Community and Cultural Development Officer - Aboriginal Liason

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

Benefits offered by this job

Salary circa 77,740–85,480 AUD p.a. +

Permanent, full-time

Range of wellbeing & career benefits

Job summary

MidCoast Council is seeking a Community & Cultural Development Officer to strengthen ties with Aboriginal communities across the MidCoast region. The role supports the Aboriginal Action Plan, cultural connection priorities, and collaboration with Elders, Land Councils and Aboriginal organisations.

You will help deliver programs that enhance wellbeing, participation and trust. Based in the MidCoast NSW, the position focuses on engaging communities, delivering events, and advising on needs and

Qualifications

• Tertiary qualifications in Aboriginal Studies, Community Development, Communications or related field, or equivalent experience.
• Experience delivering programs that build community capacity or cultural connection.
• Strong, respectful engagement with Aboriginal communities and partners.
• Ability to research, identify priorities and communicate needs clearly.
• Experience planning and delivering projects, events or initiatives.

Responsibilities

• Build and maintain respectful relationships with Aboriginal communities, Elders, service providers, Land Councils and partners.
• Deliver Aboriginal engagement programs, cultural connection activities and events across the MidCoast.
• Support implementation of Aboriginal Action Plan and related strategies.
• Provide advice on Aboriginal community needs, priorities and engagement approaches.
• Research community needs and contribute to grants, business cases and reports.
• Collaborate with internal teams to improve services and cultural awareness.
• Support processes for Welcome to Country, public art, signage and Aboriginal heritage matters.
• Maintain records, monitor outcomes and report on project impact.

Skills

Aboriginal engagement

Community development

Stakeholder relations

Project delivery

Communication

Research

Record keeping

Driver licence

Education

Aboriginal Studies / Community Development 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].