Language Lead – Guardians of Culture
Reports to: Manager - Community Engagement
Direct Reports: Nil
Location: Alexandra, with flexible arrangements available
Status: Full-time/Part-time
Location: Broadford or Alexandra – Negotiable
TLaWC
Taungurung Land and Waters Council (TLaWC) is the voice of the Taungurung people – a people with a strong sense of shared identity, self-determining in the management of Country and culture. As a Registered Aboriginal Party, TLaWC upholds the interests of the Taungurung people with emphasis on economic, social and cultural well-being. TLaWC’s focus is to preserve the past, protect the present and strengthen the future of the Taungurung Nation, which occupies a large part of Central Victoria.
This role sits within the Advocacy and Enablement Department, which comprises five (5) multidisciplinary teams within Taungurung Land and Waters Council (TLaWC): Advocacy and Engagement, People and Workplace Culture, Partnerships and Agreements, Finance Services, and wawa biik Cultural Experiences. The Advocacy and Enablement Department is an integral cog in the entire operations of TLaWC, driving core business functions and the strategic corporate and community priorities as set out in the TLaWC Strategic Plan 2026 - 2030
Primary Function
This role is central to creating a coordinated, respectful and sustainable approach to Taungurung language revival across the community and organisation. The Language Lead plays a central role in guiding the revitalisation of Taungurung language through community-led, culturally grounded approaches. Our language was never lost it has always been here. It has been resting, and now it is time for us to gently awaken it, together. This role is central to creating a coordinated, respectful and sustainable approach to strengthening Taungurung language across the community and organisation. The Language Lead plays a key role in guiding this work through community-led, culturally grounded approaches. The role will walk alongside Elders, knowledge holders, and community to support language to be lived, spoken, and shared in everyday life. This role recognises that language is deeply connected to song, storylines, and cultural knowledge, and will support these to be shared, protected, and carried forward together in a culturally safe and respectful way. The position provides cultural leadership across the Language Reference Group (LRG) and the Guardians of Culture initiative, ensuring language, song, and storylines are protected, strengthened, and actively used across generations. The role focuses on enabling language to be lived and practised through programs, resources, and cultural activities, while supporting strong governance, ethical frameworks, and sustainable systems for the future.
This is a designated position and only Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples are eligible to apply, as per the Special Measures provision of the Equal Opportunity Act
Key Duties and Accountabilities
- Provide cultural leadership across Taungurung language activities, ensuring alignment with cultural protocols, community expectations and cultural integrity
- Lead and support the ongoing operation of the Language Reference Group (LRG), guiding its purpose, structure and cultural decision-making
- Work alongside Elders and knowledge holders to facilitate intergenerational sharing of language, song and storylines
- Oversee the development of culturally appropriate and accessible language resources, and contribute to the design and delivery of programs, workshops and community learning opportunities
- Activate and embed language across cultural initiatives, including community events, dance, song and storytelling, while ensuring ethical handling, permissions and access to cultural materials
- Build strong relationships and partnerships to strengthen participation, capability and resource development, including mentoring emerging language leaders and leading the Guardians of Culture Program
To work with TLaWC, applicants must have
- An understanding of the importance of Country to Traditional Custodians and the
recognition of Taungurung as Traditional Custodians
• An ability to communicate sensitively and effectively with Traditional Custodians • A commitment to self-determination,
- Adherence to the TLaWC code of conduct.
Application Process
Applicants must submit their CV and a Cover Letter (maximum 2 pages) to [email protected].
Your application will be assessed against the Key Selection Criteria and the ability to
demonstrate your suitability for the role.
Applications close 5pm May 17
Taungurung Land and Waters Council (TLaWC) was registered 16 July 2009 as the Registered Aboriginal Party that represents the interests of the Taungurung people. TLaWC is the corporate representative and ‘face’ of the Taungurung people and serves to uphold their interests with respect to culture and country.
