Abstract:

Ngala’s journey with the Empowering Parents Empowering Communities (EPEC) program began in Term 3, 2022, when staff were trained in the UK-developed model. Early concerns about cultural relevance prompted a collaborative review with the Murdoch Children’s Research Institute (MCRI), leading to the release of an EPEC Australia version in Term 3, 2023. Recognising the need for culturally and linguistically inclusive delivery, Ngala initiated translation of the Being a Parent (BaP) program into Persian, with full certification by National Accreditation Authority for Translators and Interpreters in Term 4, 2024.

Despite funding challenges, Ngala’s Parenting Connection WA supported the program’s continuation. In Term 1, 2025, two Persian-speaking Parent Facilitators successfully delivered the first BaP Persian program at the Girrawheen Hub, with nine of ten parents completing the course. Participant feedback highlighted strong community interest and the importance of culturally safe facilitation. Evaluation tools were co-designed with facilitators and Ngala’s Quality and Engagement Specialist to inform future delivery. Supplementary funding from The Smith Family Communities for Children was granted for the team to deliver an additional BaP course in Persian, this has enabled the growth of the program and expanded the engagement of the community.

Parallel to program translation, Ngala developed an EPEC-aligned creche model to address challenges faced by parents from culturally and linguistically diverse (CaLD) backgrounds. Observations revealed distress among children unfamiliar with standard creche environments. In response, Ngala trained BaP graduates to run the creche, creating a culturally familiar and linguistically accessible space. This approach significantly improved child comfort and engagement. A Creche Handbook and Activity Guide were co-developed to align creche activities with parenting program content. In addition, BaP trained, Persian speaking creche staff will be hired for our next Persian program in Term 1, 2026 to support the children.

Key success factors include Ngala’s commitment to cultural inclusion, trusted relationships between Parent Facilitators and community members, and MCRI’s openness to feedback and adaptation. The program’s responsiveness to community voice has driven rapid and meaningful change, with accreditation bodies acknowledging the need for culturally relevant content.

Looking ahead, Ngala plans to expand EPEC delivery to other language groups, including Urdu, in response to community demand. A second BaP Persian program is scheduled for Term 1, 2026, at a local primary school with high CaLD enrolment. Evaluation will continue throughout 2026 to assess impact and inform future adaptations.

This presentation will explore how community-led feedback, culturally responsive practice, and strategic partnerships have shaped EPEC’s evolution in WA. It will highlight the importance of embedding cultural safety in every program component and outline an accessible model for inclusive parenting support across diverse communities.