This is a designated position established as a special measure under Section 12 of the Equal Opportunity Act 2010. Only Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people are eligible to apply.

This position is eligible to be job-shared between its WNLLEP Coordinator and Project Officer - Ceremonial Language, Performance, and Engagement roles, with each performed at 0.5 FTE with salary prorated accordingly. To apply for either role on a Job-Share basis, please contact Benjamin Trimble at [email protected].

Organisation Overview

The Barengi Gadjin Land Council Aboriginal Corporation (BGLC) represents Traditional Owners from the Wotjobaluk, Jaadwa, Jadawadjali, Wergaia and Jupagulk Nations (WJJWJ Peoples), who were recognised in a 2005 Native Title Consent Determination, the first in south-eastern Australia.

We are the Prescribed Body Corporate for the WJJWJ Peoples claim area, as outlined in the Commonwealth Native Title Act 1993 (NTA 1993), giving us legal authority and obligations to work on behalf of the WJJWJ Traditional Owners.

BGLC is also a Registered Aboriginal Party, as appointed by the Victorian Aboriginal Heritage Council, under the Victorian Aboriginal Heritage Act 2006 (AHA 2006).

In October 2022 BGLC, on behalf of the WJJWJ Peoples, entered into four Funding, Land and Natural Resource Agreements with the State of Victoria as part of an Expanded Settlement Package, recognising and giving effect to their Traditional Owner rights under the Victorian Traditional Owner Settlement Act 2010 (TOSA 2010).

BGLC is therefore recognised both federally and by the State of Victoria as the only authorised body in the region with the legal and cultural authority to speak, and make decisions, on behalf of the WJJWJ Peoples to protect, manage and promote their cultural landscapes, values and heritage.

Caring for Country

We are part of our Country, and our Country is part of us. Bunjil the creator, made the land, waterholes, animals and plants and gave Wotjobaluk Peoples the responsibility to look after Country and culture and keep it healthy and strong. Country heals us to our dreaming stories, to our ancestors and spirits.

Position Summary

This position is eligible to be job-shared between its WNLLEP Coordinator and Project Officer - Ceremonial Language, Performance, and Engagement roles, with each performed at 0.5 FTE with salary prorated accordingly. To apply for either role on a Job-Share basis, please contact Benjamin Trimble at [email protected].

The WNLLEP Coordinator will be responsible for leading the overall delivery of the Wotjobaluk Nations Language, Learning, and Engagement Program, to enhance the practice and appreciation of the Wergaia language in the region. They will accomplish this by coordinating the activities of the WNLLEP, managing workplans, budgets and events to achieve the objectives of the program. The role requires clear leadership while also being flexible and responsive to community priorities and feedback. The role is suitable for those with exceptional project management skills who are qualified or highly experienced in community development, project management, Indigenous studies or other related fields.

This position also performs the role of Specialist Project Officer – Ceremonial Language, Performance and Engagement, which works to revitalise Wotjobaluk cultural practice and language through meaningful connection to story, Country, and community. They will accomplish this by working with Elders, community and other third-parties to support the delivery of workshops, events, rehearsals and performances across the region and beyond. The role would suit those with a background in events planning, performance and community engagement, as well as an appreciation for the practice of Wotjobaluk culture, enthusiasm to work with community and drive to support the development of others.

Area & Performance Responsibilities

WNLLEP Coordinator

Coordinate project milestones, monitor progress, and manage schedules to ensure successful outcomes;

Manage project activities to ensure goals are met on schedule and within budget;

Work closely with Traditional Owners, community members, BGLC teams, and partner organisations to maintain strong relationships and promote collaboration;

Support the BGLC Language Committee, ensuring the group is resourced, informed, and effectively guiding language decisions;

Support the leadership of Traditional Owners at every level of the project;

Oversee project reporting and evaluation, maintaining clear records and contributing to required funder documentation;

Provide strategic input into long-term initiatives, including the business case for an Indigenous Language Centre;

Contribute to planning and delivery of events and key community engagements;

Manage project budget and finances, ensuring resources are used effectively and within compliance;

Support reporting requirements and acquittals to maintain accountability to the funder;

Support internal capacity building across BGLC, working with staff to embed language in workplace culture and communication; and

Model integrity, respect, and a long-term commitment to revitalising the Wergaia language in partnership with the Wotjobaluk Peoples.

Specialist Project Officer – Ceremonial Language, Performance and Engagement

Engage Wotjobaluk Traditional Owners, particularly young people, in workshops, rehearsals, and performances that build their confidence and cultural pride;

Deliver cultural activities in a variety of settings, including outdoor, school-based, and community venues;

Collaborate with artists, musicians, and language experts to co-create high-quality performances and learning experiences;

Coordinate rehearsals, supporting young people in performance, and sitting with Elders to learn story and song;

Work with Elders and knowledge holders, ensuring cultural protocols are followed in all program activities;

Maintain clear records of engagement, participation, and feedback, supporting continual improvement in program delivery;

Help plan and deliver major gatherings, including the Native Title anniversary ceremony; and

Create culturally safe spaces that support healing, identity, and the return of language to community through performance.

Other Duties

As directed and agreed for the specific activity or project.

Delegation

As per the Delegation of Authority.

Key Selection Criteria

Qualifications and Experience

WNLLEP Coordinator

Tertiary qualification in community development, Indigenous studies, education, project management, or a related field (or equivalent significant experience);

Demonstrated experience in project coordination or program delivery, ideally within Aboriginal community-controlled organisations or the not-for-profit sector; and

Experience working with community organisations, especially in cultural, educational, or language projects, will be highly regarded.

Specialist Project Officer – Ceremonial Language, Performance and Engagement

Experience in delivering community arts, cultural programs, youth engagement, or language-related projects (formal qualifications are welcome but not essential); and

Demonstrated ability to work with Elders, cultural leaders, and young people in a respectful and collaborative manner.

Attributes

WNLLEP Coordinator

Exceptional organisational, project planning, time management and reporting skills, including experience managing budgets, work plans and competing priorities;

Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, including the ability to prepare reports, coordinate meetings, and engage respectfully with a wide range of stakeholders;

High level of cultural awareness and proven ability to work respectfully with Traditional Owners and Aboriginal communities;

Enthusiasm working alongside community leaders and commitment to creating spaces where culture and language thrive;

Passion for cultural expression and a deep respect for Aboriginal knowledge systems, and a demonstrated commitment to Aboriginal self-determination and cultural safety;

Ability to work independently with minimal supervision while maintaining strong communication with internal teams and community members;

Adaptability to respond to shifting priorities and feedback from the community with flexibility and care;

Familiarity with digital tools for project tracking, communication, and documentation, and openness to learning new systems as needed;

Understanding of the role of BGLC throughout the region and community, particularly the WJJWJ Traditional Owner community;

Knowledge of WJJWJ Peoples’ culture, values, aspirations as articulated in the ‘Growing What is Good’ Country Plan (see Supporting Documentation);

Understanding of grant funding processes, including reporting requirements and acquittals; and

A willingness to travel throughout and beyond the region, working after hours or on weekends in support of community-led events as necessary.

Specialist Project Officer – Ceremonial Language, Performance and Engagement

Passion for cultural expression and a deep respect for Aboriginal knowledge systems, particularly through dance, song, and ceremony.

A strong understanding of cultural protocol and performance practice, or the willingness to learn through direct mentorship and respect for the importance of cultural safety and trust.;.

Understanding of the role of BGLC throughout the region and community, particularly the WJJWJ Traditional Owner community;

Creativity, initiative, collaborative approach and adaptability to support both structured and informal learning spaces;

Exceptional communication and engagement skills, nurturing relationships and facilitating engagement with program activities;

Knowledge of WJJWJ Peoples’ culture, values, aspirations as articulated in the ‘Growing What is Good’ Country Plan (see Supporting Documentation);

Ability to work in dynamic environments, adjusting activities to suit group needs and emerging opportunities;

Exceptionally strong time management and organisational skills with the ability to balance and prioritise objectives; and

A willingness to travel throughout and beyond the region, working after hours or on weekends in support of community-led events as necessary.

Occupational Health & Safety Responsibilities

In the context of OHS policies, procedures, training, and instruction, as detailed in the Occupational Health and Safety Act 2004, employees are responsible for ensuring they:

Follow reasonable instructions;

Cooperate with the employer and report safety breaches, participate in investigations, and implement corrective actions according to applicable procedures and policies; and

At all times, take reasonable care for their own safety and the safety of others in the workplace.

Conditions of Employment

Must have a full Drivers Licence (or be willing to obtain with BGLC support); and

Ability to obtain positive National Police and Working with Children checks.

Supporting Documentation

‘Growing What is Good’ Country Plan Click here