1. Research general information on Australian indigenous cultures
   • Identify sources of information about Australian Indigenous cultures correctly.
   • Interpret written sources of information accurately, extract the required information and check with local communities prior to use.
   • Access information from other than written sources in a culturally appropriate way.
   • Contact appropriate community members and seek guidance on how information should be used in a tourism context.
   • Demonstrate behaviour which shows respect for local Australian Indigenous culture and customs and follow correct protocols when seeking information.
   • Share knowledge gained with work colleagues to increase cultural awareness and understanding in the organisation.
2. Share general information with customers on Australian indigenous cultures
   • Identify and use indigenous interpreters where possible and within scope of individual responsibility.
   • Provide customers with guidance on appropriate behaviours when interacting with indigenous interpreters or communities.
   • Share accurate information with customers.
   • Include reference to the diversity of Australian indigenous cultures when sharing information
   • Share information in a manner which shows respect for local community values and customs.
   • Share information in a manner which enhances customer understanding of Australian indigenous cultures.
   • Answer customer questions in a polite and friendly manner and in accordance with community wishes about what information can be shared with customers.
   • Respond to culturally inappropriate customer behaviour promptly and in a manner that minimises the likelihood of offence being taken by all parties.

Not applicable

Essential Knowledge and Skills to be Assessed

The following knowledge and skills must be assessed as part of this unit

methods of researching and recording information generally available about Australian indigenous cultures

protocols for sharing information about Australian indigenous cultures

copyright and intellectual property issues associate with the sharing of information

communication skills including cross cultural skills and awareness of communication from an indigenous perspective

Linkages to Other Units

This unit has strong linkages to a range of other guiding and tour operations units and combined assessment andor training would be appropriate Examples are

THTFTGB Interpret aspects of local Australian indigenous culture

THTFTG08B Interpret aspects of local Australian indigenous culture

THTFTGB Prepare and present interpretive tour commentaries and activities

THTFTG06B Prepare and present interpretive tour commentaries and activities

Critical Aspects of Assessment

Evidence of the following is critical

knowledge of the protocols that apply to researching and sharing information generally available about Australian Indigenous cultures

ability to research and share information in a culturally appropriate way

general knowledge of Australian Indigenous cultures as appropriate to the region

Assessment must take account of the fact that some guides may have gained all of their knowledge and skill in this unit through general life experience

Context of Assessment and Resource Implications

Assessment must ensure

involvement of appropriate people accepted by the local community in the assessment process

interaction with Australian Indigenous Communities to obtain information

sharing of information with a customer group within a commerciallyrealistic and operational guiding environment eg at a tourist site on a coach tour

Assessment Methods

Assessment methods must be chosen to ensure that the ability to source and share information in a culturally appropriate way can be practically demonstrated Methods must include assessment of knowledge as well as assessment of practical skills

The following examples are appropriate for this unit

direct observation of the candidate sharing information about Australian Indigenous culture with customers

oral or written questions or interview to evaluate the process undertaken by the candidate to source information

case studies to assess ability to apply correct protocols to particular situations

oral or written questions to assess knowledge of protocols and other issues

review of portfolios of evidence and third party workplace reports of onthejob performance by the candidate

Key Competencies in this Unit

Key Competencies are an integral part of all workplace competencies The table below describes those applicable to this unit Trainers and assessors should ensure that they are addressed in training and assessment

Level Perform Level Administer and Manage Level Design and Evaluate

Key Competencies

Collecting Organising and Analysing Information

For example

Collecting evaluating and checking information from different sources

Communicating Ideas and Information

For example

Answering a customer question on a topic of great cultural sensitivity for the local Australian Indigenous community

Planning and Organising Activities

For example

Organising a research program in preparation for a specific tour focusing on Australias indigenous culture

Working with Others and in Teams

For example

Developing and maintaining rapport with representatives of the local Australian Indigenous community

Using Mathematical Ideas and Techniques

Not Applicable

Solving Problems

For example

Dealing with inappropriate customer behaviour at a cultural site

Using Technology

For example

Recording information on a computer

Essential Knowledge and Skills to be Assessed

The following knowledge and skills must be assessed as part of this unit

methods of researching and recording information generally available about Australian indigenous cultures

protocols for sharing information about Australian indigenous cultures

copyright and intellectual property issues associate with the sharing of information

communication skills including cross cultural skills and awareness of communication from an indigenous perspective

Linkages to Other Units

This unit has strong linkages to a range of other guiding and tour operations units and combined assessment andor training would be appropriate Examples are

THTFTGB Interpret aspects of local Australian indigenous culture

THTFTG08B Interpret aspects of local Australian indigenous culture

THTFTGB Prepare and present interpretive tour commentaries and activities

THTFTG06B Prepare and present interpretive tour commentaries and activities

Critical Aspects of Assessment

Evidence of the following is critical

knowledge of the protocols that apply to researching and sharing information generally available about Australian Indigenous cultures

ability to research and share information in a culturally appropriate way

general knowledge of Australian Indigenous cultures as appropriate to the region

Assessment must take account of the fact that some guides may have gained all of their knowledge and skill in this unit through general life experience

Context of Assessment and Resource Implications

Assessment must ensure

involvement of appropriate people accepted by the local community in the assessment process

interaction with Australian Indigenous Communities to obtain information

sharing of information with a customer group within a commerciallyrealistic and operational guiding environment eg at a tourist site on a coach tour

Assessment Methods

Assessment methods must be chosen to ensure that the ability to source and share information in a culturally appropriate way can be practically demonstrated Methods must include assessment of knowledge as well as assessment of practical skills

The following examples are appropriate for this unit

direct observation of the candidate sharing information about Australian Indigenous culture with customers

oral or written questions or interview to evaluate the process undertaken by the candidate to source information

case studies to assess ability to apply correct protocols to particular situations

oral or written questions to assess knowledge of protocols and other issues

review of portfolios of evidence and third party workplace reports of onthejob performance by the candidate

Key Competencies in this Unit

Key Competencies are an integral part of all workplace competencies The table below describes those applicable to this unit Trainers and assessors should ensure that they are addressed in training and assessment

Level Perform Level Administer and Manage Level Design and Evaluate

Key Competencies

Collecting Organising and Analysing Information

For example

Collecting evaluating and checking information from different sources

Communicating Ideas and Information

For example

Answering a customer question on a topic of great cultural sensitivity for the local Australian Indigenous community

Planning and Organising Activities

For example

Organising a research program in preparation for a specific tour focusing on Australias indigenous culture

Working with Others and in Teams

For example

Developing and maintaining rapport with representatives of the local Australian Indigenous community

Using Mathematical Ideas and Techniques

Not Applicable

Solving Problems

For example

Dealing with inappropriate customer behaviour at a cultural site

Using Technology

For example

Recording information on a computer

This unit applies to guides working in all sectors of the tourism industry.