Ballarat & District Aboriginal Co-operative (BADAC)

Established in 1979 by the Ballarat Aboriginal community in the Ballarat district, BADAC’s vision is to be the strongest voice and presence in the Ballarat area, supporting and respecting their people, enhancing our community, growing their culture and honouring their heritage. BADAC is the Aboriginal Community-Controlled Organisation (ACCO) for the Ballarat and District area, covering 4 local government areas (LGAs). The organisation is extremely proud of the contribution and support they have provided the local Aboriginal community over the past 40 years delivering a comprehensive range of health, social, welfare and community development programs to local Aboriginal people.

Our vision:

Ballarat and District Aboriginal Co-operative exists to achieve self-determination for the Aboriginal community, enabling stronger families by ensuring equal opportunities in health, housing, education, employment and justice through a holistic and culturally relevant approach.

The Opportunity:

We currently have an opportunity for highly motivated and enthusiastic Education Liaison Officer (ELO) to join our Cultural & Therapeutic Services Program on a Full Time 3 Year Fixed Term Basis.

Why work for BADAC?

Above award wages (based on relevant qualification and experience)

Generous benefits, entitlements and LSL accrual

Opportunities to develop your career further within our growing organisation

Access to an Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Professional Development and internal networking opportunities

Access to generous Salary Packaging options

Access to Cultural Awareness Training

The Role

The Education Liaison Officer (ELO) plays a pivotal role to support the planning, development and implementation of initiatives that improve learning and/or wellbeing outcomes for First Nations students in government schools.

This role would suit an organised person with strong cultural connections and a passion for education. This role requires communicating with stakeholders in the community, as well as Schools, Department of Education and Services to support educational outcomes for First Nations students.

This is a key role that liaises between the school, community and the ACCO to implement activities aligned with the Murrung Aboriginal Education Plan to enable First Nations students to succeed in school.

Key Duties & Responsibilities:

Work with families, school staff, students to facilitate the best outcomes for First Nations learners in government schools.

Undertake project planning for and implement activities relating to support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander histories and cultures across one or more of the Victorian Curriculum F-10 learning areas.

Deliver programs to support family engagement in education, Youth Leadership and/or mentoring opportunities, Transition support – from Early Learning to primary, primary to secondary school.

Broader family and student support, assisting with school engagement support, careers and pathways support, homework clubs, connectedness to education and culture in the school environment.

Maintain a strong cultural focus that extends to advice and action on broad issues, including the enrichment of cultural awareness

Have a strong understanding of relevant policies related to programs and activities within BADAC.

Maintain accurate and up-to-date records of student engagement, support activities, communications, and program outcomes in line with Department of Education requirements.

Writing and submitting progress reports relating to initiative activity to the Department of Education

Attending all meetings with Koorie Outcomes Division & Department of Education

Support CTSP programs where required or as directed by CTSP Manager or Chief of Culture and Public Relations and Engagement.

Any other reasonable tasks as directed by CTSP Manager, TL or Chief of Culture and Public Relations.

Key Selection Criteria:

Sound knowledge and understanding of Aboriginal culture and values, and the ability to effectively communicate with Aboriginal people and families.

A relevant tertiary qualification and/or minimum 3 years relevant work experience in the education industry.

Demonstrate a commitment to the safety and wellbeing of children.

Ability to establish relationships with local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities and experience in building build and maintaining strong networks.

Ability to work independently as well as effectively as part of a team.

Highly developed interpersonal and communication skills including demonstrated ability to communicate effectively with a wide range of people, including with students, families, government & community, health, education & welfare services.

Experience or a background in Education.

Willingness to participate in and lead professional development activities.

Other Relevant Information:

To be considered for roles with BADAC you will need to:

Have (or be willing to have) a National Police Clearance and current Working with Children Check Clearance.

If this sounds like the sort of opportunity you would be interested in, please click 'Apply Now'.

Please Note: All applications will require applicants to provide a cover letter addressing the Key Selection Criteria above and a copy of their resume. Applications without the required documents will not be accepted.

Applications close C.O.B 19th August 2025.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are strongly encouraged to apply.

BADAC is a Child Safe organisation and all employees are expected to adhere to our Child Safe Guidelines.
BADAC is committed to diversity in employment aiming to develop a workforce that reflects the diverse community that we operate in. We foster a workplace culture in which LGBTQIASB+ employees feel included, safe and supported.