About Gunditjmara Aboriginal Cooperative
Dealing with the challenges of today requires problem-solvers who bring new perspectives and are willing to take risks. Gunditjmara Aboriginal Cooperative Ltd (GAC) emerged out of a pursuit to inspire and support the community and a desire for actions to speak louder than words. Established in 1979 we’re an organisation driven by progressive ideas, bold actions and a strong foundation of support.
Family and Community Services Team
The Family and Community Services team plays a vital role in supporting Aboriginal children, young people, families, carers and community members across all stages of life.
The team delivers culturally safe, strengths-based and trauma-informed programs that focus on social, emotional, cultural, health and wellbeing outcomes. This includes providing support through advocacy, cultural planning, case management, practical assistance, early intervention, referrals and connection to family, community, Country and culture.
Our work is guided by culturally informed decision-making and a strong commitment to supporting self-determination, cultural identity, family connection, stability and improved outcomes for Aboriginal children, young people, families and communities.
Role Summary
The Aboriginal Cultural Mentor role forms part of a multidisciplinary team committed to strengthening Aboriginal children, young peoples and family’s connection to culture, community, identity and country.
The role is designed to be broad and flexible, recognising the needs of small teams and the importance of Aboriginal Cultural Mentors being able to work across a range of programs and services.
Aboriginal Cultural Mentors will provide support and contribute to cultural planning, cultural planning implementation mentoring, kindergarten and playgroup support, resource development and culturally responsive practice, as well as return to countries.
The role also provides opportunities for Aboriginal people to develop their skills and experience across different areas of the organisation, supporting future professional growth and specialisation.
The primary objective of the Aboriginal Cultural Mentor is to support Aboriginal children and young people to strengthen their connection to culture, identity, family community and country.
Duties and Responsibilities
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Cultural Planning
- Mentoring and Support
- Kindergarten and Playgroup Support
- Resource Development
- Teamwork and Collaboration
Above are the summary details for the position. Further information regarding the position can be found in the full Position Description located on our website www.gunditjmara.org.au
Qualifications, Skills, Experience and Knowledge
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Strong understanding and knowledge of Aboriginal culture, community, family and connection to country.
- Ability to build positive, respectful and trusting relationships with Aboriginal children, young people and families.
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
- Ability to work independently and as part of multidisciplinary team.
- Ability to develop and implement individualised cultural plans.
- Ability to work flexibly across different programs and settings.
- Understanding of culturally safe and trauma-informed approaches.
- Ability to develop creative and engaging activities and resources.
- Willingness to undertake ongoing learning and professional development.
Desirable
- Experience working with Aboriginal children, young people and families.
- Experience in mentoring, education, early childhood, family services. community services or a related field.
- Knowledge or experience working within Kinship and or TCP programs.
- Experience working in Kindergarten or Playgroup settings.
- Relevant or willingness to work towards qualifications in Aboriginal and Torres Strait islander studies, Community Services, Early Childhood, Education, Youth Work or a related area.
- First Aid, CPR, working with children check and other relevant compliance requirements under the Child Safe Standards.
- Relevant experience, cultural knowledge and community connections will be valued alongside formal qualifications.
- Experience in working in a not-for-profit organisation
Identified Position
This is an Identified Position. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples are strongly encouraged to apply. The Identified status of this role reflects GAC's commitment to Aboriginal leadership, cultural governance, and self-determination. It is a genuine occupational requirement that the person in this role brings lived experience as an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander person.
This position is pursuant of Section 50(d) of the Equal Opportunity Act 1984, the occupant of this position must be of Australian Aboriginal and / or Torres Strait Islander descent. Certificate of Aboriginality will be required.
GAC is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes diversity in the workplace.
Applicants must hold a valid Working with Children Check, NDIS Worker Screening Check, Police check and a VIC Driver's License or the ability to obtain the same.
Applications will be reviewed and considered as they are received. As such, we highly recommend that you submit your application as soon as possible. Applications Close at Midnight on 27th September 2026.
Please contact Trudy Thorp - People and Recruitment on Mb: 0461 398 207 for further information regarding the position.
To apply online, simply click on the Apply now button.
Alternatively, you can forward your application via email to: [email protected] using the subject line: Aboriginal Cultural Mentor
To be considered for this role, please submit:
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A cover letter that directly addresses the Duties and Responsibilities, and your Skills, Qualifications, Experience and Knowledge.
- Answer the Employer Questions listed on Seek.
- A current resume outlining your relevant experience.
Dealing with the challenges of today requires problem-solvers who bring new perspectives and are willing to take risks. Gunditjmara Aboriginal Cooperative Ltd (GAC) emerged out of a pursuit to inspire and support the community and a desire for actions to speak louder than words. Established in 1979 we’re an organisation driven by progressive ideas, bold actions and a strong foundation of support. Gunditjmara means ‘belonging to person’. The Gunditjmara people are traditional owners of the coastal area extending from Portland in the south, Port Fairy, Warrnambool and inland into Camperdown. Gunditjmara people are traditionally river and lake people with Budj Bim, Framlingham Forrest, Lake Condah and the surrounding river systems being of great cultural significance and importance historically, economically and spiritually. GAC is an independent community based not-for-profit Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation that was founded in 1979 by a group of volunteers from the local Aboriginal community in South West Victoria. From humble beginnings to a long-term vision for our community has driven the organisation to be the primary provider of social, health and cultural services in our region. GAC became incorporated in 1982 and delivers a wide range of culturally appropriate, holistic community health, social support and well-being services at all life stages from cradle to the dreamimg, principally to the Aboriginal community and other residents in Warrnambool and outlying areas.
