About the Great Ocean Road Coast and Parks Authority

The Great Ocean Road Coast and Parks Authority (GORCAPA) is the dedicated Victorian Government entity entrusted with the care, protection and sustainable management of one of Australia’s most breathtaking and culturally significant coastal regions. Established under the Great Ocean Road and Environs Protection Act 2020, the Authority was created to address the complex and fragmented management of the coastline and ensure the long-term conservation of this iconic landscape.

By November 2025, GORCAPA will be responsible for managing more than 170,000 hectares of coastal reserves, National Parks, Marine Sanctuaries and foreshores stretching along 355 kilometres of stunning coastline. This includes high-profile sites such as the Twelve Apostles Visitor Experience Precinct and Cape Otway Lightstation, as well as local ports, community reserves and critical marine environments.

At the heart of its work is a commitment to protect the unique environmental, cultural, heritage and community values of the region. GORCAPA partners deeply with Traditional Owners, local communities and stakeholders to integrate cultural knowledge, ensure environmental stewardship, support sustainable visitation and build lasting benefits for regional economies and generations to come.

About the role:

This position will support the Authority in fulfilling its commitment to fostering strong, positive relationships with Traditional Owners and individuals identifying as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander within the Great Ocean Road Region.

The Cultural Heritage Coordinator will enhance the organisations capacity to effectively manage cultural heritage and Native Title matters, ensuring the Authority adopts a sensitive, strategic, and coordinated approach when collaborating with Traditional Owners.

The position will oversee compliance with all relevant statutory and strategic obligations outlined in key legislation, strategies, policy documents, and operational plans. It will also identify and develop systems and processes to ensure the organisation meets its legislative, business, and social responsibilities.

Key responsibilities:

• Provide expert advice to project and operational teams on Aboriginal cultural heritage and Native title by consistently applying relevant government legislation and policy.
• Lead and guide project and operational teams in the early identification and management of Aboriginal cultural heritage risks to ensure best practice and compliance with approval requirements.
• Support, and where necessary, implement actions outlined in statutory approvals and operational agreements, including audits, record-keeping, stakeholder engagement, communications, and scheduling.
• Manage cultural heritage consultants, develop project briefs, and oversee procurement and contract management processes.
• Develop and implement policies, frameworks, procedures, training programs, and tools to support consistent cultural heritage management across project and operational teams. This includes enhancing the Authority’s systems and processes to maximise positive outcomes for both the Authority and Traditional Owners.
• Oversee the management of sensitive cultural information with integrity and discretion, ensuring compliance with established protocols.
• Provide guidance on cultural heritage issues and processes for projects delivered by Recognised Aboriginal Parties (RAPs) in partnership with the Authority.
• Facilitate and support the involvement of Indigenous community members and leaders in project development and delivery to promote culturally appropriate decision-making and respectful heritage management.
• Represent the Authority on stakeholder liaison and reference groups, as required, to ensure effective information sharing and favourable outcomes.
• Deliver professional advice and prepare high-quality reports and briefs to inform decision-making by management, executives, and the Board.
• Manage allocated budgets and funding resources for cultural heritage initiatives, ensuring alignment with strategic priorities.
• Comply with organisational policies, procedures, and legislative requirements relevant to the role.

About the Climate Action, Resilience and Planning Team:

-The Climate Action, Resilience and Planning Team works across our organisation, community and state/local governments to ensure best practice is followed for the future sustainability of the Great Ocean Road region.

-The team provides high level leadership and support in strategic and coastal planning.

-The team is responsible for the development of strategic plans and govern strategies that guide the use and development of Crown land. The Climate Action, Resilience and Planning team ensure that in all works the Authority undertakes, we comply with obligations under land use planning, environmental, cultural heritage, coastal management and other relevant legislation, policy, and regulations.

Qualifications and experience:

• Relevant tertiary qualification in cultural heritage, archaeology or a related discipline.
• Minimum 5 years’ experience managing Aboriginal cultural heritage in Victoria, with demonstrated ability to communicate complex issues to Indigenous communities, government bodies, and stakeholders.
• Experience in providing guidance and developing organisational capacity in cultural heritage and Native Title matters.
• Demonstrated experience in the design, monitoring and evaluation of policies, programs and initiatives aimed at meeting legislative requirements and building positive relations with Traditional Owners and those identifying as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islanders.
• High level communication, analytical and negotiation skills, with proven experience in overseeing complex projects.
• Experience in role modelling a safety culture and managing Occupational Health and Safety matters.

Knowledge and skills:

• Strong understanding of the statutory framework supporting cultural heritage protection and management of Native Title.
• Deep awareness of Aboriginal culture, contemporary issues impacting Aboriginal communities, and a commitment to improving outcomes.
• Ability to foster collaboration, knowledge sharing, and adaptability in a changing environment.
• Proven success in building constructive relationships with stakeholders across private, government, and Indigenous sectors
• Ability to thrive in a dynamic workplace and contribute positively to a values-driven team culture.
• Strong problem-solving skills using collaborative, innovative approaches within established systems, standards, and budgets.
• Capacity to influence stakeholders and promote cooperation across internal teams, external partners, and community groups.

Applications require:

• A current resume
• Cover Letter

Terms and conditions of employment:

Appointment to this position is subject to the successful applicant being able to:

• Provide a National Police Check Certificate.

• Obtain a Working with Children Certificate.

• Provide evidence of Australian Work Rights.

• Hold a current Australian Driver’s License.

- - - Applications for this position close at 5pm, Monday 10 November (deadline may be extended) - - -

To learn more about this position, please visit: Work with us! to obtain a copy of the Position Description.

Everyone is welcome at the Authority:

Here at the Great Ocean Road Coast and Parks Authority we are committed to creating a workforce that is diverse and is inclusive of all. We value and embrace the various experiences and perspectives people may have, regardless of age, gender, ethnicity, religion, cultural background, disability, or sexual orientation.