Guiding with Culture in the Barkly!

Full-Time Permanent Position (38 hours per week)

Local Government is well known for our commitment to work-life balance, and here at Barkly Regional Council we are no different. With no traffic to contend with on your daily commute and reasonable work hours Monday to Friday along with 6 weeks annual leave you will have no excuse for not committing to work-life balance.

About the Barkly Region

The Barkly Region covers more than 320,000 km2 stretching from the old Telegraph Station at Barrow Creek in the south to the historical droving township of Newcastle Waters in the north. Located approximately 1000km south of Darwin and 500km north of Alice Springs. Tennant Creek has a population of 3,252 and is the largest town in the region.

Living in the Barkly

Learn about the local cultural at Nyinkka Nyunyu Art and Culture Centre, spend the day kayaking at Tingkkarli (Lake Mary Ann), or take a walk around the peculiar rock formations of Karlu Karlu (Devils Marbles) or use your leisure time from work and take a 4WD adventure into the Davenport Ranges. There is lots to discover in the Barkly Region. With some of the most beautiful landscapes in Australia and easy access to several of Australia’s tourism icons. It’s safe to say your life will be a breeze whilst living in the Barkly.

About Tennant Creek

Tennant Creek is the main service hub for the Barkly Region, offering convenient access to everyday essentials and lifestyle amenities. The town features a well-stocked IGA, a range of specialist retail outlets, hardware and auto stores, as well as cafés, pubs, and clubs that bring the community together. It also serves as a vital connection point for surrounding remote communities, providing access to goods, services, and transport.

Tennant Creek supports the region’s health needs with a 20-bed public hospital and a private medical centre. Education is well provided for, with both a primary school and high school in town, along with childcare and early learning services. The new, modern Youth Centre delivers programs and support for young people, and there are a number of sporting clubs, arts programs, and cultural initiatives that reflect the region’s strong Aboriginal heritage. With regular flights to Alice Springs and Darwin, Tennant Creek offers a balanced lifestyle for those seeking meaningful work in a vibrant outback setting.

About Us

The Barkly Regional Council is the second-largest Local Government by land mass in Australia. The estimated population of the Barkly Regional Council is 6,316 spread over 7 communities (2 regional towns and 5 remote communities). Employing 250 staff, of whom 67% are Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander, we are committed to delivering services for residents of the region.

About the Role

Barkly Regional Council is seeking a dedicated and knowledgeable Cultural Advisor to help embed cultural safety, respect, and Indigenous voices across the Barkly region.

This Aboriginal Identified position is a unique opportunity to influence how Council engages with Aboriginal communities and builds meaningful relationships based on respect, trust, and shared values. You'll play a key role in developing a Reconciliation Action Plan, delivering cultural awareness training, and advising on inclusive policy development.

The Essentials

Strong knowledge of Indigenous cultures, histories, protocols, and contemporary issues for the Barkly region.

Lived experience and/or strong connection with Indigenous communities.

Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage effectively with diverse audiences.

Experience in community engagement, cultural advising, or a related field.

Ability to work collaboratively and respectfully with the executive team, Indigenous Elders, knowledge keepers, and communities.

National Police Criminal History Check.

Working with Children Clearance (Ochre Card – Northern Territory).

Driver's Licence

About You

You can build trust and communicate effectively with a range of stakeholders.

You demonstrate leadership and commitment to reconciliation and inclusion.

You are self-motivated, organised and able to work independently and as part of a team.

The Finer Details

Full-Time Permanent position paying Level 9 Pay Point 1 of the Barkly Regional Council Enterprise Agreement 2024.

Annual Salary of $97,956.73 ($3,767.18 gross per fortnight).

12% Superannuation.

Annual Leave of 6 weeks paid with 17.5% Leave Loading.

Free access to our Employee Assistance Program.

Why work with Local Gov? | Barkly Regional Council

To apply for your new adventure, submit an Expression of Interest covering the Essential Criteria along with your up-to-date Resume to [email protected].

Need more information contact Hayley Sandstrom on 0498 046 888.

Applications Close 5:00 pm on Tuesday, 18 November 2025.

No Employer-Provided Housing: The employee will be responsible for finding, renting, and paying for their own accommodation.

Barkly Regional Council requires that all applicants have a National Criminal History Check. You will be required to provide a recent National Criminal History Check prior to any offer of employment.

Barkly Regional Council requires the applicant to be able to produce or be able to obtain a Working with Children Clearance (Ochre Card – Northern Territory) prior to commencement.

Interviews may be scheduled before the closing date and as applications are received.

We welcome and encourage applicants from diverse backgrounds, and we are committed to providing equal employment opportunities to everyone.

Any application from outside of Australia that does not clearly show that the applicant has full Australian working rights will be automatically rejected.