Community and Cultural Development Officer - Aboriginal Liason

MidCoast Council; Taree; On-site; AUD 78,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

MidCoast Council is seeking a Community & Cultural Development Officer to build strong connections between Council and the Aboriginal community across the MidCoast region. This identified position supports the Aboriginal Action Plan and cultural connection priorities, working with Elders, Land Councils and Aboriginal organisations to deliver meaningful programs and partnerships.

Permanent, full-time role based at the Administration Centre in Yalawanyi Ganya, Taree, with salary circa AUD

Qualifications

• Qualifications in Aboriginal Studies, Community Development, Communications or equivalent experience.
• Experience working with Aboriginal communities delivering programs for capacity-building or cultural connection.
• Strong culturally respectful engagement and building trust over time.
• Experience planning and delivering projects or events.

Responsibilities

• Build and maintain respectful relationships with Aboriginal communities and partners.
• Deliver engagement programs, cultural connection activities and events.
• Support the Aboriginal Action Plan and related strategies.
• Advise on Aboriginal community needs and engagement approaches.
• Research community needs and contribute to grants and reports.
• Collaborate with internal teams to improve services and employment strategies.
• Support Welcome to Country processes, public art, signage and heritage matters.
• Maintain records, monitor outcomes and report on project impact.

Skills

Aboriginal engagement

Community development

Communication

Relationship-building

Collaboration

Education

Aboriginal Studies degree

Community Development degree

Communications degree

Job description

Community & Cultural Development Officer - Aboriginal Liaison & Cultural Connection

Location: MidCoast NSW

Looking for more than just your next job?
Join a team that's helping shape the future of the MidCoast while enjoying the perfect balance of meaningful work and an exceptional lifestyle on the Barrington Coast. Here, your contribution matters - to your community, your team, and your own future.

The Opportunity

MidCoast Council is seeking a Community & Cultural Development Officer to build strong connections between Council and the Aboriginal community across the MidCoast region.

This identified position is open to Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander applicants and will support the delivery of Council's Aboriginal Action Plan and cultural connection priorities. You'll work closely with Aboriginal communities, Elders, Aboriginal organisations, Land Councils, Traditional Owner groups and Council teams to support meaningful programs, partnerships and community outcomes.

This is an opportunity to contribute to work that strengthens cultural connection, community participation, wellbeing and trust across the MidCoast.

In this role, you will:

• Build and maintain respectful relationships with Aboriginal communities, Elders, service providers, Land Councils and other community partners.
• Deliver Aboriginal community engagement programs, cultural connection activities and events across the MidCoast.
• Support the implementation of Council's Aboriginal Action Plan and related strategies.
• Provide advice to Council teams about Aboriginal community needs, priorities, cultural matters and engagement approaches.
• Research community needs, identify opportunities and contribute to grants, funding applications, business cases and reports.
• Work with internal teams to improve services, facilities, employment strategies and cultural awareness initiatives.
• Support culturally appropriate processes for Welcome to Country, public art, signage, naming conventions and Aboriginal heritage matters.
• Maintain accurate records, monitor outcomes and report on the impact of projects and programs.

What you’ll bring

• Tertiary qualifications in Aboriginal Studies, Community Development, Communications or a related field, or equivalent relevant experience.
• Demonstrated experience working with Aboriginal communities and delivering programs that support community capacity-building or cultural connection.
• Strong understanding of culturally respectful engagement and the importance of building trust over time.
• Experience planning and delivering projects, programs, events or community initiatives.
• Ability to research, understand and communicate community needs and priorities.
• Strong communication, relationship-building and collaboration skills.
• Ability to manage competing priorities, meet deadlines and maintain accurate records.
• Commitment to customer-focused, inclusive and community-centred service delivery.
• Current Class C Driver Licence and Working with Children Check clearance.

What we offer?

We are committed to the growth of our employees and have a range of benefits available to support wellbeing and career development.

Salary: Commencing salary circa $77,740 - $85,480p.a. plus superannuation. (dependent on skills and experience)

Location: This position will be based at our Administration Centre in Yalawanyi Ganya at 2 Biripi Way, Taree. You may also be required to be based from other Council sites across the MidCoast Council region.

Tenure: Permanent, Full Time.

Closing date: Sunday, 22 November 2026 at 11:00 pm.

For questions relating to the position requirements please contact Lyndie Hepple - Community and Cultural Development Coordinator who is the hiring manager for this role. Lyndie can be reached on [phone] or at [e-mail].

For enquiries regarding the application process contact Kim Aird, Human Resources Officer who is the HR representative for this role. Kim can be reached on [phone] or at [e-mail].