About Children's Ground

Children’s Ground is a First Nations organisation. The Children’s Ground Approach is designed and delivered through the leadership of First Nations people. We are committed to systems change to ensure dignity, justice and equity for all children and families. Our work focuses on national reform as well as evidencing a new way of working.

The Children’s Ground Approach is a whole of community, whole of life approach. We privilege First Nations knowledge systems and practice. Over the course of a generation, led by local expertise, we create and deliver an integrated system that is centred on learning, development and wellbeing that responds to the child and their family through the key transition points from pre-birth to young adulthood.

Our approach recognises the cultural, social, and economic strength of our communities. We build on this over a generation to ensure a future for our children and grandchildren that gives them freedom, opportunity and rights to their culture and identity.

Children’s Ground operates in Central Australia and across the Top End, with support provided by a Melbourne-based Shared Services team.

Identified Role: First Nations applicants only

Join a movement for generational change. Lead with culture, care and courage.

Children’s Ground is seeking a passionate and visionary First Nations leader to join our Executive Team as Co-Regional Director for Ampe-Kenhe Ahelhe – our Central Australian operations. This is a unique opportunity to co-lead a transformative, community-led initiative that is reshaping futures for First Nations children, families and communities.

The Role

As Co-Regional Director, you will work in partnership with the existing Regional Director and four senior First Nations cultural co-Directors to lead the strategic direction, operations and growth of Children’s Ground in Central Australia. You will:

• Champion First Nations leadership and cultural governance.
• Co-lead a dynamic team through a period of growth and transformation.
• Ensure the integrity and quality of the Children’s Ground Approach.
• Build strong relationships with communities, funders, partners and stakeholders.
• Drive sustainable change through strategic planning, evaluation and reporting.
  
  

This role is part of a proactive succession plan, with a co-leadership model evolving over time to reflect organisational growth and community needs.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead regional planning, delivery and reporting aligned with the Apmerengentyele framework (Arrernte worldview).
• Strengthen community governance and empower First Nations voices.
• Manage programs, people, budgets and partnerships.
• Support staff wellbeing, performance and cultural integrity.
• Promote a culture of excellence, safety and accountability.

About You

You are a First Nations leader with:

• Senior leadership experience in human services or related fields.
• Deep commitment to community-led work and cultural integrity.
• A collaborative, empowering leadership style.
• Resilience and adaptability in complex environments.
• Strong communication, planning and financial management skills.
• Willingness to travel to remote communities and work flexibly.

Why Join Us?

• Be part of a visionary First Nations-led organisation.
• Lead meaningful change with community at the heart.
• Work alongside inspiring leaders and Elders.
• Shape the future of a growing national movement.

Applications close: 15th October 2025
To apply: Please submit your CV and a cover letter addressing the key selection criteria to https://childrensground.org.au/work-with-us/

For more information or a full copy of the PD, contact Lisa da Costa-Alves via email [email protected].

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