GEGAC is seeking an
experienced and motivated Manager to lead the implementation and operational
delivery of the Aboriginal Children in Aboriginal Care (ACAC) Program under
Section 18 of the Children, Youth and Families Act. This is a unique leadership
opportunity to contribute to an innovative and culturally led service model
that strengthens Aboriginal self-determination within the child and family
services sector. The role will provide strategic oversight and leadership to
ensure the delivery of high-quality, culturally safe, and outcomes-focused
services for Aboriginal children and families.
The successful applicant
will demonstrate strong leadership capability, advanced case management
expertise, and a sound understanding of the child protection and out-of-home
care system. They will possess the ability to build effective stakeholder
relationships, lead multidisciplinary teams, and drive best practice service
delivery aligned with legislative, cultural, and organisational frameworks.
GEGAC is seeking a professional committed to achieving positive outcomes for
Aboriginal children and families through culturally responsive practice,
continuous improvement, and community-led approaches.
Organisational
Profile
GEGAC is
an Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisation based in Bairnsdale Victoria.
Consisting of about 200 staff, GEGAC is a Not-for-Profit organisation that
delivers holistic services in the areas of Primary Health, Social Services,
Elders & Disability and Early Childhood Education.
GEGAC
advocates for the self-determination of the Aboriginal community by
prioritising services that enhance social, emotional, and spiritual wellbeing,
with culture at the heart of everything we do.
Position
Purpose
The Wangun Lidj Program Manager leads GEGAC’s
Aboriginal Children in Aboriginal Care (ACAC) program operating under Section
18 of the Children, Youth and Families Act 2005 (Vic) (the Act).
Wangun
Lidj, meaning Boomerang Child in Gunaikurnai language, reflects the
program’s commitment to ensuring Aboriginal children and young people remain
connected to family, kin, culture, community and Country.
The role
provides operational leadership, statutory oversight and culturally
authoritative practice leadership to ensure the safety, wellbeing, permanency
and cultural connection of Aboriginal children and young people through
culturally grounded, trauma-informed and legislatively compliant service
delivery.
The
position upholds the principles of Aboriginal self-determination, the
Aboriginal Child Placement Principle and culturally led decision-making in all
aspects of practice.
Key Selection Criteria
·Demonstrated understanding of
Aboriginal culture, self-determination and culturally authoritative practice,
with the ability to embed culturally safe approaches across all aspects of
service delivery for Aboriginal children, young people and families.
·Extensive knowledge and demonstrated
experience in the administration and application of the Children, Youth and
Families Act 2005 (Vic), including Section 18 responsibilities, the Aboriginal
Child Placement Principle, permanency planning and statutory child and family
practice.
·Demonstrated leadership experience
within child and family services, Out of Home Care, Child Protection or
Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations, including workforce supervision,
mentoring, staff development and performance management.
·Demonstrated experience managing
complex, high-risk and sensitive child safety and wellbeing matters, including
sound risk assessment, crisis management, investigative and decision-making
skills.
·Highly developed understanding of
trauma, attachment, child development and the impacts of intergenerational
trauma on Aboriginal children, young people and families.
·Demonstrated experience in program
management including service development, policy and procedure development,
compliance oversight, quality improvement, budget monitoring and operational
leadership.
·Highly developed stakeholder engagement
and partnership-building skills, with the ability to build and maintain
effective working relationships with community, government, legal and sector
partners.
·Advanced written and verbal
communication skills, including report writing, briefing preparation, policy
development and the ability to adapt effectively to changing operational and
organisational environments.
Qualifications and Registrations
Requirement (Essential or Desirable).
·Valid Victorian driver’s licence ESSENTIAL
·A recognised Social Work degree or similar
welfare, behavioural or human services qualification with a primary focus on
child development, trauma, family dynamics and/or casework practice ESSENTIAL
·OR A recognised Diploma of Community Services
Work or similar qualification studied over a minimum of two academic years
full-time (or equivalent), including supervised field placements and relevant
case management/counselling componentsESSENTIAL
·A satisfactory Working with Children
Check and Fit2Work Police Check ESSENTIAL
·A person of Aboriginal and or Torres Strait Islander
background DESIRABLE
·Proof of COVID-19 vaccinated to align with GEGAC
requirements ESSENTIAL
How to apply for this job
A copy of the position description can be obtained
by copying and pasting this URL into your browser: https://gegac.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/2026-05-Wangun-Lidj-Program-Manager-Position-Description-signed-LC.pdf
A copy of the position description can also be
obtained by emailing HR@gegac.org.au.
Applicants must address the key selection criteria
for shortlisting.
Any applications that have not addressed the key
selection criteria will not be considered during the shortlisting process.
Applications can also be emailed to
HR@gegac.org.au.
This position will remain open until
filled. Applications may close at any time without notice. To avoid
disappointment or missing out, prospective applicants are strongly encouraged
to apply without delay.”
A valid Working with Children Check and Police
check is mandatory to work in this organisation.
“this advertisement is pursuant to the
‘special measures’ provision at section 8 of the Racial Discrimination Act 1975
(Cth)”.
