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 an enthusiastic and committed Community Protecting Boorais Program Manager to join BADAC on a Full Time Ongoing basis.

Why work for BADAC?

- Above award wages (based on relevant qualification and experience)

- Generous benefits, entitlements and LSL acural

- 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

Ballarat and District Aboriginal Cooperative will be the third ACCO in the state to deliver the Community Protecting Boorais Program. This will allow BADAC to take on the role of investigation reports that are made to Child Protection for Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander children. The program aims to understand the story of the family and work together in a holistic, culturally safe way, placing early interventions when safe to do so. To reduce the over-representation of Aboriginal children in care, by prioritising self-determination and facilitating Aboriginal models of care delivered by ACCOs.

Working alongside Gobata Burron Program (ACAC), BADAC have developed their own practice approach designed to ensure Aboriginal families are engaged in a way that is culturally appropriate.

The Community Protecting Boorais Program will actively work with the child’s family, community and other professionals to develop and implement protective interventions, services and case planning in a way that is that culturally safe and in the best interests of the child. Aboriginal children and young people continue to be overrepresented in child protection and care systems. Actions to reduce the growth of Aboriginal children in care are required.

It is widely recognised that connection to culture, community and country is fundamental in supporting the safety and identity of Aboriginal children who are subject to a report.

- Improve and support the decision making for Aboriginal Children where a report has been made.

- Hear families’ stories.

- Maintain Aboriginal children’s cultural identity and promote connection to family, community and culture.

- Support Aboriginal children to stay home with their parents or extended families where it is safe to do so or support the identification of culturally safe alternative care.





- Maintain connection to Country for Aboriginal children.

This exciting role presents the opportunity to lead the development and implementation of the Community Protecting Boorais Program at BADAC. The Community Protecting Boorais Program Manager will oversee the development of policy, operations and drive the implementation and delivery of the program.

The Community Protecting Boorais Program Manager will provide supervision, support and mentoring to the team, manage and supervise staff in ways that ensure a supportive, relationally safe and healthy work environment. The Community Protecting Boorais Program Manager is responsible for the day-to-day operations of the program, supported by the BADAC executive group in managing serious and complex issues, incident response and worker safety issues.

The successful incumbent will need to be highly motivated, enthusiastic and have strong interpersonal & mentoring skills. They will need to have sound knowledge of Aboriginal culture and demonstrate the ability to communicate effectively and sensitively with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. This role requires leadership of an experienced cultural and professional individual who is strong and punctual in their delivery and approach.

Key Duties & Responsibilities:

- Provide effective leadership and management of the Community Protecting Boorais Program and ensure that the program meets all KPIs required in project plans and program guidelines and MOU’s.

- Support and develop staff to ensure the provision of Best Practice Case Management services to Aboriginal children and their families.

- With support of the BADAC Executive team, develop and implement the Community Protecting Boorais program operating procedures including the service delivery guidelines, practice frameworks, assessment tools and policies and procedures.

- Exercise a range of legal delegations in accordance with the Children, Youth and Families Act 2005 to ensure the safety and well-being of children and young people in BADAC’s care.

- Work in a culturally respectful way to ensure children, young people and their families are empowered to develop and maintain cultural connections.

- Ensure that effective administration is completed including Case notes, data collection, reporting requirements etc.

- Manage communication with the stakeholders and governance committees as required. Promoting the work of the Community Protecting Boorais. Developing protocols and procedures between organisations where needed.

- Prepare and oversee the preparation of Court Reports and recommendations to the Children’s Court and other relevant courts and legal processes.

- Contribute to the orientation, training and support of staff in the program.

- Build strong partnerships between the Community Protecting Boorais & Gobata Burron program and other BADAC programs and services, the broader community services sector.

- Monitor & Evaluate budget allocations whilst working in collaboration with BADAC line Management. Complete other duties as required and requested by line management.





- Ensure the maintenance of strict standards of confidentiality & professional behaviour in accordance with the policies & procedures of the Ballarat & District Aboriginal Co operative.

Key Selection Criteria:

- Demonstrate Culturally Safe quality decision-making around: Child safety, risk assessment, substantiation decisions and protective intervention pathways.

- Demonstrated ability to work in a way that promotes Aboriginal children’s cultural identity and promotes their connection to family, community and culture acknowledging that connection to culture, community and country is fundamental to supporting the safety and identity of Aboriginal children

- Demonstrated knowledge and experience operating in the Investigations of reports to provide evidence – informed decisions, Interviewing and engaging children, families, carers, services and community in a culturally secure way.

- Ability to provide high quality supervision, leadership and support to staff working in complex circumstances.

- Commitment to and proven ability in managing performance issues as they arise.

- Sound knowledge of the legislation, policy and practice requirements relating to Aboriginal children, their families and carers. Ability to interpret and apply statutory authorities and delegations relevant to the Children, Youth and Families Act 2005

- Tertiary qualifications in Community Services, Social Work, Welfare, or a related discipline (or an equivalent combination of qualifications and significant relevant experience), with a minimum of five years' experience in child protection and out-of-home care, including demonstrated leadership and management experience.

- Demonstrated ability to deliver best practice and guide staff in culturally appropriate assessments, case planning and case management, including court work, in accordance with the Program service delivery framework.

- Demonstrated ability to manage serious/complex case issues, develop risk assessments, critical incidents, worker safety issues and quality of care concerns.

- Demonstrated ability to develop, implement and review plans for children and young people.

- Demonstrated ability to guide complex casework and utilise Cultural therapeutic approaches with children and their families who have experienced trauma and present with challenging behaviours.

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

Other Info

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 on 11th August 2026

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 LGBTQIA+ employees feel included, safe and supported.

📌 Community Protecting Boorais Program Manager (Newington)
🏢 Ballarat & District Aboriginal Co-operative
📍 Newington