How does this position contribute to our Community?
This position plays a vital role in building and enhancing relationships between Council and local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, stakeholders, and organisations, contributing to a more empowered, inclusive, connected, diverse, and resilient community.
What does this Position do?
The First Nations Engagement Officer will foster and enhance respectful communication and relationships between the Council and local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities and stakeholder organisations. This position involves supporting the development, implementation, and evaluation of Council's Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) and working across Council departments to ensure the principles of reconciliation are considered in planning and execution of projects and initiatives.
Key Objectives
* Foster and enhance respectful communication and connections between Council, the Barngarla Determination Aboriginal Corporation (BDAC) and local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities and stakeholder organisations.
* Support the development, implementation, and evaluation of the Council's Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP).
* Coordinate meetings of the RAP Working Party, inclusive of agenda and minute preparation.
* Support cultural capacity building initiatives for Council staff, elected members, volunteers, and contractors where relevant.
* Work collaboratively across Council teams on projects and initiatives to ensure the key pillars of reconciliation, respect, relationships, and opportunities are considered.
* Assist in the planning and execution of events and activities that celebrate significant dates for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, including National Reconciliation Week and NAIDOC Week.
* Actively participating in training and WHS programs as required.
* Reporting of incidents, near miss, injuries, property damage and identified hazards.
* Taking reasonable care to protect their own safety and the health and safety of others.
* Following reasonable instruction on health and safety and injury management.
* Any other responsibilities in line with the level of the position as assigned by the Supervisor and/or the Council.
Essential Qualifications, Experience, Knowledge & Skills
* Proven understanding of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander histories and cultures.
* Demonstrated ability to build positive and effective working relationships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities and other stakeholders.
* Effective communication skills in the resolution of minor matters.
* Ability to exercise discretion in the application of established practices and procedures.
* Demonstrated ability to build rapport and relationships and negotiate mutually beneficial outcomes.
* Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications.
Highly regarded but not essential Qualifications, Experience, Knowledge & Skills
* Knowledge of the Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) framework and its application.
* Knowledge and understanding of local government legislation, guidelines, and standards relevant to the area of operation.
* Experience in cultural competency or reconciliation training.
Key performance indicators
* Council’s Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) is developed and implemented in accordance with the established timelines.
* Positive relationships are effectively established and maintained with local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander stakeholder organisations and communities.
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