Community Engagement & Extension Officer

Western District Health Service; Hamilton; On-site; AUD 54,000 - 56,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Salary packaging benefits

Job summary

The National Centre for Farmer Health in Hamilton is seeking a proactive Community Engagement & Extension Officer to build strong relationships with farming communities, industry groups and service providers, promoting education and initiatives for farmer health, wellbeing and safety.

You will coordinate events, lead outreach, and collaborate with partners to translate research into practical outcomes that benefit rural communities.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in health, mental health, agriculture, education or related field.
• Experience in community engagement and stakeholder engagement.
• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills.
• Confidence presenting to groups and facilitating meetings, workshops and events.
• Strong organisational and project coordination skills.
• Experience working with diverse stakeholders and community groups.

Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain relationships with community members and stakeholders.
• Coordinate and deliver community programs, workshops and outreach activities.
• Collaborate with internal and external partners to identify community needs.
• Facilitate meetings, community consultations and events.
• Collect and analyse data, evaluate outcomes and prepare reports.
• Identify opportunities to enhance engagement strategies and impact.

Skills

Communication

Stakeholder engagement

Community outreach

Public speaking

Project coordination

Education

Bachelor's degree in health, mental health, agriculture, education or related field

Job description

Community Engagement & Extension Officer

National Centre for Farmer Health | Western District Health Service

• Minimum 48 hours per fortnight, with the opportunity to work up to 76 hours per fortnight
• Fixed Term until 31st December 2027
• $39.18 per hour + Superannuation + Salary Packaging Benefits
• Hamilton, Victoria
• Join a nationally recognised organisation dedicated to improving the health, wellbeing and safety of farming communities

Help shape healthier farming communities

The National Centre for Farmer Health (NCFH) is seeking an enthusiastic and community-focused Community Engagement & Extension Officer to join our team in Hamilton.

This exciting role provides an opportunity to build meaningful relationships with farming communities, industry groups, service providers and stakeholders while promoting programs, education and initiatives that support farmer health, wellbeing and safety.

As a key liaison between NCFH and the community, you will facilitate engagement activities, coordinate events and workshops, strengthen partnerships and help translate research and knowledge into practical outcomes that make a real difference in rural communities.

What You'll Be Doing

Community Engagement & Relationship Building

Develop and maintain strong relationships with community members, industry groups, service providers and key stakeholders to strengthen engagement and support community outcomes.

Program Delivery & Extension Activities

Coordinate and deliver community programs, workshops, education sessions and outreach activities that align with NCFH priorities and funding requirements.

Stakeholder Collaboration

Work collaboratively with internal and external stakeholders to identify community needs, develop partnerships and create opportunities for participation in NCFH initiatives.

Events & Community Consultation

Facilitate meetings, presentations, community consultations and industry events that encourage collaboration, information sharing and engagement.

Monitoring, Evaluation & Reporting

Collect and analyse data, evaluate program outcomes and prepare reports that demonstrate community impact and support evidence‑based decision‑making.

Continuous Improvement

Identify opportunities to enhance engagement strategies, strengthen stakeholder relationships and improve program effectiveness and community outcomes.

What You Bring

• A relevant Bachelor's degree in health, mental health, agriculture, education or a related field
• Demonstrated experience in community engagement, stakeholder engagement, outreach or similar roles
• Excellent communication, consultation and relationship-building skills
• Confidence in presenting to groups and facilitating meetings, workshops and community events
• Strong organisational and project coordination skills
• Experience working with diverse stakeholders and community groups
• Ability to collect, analyse and report on program outcomes
• Commitment to community development, inclusion and continuous improvement
• Current Driver's Licence
• Current Police Check, NDIS Worker Screening Check and Working With Children Check (or willingness to obtain)
• Rights to work in Australia

Why Join the National Centre for Farmer Health?

About Us

The National Centre for Farmer Health is a partnership between Western District Health Service and Deakin University. Based in Hamilton, the Centre combines research, education, service delivery and stakeholder engagement to improve the health, wellbeing and safety of farming communities across Australia and beyond.

Guided by our vision of “Shaping tomorrow's healthiest farming communities worldwide,” we work collaboratively with farmers, agricultural industries, researchers and service providers to deliver evidence-based solutions that create meaningful impact.

We are proud to foster a diverse, inclusive and accessible workplace guided by our values of Integrity, Innovation, Collaboration, Accountability, Respect and Empathy.

Discover Life in Hamilton

Hamilton offers an exceptional regional lifestyle with affordable living, a welcoming community and easy access to the Grampians National Park, Victoria's southwest coastline and some of Australia's most productive agricultural regions.

What We Offer

• Salary packaging benefits
• Professional development and training opportunities
• Opportunity to work with nationally recognised researchers and industry leaders
• Flexible and supportive team environment
• Meaningful work that directly improves rural and farming community wellbeing
• Opportunity to contribute to innovative projects and initiatives
• Excellent work-life balance in a welcoming regional community

Interested?

For a confidential discussion, contact Alison Kennedy, Manager Business Development & Industry Engagement.

Applications must include:

• A current resume
• A cover letter outlining your suitability for the role, including your experience in community engagement, stakeholder relationship management, program delivery and community development

Applications close: 25th of September 2026

Applications will be reviewed as received. Early applications are encouraged.

Western District Health Service is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer, committed to fostering a diverse, inclusive and culturally safe workplace where everyone feels valued and respected.

We encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, members of the LGBTIQA+ community, people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, and people living with disability.

If you require support or adjustments during the recruitment process, please contact our People & Culture team.

Successful applicants will be required to hold or obtain the relevant mandatory checks and meet WDHS compliance requirements as a condition of employment.