Sector Development Project Lead, Western Region (Identified)

About the Association of Children's Welfare Agencies (ACWA)

We are the NSW peak body representing non-government agencies delivering services to children and their families who need support. We work with our members, partners, government and non-government agencies and other peak bodies to bring about positive systemic reform that will deliver better outcomes to the lives of children, young people and families.

About this position

The Sector Development Project Lead, Western Region is a full time, identified Aboriginal position designed to lead the next stage of human services sector development across Western and Far West NSW.

Building directly on the trusted foundations, achievements, and insights of the Family Safety Collaboration in Dubbo and Wellington, this role will provide targeted capability building for ACCOs and NGOs working across domestic and family violence (DFV), child and family services, and related social service systems. The independent evaluation of the Collaboration identified the need to engage with frontline Aboriginal Community-Controlled Organisations (ACCOs) and non-government organisations (NGOs) to support capability development, evidence-based practice, and workforce uplift.

The primary purpose of this role is to drive targeted, regionally focused capability building across child and family and DFV services in Western NSW. Operating in an environment of major structural reform—for example the recommissioning of the NSW Community and Family Support (CAFS) and Family Preservation and Commonwealth Child and Family programs - this role ensures that regional workforces possess the robust practice models, proficient leadership, and resilient governance required to improve safety and well‑being outcomes for children, families and communities. Grounded in cultural authority, trust, and lived experience, the Coordinator will help local services navigate major sector transitions, foster a strong, skilled workforce and build robust governance.

Key Responsibilities

Project Management

Develop and implement a project plan to operationalise the project funding agreement, deliverables and milestones

Undertake implementation activities working closely with leaders in ACCOs and NGOs in the western region of NSW

Collect relevant qualitative and quantitative data and report on project activity and outcomes.

Skilled Practice with Families

Engage and work with organisational leaders to support workforce and capability development planning within both ACCOs and NGOs across the region.

Support the local development and implementation of evidence‑based, culturally grounded practice models.





Identify cross‑sector development needs and coordinate targeted training and professional development.

Strengthen the integration of lived experience and cultural expertise into everyday service delivery to achieve effective, evidence‑aligned support for families.

Proficient Leadership

Connect emerging and established sector leaders to high‑quality development programs, including Aboriginal‑led pathways.

Facilitate regional leadership forums to share insights, address systemic issues, and elevate regional voices.

Support regional leadership pipeline development to build a strong network of social service leaders across Western NSW.

Robust Governance and Planning

Collaborate proactively with government funders (including DCJ) to identify specific regional organisations requiring operational or governance assistance.

Provide tailored, practical support to organisations in the areas of governance planning, strategic planning, risk management, regulatory compliance, safeguarding, and outcome reporting.

Assist newly established or rapidly expanding ACCOs to embed highly accountable and sustainable organisational foundations.

Map local service networks, identify gaps or service vulnerabilities, and advise government bodies on systemic, regional needs.

Broker strategic partnerships and strengthen cross‑agency collaboration to reduce fragmentation and stop families from cycling between crisis points.

Promote and uplift cultural capability frameworks across all participating NGOs and mainstream organisations.

Stakeholder Engagement & Strategic Alignment

Maintain a close, collaborative partnership with AbSec to ensure the role addresses unmet needs in the DFV sector without duplicating existing Peak programmes.

Engage with DCJ’s Commissioning and Planning and Women Family and Community Safety teams to share insights and target support to specific locations of greatest need.

Ensure all regional activities complement broader strategic frameworks, including the Strengthening the NSW Domestic and Family Violence Sector Workforce Development Strategy 2025–2035 and national child and family welfare reforms.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

Sector Engagement: High level of participation from regional ACCOs and NGOs in ACWAled forums and training activities.

Governance Outcomes:



Successful delivery of tailored governance support plans for identified high‑need organisations.

Strategic Partnerships: Evidence of strengthened referral pathways and formal partnership agreements between local agencies.

Practice Uplift: demonstrable increase in the adoption of evidence‑informed, culturally grounded tools within regional child and family services.

Project Milestones: Completion of regional service mapping and reporting requirements as per the DCJ funding agreement.

Selection Criteria

Aboriginality: ACWA considers that being Aboriginal is a genuine occupational qualification under s 14 of the Anti- Discrimination Act 1977. The applicant must be of Australian Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander descent, identify as such, and be accepted by the community with which they are associated.

Sector Expertise: Extensive experience in the Domestic & Family Violence (DFV) or Child and Family services sector, particularly within a regional context.

Stakeholder Management: Exceptional ability to build relationships and trust, to enable practice and governance change, while acknowledging and supporting the self‑determination of Aboriginal Communities and organisations.

Capability Building: Proven ability to deliver workforce development, training, or organisational capability uplift.

Governance Knowledge: Strong understanding of non‑profit governance, including strategic planning, risk management, and compliance.

Communication: High‑level written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to write high‑quality reports and facilitate large group forums.

Tertiary qualifications in Social Work, Community Development, Business Management, or a related field.

Direct experience working within or supporting Aboriginal Community‑Controlled Organisations (ACCOs).

Experience in project management or place‑based coordination roles.

Conditions of employment

Location: Western NSW / Far West District (Flexible regional base, e.g., Dubbo). Travel: Significant regional travel across the Western and Far West Districts of NSW is required (Driver’s License is essential). The occupant will also need to attend some staff meetings and other events in Sydney. Grade and level: SCHADS Award Grade 7 (Pay point dependent on experience). Hours: 38 hours per week (Full‑time). Flexible working arrangements can be negotiated. Duration: Temporary - 18 months. Salary packaging: Attractive salary packaging options are available. Checks: National Police Check and a current NSW Working with Children Check are mandatory.

Applications close midnight 31 July 2026.

For more information about the role please email Carolyn Thompson, Director, Learning and Development, at *******@acwa.asn.au

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📌 Sector Development Project Lead, Western Region (Identified) (Dubbo)
🏢 ACWA
📍 Dubbo