Aboriginal Community Engagement & Cultural Lead

Townsville & Surrounding Regions | Identified Role | Full-Time, Ongoing

Why This Role Matters

Irena Care is expanding into North Queensland to meet the growing demand for culturally safe, community-led NDIS services. We are seeking a respected Aboriginal leader to strengthen community relationships, guide cultural practice, and ensure our supports honour Country, culture, and choice.

This is your opportunity to lead real change—walking with mob, not in front.

Why Join Irena Care?

Be the voice of change—lead First Nations–driven NDIS services across North Queensland.

Your culture, your way—we back your knowledge, leadership, and lived experience.

Work your way—enjoy flexibility, paid cultural leave, and a genuinely supportive team.

Your Role

As the Cultural Lead, you’ll be the heart of our engagement with community—helping Irena Care walk respectfully and meaningfully with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples across the region.

Your responsibilities will include:

Building trusted relationships with Elders, ACCHOs, schools, and local organisations in Townsville, Palm Island, Charters Towers, Burdekin, and Hinchinbrook and sorrounding

Supporting participants and families to navigate the NDIS through yarning circles, community sessions, and one-on-one support

Providing cultural advice and mentoring to management and staff, ensuring all programs are safe, inclusive, and community-informed

Representing Irena Care in PHN, LAC, hospital, and interagency meetings, advocating for stronger outcomes for mob

Delivering cultural safety training and embedding cultural protocols across our services

Guiding service design, marketing, and improvement initiatives to reflect First Nations priorities

About You

This is an Identified position open to Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander people under Section 50(d) of the Equal Opportunity Act.

You are recognised for your leadership, your connection to Country, and your commitment to community.

You bring:

Strong relationships within Bindal, Wulgurukaba, or surrounding Nations

Deep community networks—such as with TAIHS, Palm Island Primary Health Centre, local schools, or LACs

Experience in community engagement, health, disability, or human services

A clear, confident voice—able to work with Elders, families, and professionals alike

A current QLD driver’s licence and willingness to travel across the region (including Palm Island)

National Police Check, Blue Card, and NDIS Worker Screening (or willingness to obtain)

What We Offer

Competitive salary + salary packaging benefits

Laptop, mobile phone, and travel allowance for regional travel

Five weeks’ annual leave, including paid NAIDOC and cultural ceremony leave

Professional development budget + structured mentoring

Flexible work: mix of office, community, and remote settings

A chance to create real impact, with your culture and leadership at the centre

How to Apply

To apply, email [email protected] with:

Your CV

A brief cover letter (max 2 pages) outlining:

Your community connections

Relevant experience

Your vision for improving NDIS outcomes for First Nations people in North Queensland

Applications close: Friday 1 August 2025
Shortlisted applicants will be invited to a face-to-face or Microsoft Teams interview.

Our Commitment

Irena Care strongly encourages applications from First Nations people of all genders, abilities, and backgrounds—including those with lived experience of disability.

Irena Care – Walking with community to deliver culturally safe, participant-driven NDIS supports.