Aboriginal Cultural Advisor

Permanent fulltime - The position is based at West Leederville, with travel to other Palmerston sites required as part of the role.

Make a Real Impact at Palmerston Association

Since 1980, Palmerston has been a leader in AOD support across WA, helping people improve their wellbeing. We offer specialised services in alcohol and other drug treatment, mental health, and wellbeing, through counselling, group support, residential rehabilitation, and education—reaching communities across the Perth metro, Peel, South West, and Great Southern regions.

About the Role

Here’s your opportunity to be part of a passionate, purpose-driven team that’s making a genuine difference every day.

Aboriginality is a genuine requirement for this position (section [50D] of the Equal Chance Act 1984)

? The Aboriginal Cultural Advisor promotes and strengthens culturally safe practice across Palmerston by guiding staff, integrating Aboriginal ways of working into service delivery, and fostering respectful and collaborative partnerships with Aboriginal communities, Elders and Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations.

This is a senior specialist role that provides cultural leadership and guidance across the organisation. The position supports staff through cultural consultation, mentoring, reflective practice, and practical advice to enhance culturally responsive service delivery for Aboriginal clients and families. The role does not have direct line management, performance management, rostering, budgetary or operational management responsibilities, but contributes to building cultural capability and strengthening culturally safe practices across Palmerston.

This role is classified at Level 7 under the Social, Community, Home Care and Disability Services Industry Award 2010.

This role requires confidence, compassion, and a steady presence. Working alongside individuals means facing complex situations, high emotions, and occasional setbacks. That’s why we’re looking for someone who embodies compassion, connection, acceptance,



and respect—someone who can offer unwavering support while maintaining the ability to navigate difficult moments with confidence and care. With a commitment to excellence in service, you’ll provide the stability and encouragement that empowers individuals on their journey toward change.

What We’re Looking For

You’re more than your qualifications—you’re someone who brings heart, empathy, professionalism and a strong commitment to supporting clients in improving their wellbeing. The ideal candidate will meet the following selection criteria:

- Under Section 50D of the Equal Opportunity Act 1984, Aboriginality is a genuine requirement for this position.

- Tertiary qualification in Aboriginal Studies, Community Development, Social Work, Human Services, Community Services, Indigenous Governance or a related discipline, or equivalent cultural, community and practice experience.

- Valid driver’s license and capacity to travel to Palmerston service locations as required.

- Demonstrated Aboriginal cultural knowledge, authority and experience providing cultural consultation, leadership or practice guidance.

- Strong understanding of Aboriginal family, kinship, community, Country, Sorry Business and cultural obligations, and the ability to help staff apply this knowledge respectfully in practice.

- Experience supporting culturally safe, trauma-informed and healing-informed practice with Aboriginal people, families and communities.

- Ability to support staff through complex cultural matters using consultation, coaching, reflective practice and practical written resources.

Why Join Us?

At Palmerston, we value people—our clients, our communities, and our staff. Here’s what you can look forward to:





✨ Great Advantages:

- Salary packaging up to $15,900 + $2,650 for meals/entertainment

- 5 days of life & wellness leave (pro rata)

- 9 weeks paid parental leave for the primary carer

- 2 weeks paid partner leave for non-primary carers

- Option to purchase an additional week of leave each year

- Partial access to long service leave after 5 years

- Adaptable, family-friendly work arrangements

- 17.5% annual leave loading (award-based staff)

- 5 days paid gender affirmation leave

? Inclusive Culture:

- Cultural leave (2 paid + 8 unpaid days) for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff

- Staff-led working groups (RAP, Rainbow, Environmental, Disability Access & Inclusion)

- Aboriginal Staff Forum to connect and collaborate

- Our annual Big Day Out brings staff together from all sites to relax, connect and celebrate our work

- We’re Rainbow Tick accredited—the first and only AOD provider in WA to achieve this!

How to Apply

Ready to bring your passion to Palmerston? We’d love to hear from you.

Click “Apply” on Seek! Or, if its more convenient for you, drop off your application at one of our sites.
Be sure to include:

- Your resume

- A cover letter addressing the selection criteria

- Answers to all application questions

⏳ Applications close: 18th November 2026

We’re reviewing applications as they come in—so don’t wait!

A Few Final Details

You’ll need a valid WA Working with Children Check and a National Police Clearance (issued within the last 3 months).

? Got questions? Contact Mike Winton at 04•• ••• 703 or [email protected]

Diversity makes us stronger. We seek and welcome diversity and a breadth of experience and backgrounds in our teams. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander and people who identify as LGBTIQ+ are encouraged to apply.

Recruitment agencies, we appreciate your consideration. However, we strive to fill our opportunities through direct channels whenever feasible. If we require agency assistance, we will reach out.

📌 Aboriginal Cultural Advisor (50D) (West Leederville)
🏢 Palmerston Association
📍 West Leederville