Professional Development Workshops

Training Group

STTARS' professional development workshops and training sessions have been developed to support anyone interested in working with people from refugee backgrounds.

Our training is designed to enable participants to gain a better understanding of both the experiences that asylum seekers and people from refugee backgrounds go through before arriving in Australia, and the impact of torture, trauma and resettlement on their lives.

STTARS views its professional development workshops and information sessions as a key part of its capacity building service. As such, our workshops provide not only an opportunity for new learning, information and skills-sharing on a personal level but also the potential for services and agencies to expand the support options they are able to offer the refugees, asylum seekers and communities with whom they work.

Request a Guest Speaker

STTARS has a range of experienced staff who are passionate about sharing information with anyone who is interested in working with people from refugee backgrounds. Subject to availability we are happy to provide information sessions, conference presentations and lectures. Please note that due to heavy demand, requests for guest speakers from STTARS must be submitted at least six weeks in advance.

To request a guest speaker contact the STTARS' Training Coordinator via email at
training@sttars.org.au or phone (08) 8206 8900

Professional Development Workshops

STTARS offers a range of high quality Professional Development Workshops which are scheduled throughout the year. Upcoming workshops include:

Training for your organisation

STTARS can offer professional development tailored to the needs of your organisation.

We discuss your overall requirements and then work closely with you to identify the learning aims of your staff. We will then formulate the best structure for professional development activities, and tailor our STTARS training materials to the needs of your organisation. Topics can include but are not limited to:

  • Information about STTARS
  • Core Concepts in the refugee experience and the impacts of trauma
  • Accidental Counselling: Responding to refugee trauma-related behaviours
  • Working with families from refugee backgrounds
  • Supporting trauma recovery in children from refugee backgrounds
  • Cultural Competence
  • Working with Interpreters
  • Healthcare Challenges for people from refugee backgrounds

Costs and availability

STTARS is a community based state-wide service specialising in the support of people from refugee backgrounds who have survived torture and trauma. Our facilitators are professionals in the field with current and relevant experience. Tailored training services are offered on a fee-for-service basis with training fees calculated at $200 per hour.

In certain limited circumstances and where it is consistent with STTARS' funding guidelines and priority areas, training may be delivered free of charge. If you believe you organisation may be entitled to have the training fee waived, please contact the Training Coordinator who will consider your request in accordance with STTARS' policy.

We usually require a lead time of at least two months to facilitate Professional Development. Enquiries are however, considered on a case-by-case basis. Long lead times and flexibility around dates maximises our capacity to resource your request.