First People’s Project Lead

Temporary Part-Time – 0.8 FTE

Two-year position with likelihood of an additional three-year extension

Band 7 -$82,918 - $92,777pro rata per annum, plus 12% statutory superannuation

Help shape something that matters

This is more than a project role.

It’s an opportunity to bring people together, build trusted relationships and help shape how Council and its partners work alongside First Peoples across Wellington Shire.

Wellington Shire Council is looking for a First People’s Project Lead to lead an exciting place-based initiative focused on cultural safety, wellbeing, social connection and creating stronger opportunities for First Peoples to participate, belong and thrive.

You’ll work closely with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, Ramahyuck District Aboriginal Corporation, the Wellington Health and Wellbeing Coalition and other partners to help turn community knowledge and priorities into meaningful action.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are strongly encouraged to apply.

What will you be doing?

At the heart of this role is relationships.

You’ll have the opportunity to:

- build genuine, trusted relationships with First Peoples, community organisations and leaders;
- lead culturally safe engagement, listening and co-design;
- bring community, Council and partner organisations together around shared priorities;
- lead the CONNECT Wellington place-based project;
- influence policies, systems and practices that strengthen cultural safety and inclusion;
- facilitate conversations, workshops and planning with community and partners; and
- help create initiatives that celebrate First Peoples culture, identity and belonging across Wellington Shire.

You’ll also lead a First People’s Project Officer and work closely with a broad network of partners across health, community, government and the Aboriginal community-controlled sector. Who are we looking for?

We’re looking for someone who can move comfortably between community conversations and strategic conversations.

Someone who listens first, builds trust and understands that strong relationships take time.

You might come from community development, Aboriginal affairs, Aboriginal health and wellbeing, public health, social planning, local government, the community-controlled sector, project leadership or another related field.

What will matter most is your ability to:

- build respectful relationships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities;
- understand and apply cultural safety and cultural humility;
- lead complex projects and partnerships;
- bring different people and perspectives together;
- navigate complexity with judgement and respect; and
- turn conversations, evidence and community priorities into action.





We’re looking for relevant tertiary qualifications and/or substantial equivalent experience in community development, Aboriginal affairs, public health, health promotion, social sciences, project management or a related field. Experience working with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities and/or delivering culturally protected community engagement is highly desirable.

Bring your experience – not just your résumé

We know valuable experience isn’t always gained through a traditional career path.

Community knowledge, lived experience, relationships, leadership and experience working alongside First Peoples can be just as important as where you have worked or what your job title has been.

If the role speaks to you but you’re not sure whether you tick every box, we’d still really like to hear from you.

How the recruitment process will work

We want the way we recruit for this role to reflect the way we expect the role to work, through relationships, listening and cultural respect.

We’re working alongside Ramahyuck and First Nations employment partners to shape a recruitment process that gives candidates different opportunities to demonstrate their experience and approach.

Our proposed process includes First Nations representation in the selection process and may include an informal conversation on Country with Gunaikurnai Elders or community representatives, subject to cultural guidance.

If you’d like to understand the role before deciding whether to apply, we also welcome a confidential conversation first.

Why Wellington?

Wellington Shire Council acknowledges the Gunaikurnai People as the Traditional Owners of the land that is now Wellington Shire.

Here at Wellington Shire Council, we have a strong commitment to create a workplace culture that is collaborative, provides work-life flexibility and encourages opportunities for growth and development. We take pride in providing a supportive workplace with great career opportunities for our employees.

Every person at Wellington Shire Council brings their own unique experiences, perspectives and talents to help contribute to our vision of “Happy people, healthy environment and thriving communities”. As one of the largest employers in the region we have a diverse workforce of more than 500 staff who are based throughout the municipality, and we all work together as a team to make a positive impact in our community.





We use award-winning technologies to seek and implement cutting-edge improvements across the organisation. We work hard to position ourselves as a leader in local government, continuously improving our diverse range of services for the betterment of our community.

We offer a rewarding culture of innovation, flexibility and continued learning in a collaborative, supportive environment.

Wellington Shire Council is committed to upholding the Child Safe Standards and associated legislative requirements.

Wellington Shire Council is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We promote the principles of merit and fairness, and encourage applications from people of different backgrounds, abilities, ages, genders and/or sexual orientations and gender identities.

Wellington Shire Council takes climate change and sustainability seriously and is looking to respond proactively and positively to the challenges ahead.

About Wellington

Wellington Shire Council is located in the Gippsland region of the state of Victoria, Australia and is approximately two hours east of Melbourne by road or rail. Many of us dream of a simpler lifestyle, with wide open spaces and no traffic jams. In The Middle of Everywhere, we live that enviable lifestyle every day.

In Wellington Shire you will find a wide range of beautiful environments to explore, with our pristine beaches, picturesque mountain ranges, temperate rainforests, wetlands and plenty of diverse, contrasting spaces to take your breath away.

Whether it’s a stroll along the iconic Ninety Mile Beach, a canoe down the Macalister River or a bush walk through the Alpine National Park, there’s plenty to keep you busy in The Middle of Everywhere! Home to a range of tight-knit communities, you’ll quickly find yourself right at home with the wonderful people that make these towns so special.

From our lively restaurant and café culture to the very best in local produce, you’ll never be short of Sunday brunch ideas and places to try! Eat. Drink. Gippsland Guide | Visit Gippsland

Visit The Middle of Everywhere to find out why the Wellington Shire is a great place to live and work.

Interested?

We’d love to hear from you.

For a confidential conversation about the role, the project or our recruitment process, contact Rosina Davidson-Tuck on 03 5142 3716.

Application support For support with applying contact Joanne Brunt on 0409 006 189 or email [email protected]

How to Apply

Provide your résumé and a short cover letter telling us a little about your experience, what interests you about the opportunity and what you would bring to the role.

Applications close : Sunday 20th September 11:59pm

📌 First People's Project Lead (Sale)
🏢 Wellington Shire Council
📍 Sale