BACKGROUND:
Achieving health without borders requires health systems that are equitable, inclusive, and culturally safe. In Australia, the need for culturally safe healthcare where health professionals critically reflect on their own cultural identity, power, privilege, and the ongoing impacts of colonisation is well established. Despite this, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples continue to experience racism and discrimination in healthcare, contributing to inequitable health outcomes. There remains a critical gap in practical training that meaningfully builds cultural capabilities among non-Indigenous health workers within tertiary services.

METHODS:
We developed, implemented, and evaluated a Building Cultural Safety and Capabilities training program for health professionals within the burn service at The Children’s Hospital at Westmead, Australia. The program was designed and delivered by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander researchers in partnership with clinical staff. It employed interactive teaching methods, critical self-reflection, case-based discussions, and facilitated dialogue creating a culturally safe learning environment. Evaluation included participant feedback and reflective insights to assess acceptability, relevance, and perceived impact on practice.

RESULTS:
The training program was well received by participating health professionals, who reported increased awareness of cultural safety, racism, and their professional responsibilities in providing equitable care. A key element of success was the facilitation of a safe space that enabled open discussion, questioning, and reflection without fear of judgement. Participants identified the development of cultural safety capabilities as a core clinical skill essential to improving care for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander patients and families.

CONCLUSIONS:
This study demonstrates that comprehensive, interactive cultural safety training in a tertiary hospital setting is both feasible and valued by health professionals. Aboriginal led, co-designed programs that prioritise safe spaces for reflection are critical to building sustainable cultural safety capabilities. This approach is being translated across other health systems and contributing to more equitable and inclusive healthcare delivery.