.

 

Looking Forward

As our work expands from Gosford throughout the Central Coast and Hunter regions, FunHaus Factory remains committed to embedding Aboriginal-led processes into the foundation of our precinct development and cultural programming. We aim to lead with respect, listen with humility, and walk alongside First Nations communities in shaping a more inclusive and just cultural landscape.