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

Are you an enthusiastic and committed Case Manager? We are now seeking multiple Aboriginal Children in Aboriginal Care Case Managers to join our Gobata Burron Program! Why work for BADAC?

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

- Weekly Pay
- Generous benefits and entitlements, including Long Service Leave accrual
- 2 Mental Health Leave days per year, in line with the SCHADs Enterprise Agreement
- Early finish on Fridays (1 hour early)
- Access to generous Salary Packaging options
- Access to an Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

The Program

The Aboriginal Children in Aboriginal Care (ACAC) program supports Aboriginal children and young people who are subject to Child Protection orders. Under Section 18 of the Children, Youth and Families Act 2005, the Secretary of the Department of Families, Fairness and Housing (DFFH) may authorise the principal officer of an Aboriginal agency to exercise specified powers and responsibilities relating to protection orders for Aboriginal children and young people. BADAC’s ACAC program is called Gobata Burron and is grounded in the understanding that strong connections to culture, community and Country are essential to promoting the safety, wellbeing and identity of Aboriginal children and young people in care.

The Gobata Burron program aims to:

- Strengthen support and decision-making for Aboriginal children and young people subject to Court orders.
- Promote and preserve cultural identity by supporting ongoing connection to family, community, culture and Country.
- Support reunification with parents or extended family where safe and appropriate or assist in identifying culturally safe alternative care arrangements.
- Ensure Aboriginal children and young people maintain strong and meaningful connections to Country.

The Role

This exciting opportunity offers the chance to make a meaningful contribution to the Gobata Burron program at BADAC.



We are seeking a passionate and suitably qualified professional who is committed to improving outcomes for Aboriginal children and young people, reducing the over-representation of Aboriginal children in care, and strengthening family capacity to support children to safely transition home. The Gobata Burron Case Manager will deliver high-quality, culturally responsive case management services that prioritise the safety, wellbeing and healing of Aboriginal children and young people. The role focuses on strengthening connections to family, community, culture and Country while supporting positive and sustainable outcomes for children and families.

The successful applicant will have access to a range of career development opportunities, including on-the-job training, Aboriginal Beginning Practice training, Cultural Awareness Training, and other learning and development programs designed to support professional growth and cultural capability.

Key Duties & Responsibilities:

- Provide effective case management, assessment and risk assessment for Aboriginal children, young people and families engaged in the Gobata Burron program.
- In collaboration with the Team Leader, Program Manager and BADAC Executive Team, implement Gobata Burron operational procedures, including service delivery guidelines, practice frameworks, assessment tools, policies and procedures.
- Exercise a range of legal delegations in accordance with the Children, Youth and Families Act 2005 to promote the safety, wellbeing and best interests of children and young people in BADAC’s care.
- Work in a culturally respectful and strengths-based manner to empower children, young people and families to develop and maintain strong cultural connections.
- Undertake complex casework with children and families who have experienced trauma and may present with challenging behaviours, using culturally safe and therapeutic approaches to support healing and resilience.
- Maintain accurate and timely administrative records, including case notes, data collection and reporting requirements.
- Complete comprehensive assessments, including risk and safety assessments.
- Prepare court reports, present information and provide recommendations to the Children’s Court and other relevant legal processes.
- Develop and maintain strong collaborative partnerships with BADAC programs and services and the broader community services sector.
- Advocate for the rights, safety and wellbeing of Aboriginal children, young people and their families.
- Participate in ongoing professional development opportunities, including on-the-job training, Aboriginal Beginning Practice training and Cultural Awareness Training.
- Be available to complete after-hours duties and on call as required.




- Maintain strict confidentiality and demonstrate professionalism at all times.
- Undertake other duties as directed by the Team Leader and Program Manager.

Key Selection Criteria:

- Demonstrated knowledge and understanding of Aboriginal culture, values and community, with the ability to engage effectively with Aboriginal children, young people and families.
- Experience working in a culturally safe, strengths-based manner that promotes Aboriginal children’s connection to family, community, culture and Country, recognising these connections as fundamental to their safety, wellbeing and identity.
- Sound knowledge of the legislation, policy and practice requirements relating to Aboriginal children, their families and carers.
- Minimum Diploma qualification in Community Services, Social Work, Welfare or a related field and extensive experience in similar role.
- 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
- Ability to manage complex casework, critical incidents and challenging behaviours using trauma-informed and culturally responsive approaches.
- Ability to develop, implement and review plans that support positive outcomes for children and young people.
- Demonstrated ability to undertake complex casework and utilise culturally safe therapeutic approaches with children and their families who have experienced trauma and may 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.
- Willing to work on call, after hours is essential.

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 will be considered as they are received, and this position may be filled prior to the closing date of C.O.B Monday, 2nd November 2026. Early applications are encouraged.

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+SB employees feel included, safe and supported.

– Join an ACCO: Difference between ACCO’s and mainstream services https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5BJeyQoZEG8

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kyEi8GwEdNA

📌 Gobata Burron Case Manager (ACAC- Aboriginal Children in Aboriginal Care) (Ballarat)
🏢 Ballarat u0026 District Aboriginal Co-operative
📍 Ballarat