Reference Number:54267:Director - Aboriginal Health
Employment Type:On Going Full Time (FT)
Location:Northern Health (All Campuses)
About Northern Health
As an organisation we have a clear focus on how we service and partner with our community, including our strategy of helping the community stay well when at home. Our reputation of community minded, inclusive and progressive is matched to none.
Northern Health is located in the rapidly growing northern suburbs with projected growth the biggest in the state. With a booming, culturally rich and diverse community, and less than an hour’s drive from the CBD (still within the bounds of Myki and ride-sharing), Melbourne’s North is fast becoming the place to be.
Northern Health is seeking applications for the position of Director Aboriginal Health to lead our Aboriginal Health portfolio and Narrun Wilip-giin Aboriginal Support Unit.
Northern Health is the major provider of acute, maternity, sub-acute, mental health, specialist, community and home-based services in Melbourne’s rapidly growing outer north.
Services are provided through our six main campuses:
Northern Hospital Epping, Broadmeadows Hospital, Bundoora Centre, Craigieburn and Mernda Community Hospitals and Kilmore District Hospital. In addition, Mental Health Services are provided at Epping, Broadmeadows, Jacana, Preston, Mill Park, Mernda and Coburg.
About the Role
This is a senior leadership opportunity to shape the Aboriginal health and culturally protected care across Northern Health.
The Director Aboriginal Health will provide strategic, cultural and operational leadership across the organisation, working closely with Aboriginal staff, Traditional Owners, Elders, Aboriginal communities, Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations, senior leaders and government partners.
The role will lead Northern Health’s strategic approach to Aboriginal health and wellbeing, cultural safety, self-determination, Aboriginal workforce development and community partnership.
Key responsibilities include
- Providing organisation-wide leadership and expert advice on Aboriginal health,
cultural safety, equity and community engagement.
- Leading the Aboriginal Health portfolio, including strategic and operational oversight of Narrun Wilip-giin Aboriginal Support Unit.
- Leading implementation and evaluation of Northern Health’s Aboriginal Cultural Safety Plan, Aboriginal Employment Plan and relevant Statement of Priorities.
- Strengthening culturally safe access, experience and health outcomes for Aboriginal patients, families and communities.
- Building strong and enduring relationships with Traditional Owners, Elders, Aboriginal communities and Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations.
- Leading strategic engagement with the Department of Health and representing Northern Health across relevant local, state and national forums.
- Driving organisation-wide accountability for Aboriginal health, cultural safety, workforce development, accreditation and continuous improvement.
To be successful in this role you will have:
- Strong connection to Aboriginal community and demonstrated cultural authority, integrity and credibility in working with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, Elders and organisations.
- Demonstrated senior leadership experience within a complex health, government, Aboriginal community-controlled or community services environment.
- Significant experience in Aboriginal health, cultural safety, health equity, workforce development or system-level organisational change.
- Proven ability to develop strategy and translate priorities into measurable organisational action and sustainable improvement.
- Demonstrated ability to build trusted relationships and partnerships with Traditional Owners, Elders,
Aboriginal communities and Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations.
- Highly developed communication, consultation and influencing skills, including the ability to provide advice to senior executives, Boards, government and external stakeholders.
- Strong strategic judgement and the ability to navigate complex cultural, community, clinical and organisational environments.
This is an Aboriginal Designated Position, classified as a special measure under section 12 of the Equal Opportunity Act 2010 (Vic). Only Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people are eligible to apply. Confirmation of Aboriginality will be required. Next Steps . . . If this opportunity sounds like the next step in your career, then we would love to hear from you. Please click on the 'Apply' button and follow the prompts. For further details, please refer to the Position Description. Alternatively, you can contact Jason Cirone, Chief Allied Health Officer:
[email protected]
Applications close 5 October 2026
Why work at the Northern Health?
NH offer a range of benefits which support and reward staff both personally and professionally.
Our staff benefits include award winning facilities and campus partnerships, Professional development and events, an award-winning Health and wellbeing program and financial benefits.
- Health and Wellbeing programs, including our new ‘Thrive’ program
- Flexibility in the workplace and extra leave options and support
- An inclusive and culturally safe space
- Access to salary packaging & EAP
- Comprehensive Library services for learning, research, clinical decision-making, leisure and wellbeing (onsite and online)
Work with us!
Northern
Health is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to attracting and retaining a diverse workforce which reflects the community we serve. Applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, as well as applicants who are LGBTIQ+, who have different abilities, or are from culturally and Linguistically Diverse Backgrounds are encouraged.
📌 Director - Aboriginal Health (Melbourne)
🏢 Northern Health
📍 Melbourne