First Peoples Equity Officer Hawthorn Community Service

About Us

Access Health and Community (AccessHC) is a leading not-for-profit healthcare provider with over 150 years of experience delivering inclusive person-centered care across Melbournes inner and outer east and northeast.

With 600 staff and 200 volunteers across 17 locations we offer a wide range of integrated services to support diverse communities. Following our May 2025 merger with Inspiro Community Health weve expanded our reach into the Yarra Ranges and strengthened our commitment to accessible high-quality community health services.

We are proud of our commitment to Diversity Equity and Inclusion (DEI) strong Environmental Social and Governance (ESG) principles and our respect for the rights culture and contributions of First Nations peoples. At AccessHC we are united by compassion collaboration and community-led care to help people live healthier lives.

The opportunity

Access Health and Community (AccessHC) is seeking a passionate and experienced First Peoples Equity Officer to drive the development and implementation of our next Reflect Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) following our recent merger with Inspiro Community Service.

Reporting to and working closely with the Manager Community Engagement & Inclusion this exciting opportunity will play a pivotal role in advancing reconciliation across our organisation. You will lead the development of a new organisation-wide RAP support meaningful truth-telling initiatives strengthen relationships with First Peoples and champion equity and inclusion for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples across our services workforce and volunteer community.

This Maximum term part-time 0.6 EFT until September 2027 role based in Hawthorn is ideal for a skilled project professional with experience in community engagement reconciliation health promotion stakeholder management community development and social impact programs.

You will collaborate withFirst Nations communities Traditional Owners Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations (ACCOs and ACCHOs) community leaders and internal stakeholders to create meaningful and sustainable change.

What you will be doing

RAP Leadership & Project Management

• Lead the development and submission of AccessHCs organisation wide Reflect Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP)
• Coordinate RAP Action Group meetings agendas minutes and follow-up actions
• Project manage the implementation monitoring and reporting of RAP commitments
• Coordinate and deliver the launch of the new RAP
• Lead planning and delivery of key reconciliation initiatives including:
• National Reconciliation Week
• NAIDOC Week
• January 26 activities
• Prepare high-quality reports including Reconciliation Australia reporting requirements and organisational updates.

Truth-Telling & Community Engagement

• Support the design coordination and delivery of AccessHCs truth-telling process
• Facilitate meaningful engagement with First Peoples both internally and within the broader community
• Build awareness cultural capability and understanding of reconciliation across all levels of the organisation
• Support staff and leaders to embed reconciliation cultural safety and equity into everyday practice

Partnerships & Stakeholder Engagement

Build and maintain trusted relationships with:

• Wurundjeri Elders and other Traditional Owners
• Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisations (ACCHOs)
• Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations (ACCOs)
• First Peoples community members and representative groups
• Reconciliation Australia
• Support the establishment and ongoing operation of a First Peoples Advisory Group
• Participate in Cultural Consultation meetings and local reconciliation networks
• Lead the Request for Proposal (RFP) process and engagement of a First Peoples artist to develop artwork for the RAP
• Work collaboratively with internal and external stakeholders to deliver reconciliation outcomes

Organisational Leadership

• Champion First Peoples equity inclusion and cultural safety across client volunteer and employee experiences
• Collaborate with Communications Community Engagement Health Promotion People & Culture and Executive teams to deliver key initiatives
• Promote AccessHCs commitment to reconciliation diversity equity and inclusion across the organisation

What you will bring Key Selection Criteria

• Minimum 3 years experience in community development health promotion engagement reconciliation or a related field; and/or relevant tertiary qualificationsOr Tertiary qualification in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander studies Health Promotion community development or a related discipline
• Experience working with First Peoples communities including an understanding of the cultural norms communication styles and complex issues experienced by First Peoples especially in relation to interactions with the health system
• Experience building strong working relationships to work in partnership with Wurundjeri Elders First Nations community members and organisations such as ACCHOs Melbourne Indigenous Transition School etc
• Demonstrated project management experience with strong strength-based leadership skills within internal and external projects
• Excellent communication facilitation stakeholder engagement presentation and report-writing skills

Highly Desirable

• Experience building productive partnerships across community organisations government health services and leadership groups
• Experience working with First Peoples organisations communities and reconciliation initiatives
• Knowledge of Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) frameworks and Reconciliation Australia processes
• Understanding of truth-telling cultural safety self-determination and equity principles
• Experience coordinating advisory groups consultation processes or community engagement programs

Compliance Requirements:

• National Police Check Working with Children Check
• Evidence of the right to work in Australia and a valid Drivers Licence

Attributes we value

• Demonstrated commitment to diversity equity and inclusion
• Ability to embed equitable and inclusive practices into programs projects and service delivery
• Experience applying a gender equity and intersectionality lens to community engagement and project work
• Strong cultural capability and ability to build authentic relationships with diverse communities
• Strong organisational and time management skills
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications including Word Excel Outlook and PowerPoint
• Demonstrated behaviours aligned to AccessHCs values of Equity Collaboration Respect Innovation and Quality

What we offer

• An opportunity to lead meaningful reconciliation and truth-telling initiatives
• Purpose-driven work that delivers real outcomes for communities
• A supportive and values-led organisational culture
• Ongoing professional development and career growth opportunities
• Flexible working arrangements to support work-life balance
• The opportunity to work alongside passionate professionals committed to community wellbeing
• Salary packaging benefits to increase your take-home pay

Access Health and Community Culture and Benefits

At AccessHC we offer more than just a fulfilling career; we provide an environment where you can thrive in a culture of collaboration and support. Our team members share commitment and passion to make a positive impact and this ethos creates a range of benefits for our people from opportunities for personal and professional growth to a sense of purpose and belonging. Our culture promotes an environment of success and fulfilment. Join us and experience a career where you truly make a difference.

The position encompasses an extensive range of benefits:

• Supportive and values-based culture and engaged workforce
• Culture of trust and empowerment for people to grow and thrive
• Commitment to a work-life balance with flexible working conditions
• Focus on staff wellbeing and health - Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Commitment to ongoing professional development and career growth
• Paid parental leave and opportunity to purchase additional leave
• Annual leave loading
• Generous salary packaging opportunities (up to $15990 per annum $2650 meals/ entertainment expenses)

Read more about our culture and benefits: Now

Submit your application including your resume and cover letter addressing the selection criteria.

Please refer to the position description on our website for the key selection criteria information: email Katrine Gabb Community Engagement & Inclusion Lead: E: if you would like further information about the role.

Why join Us

• Lead an organisation-wide Reconciliation Action Plan following a significant organisational merger
• Drive meaningful reconciliation truth-telling and First Peoples engagement initiatives
• Work in a supportive collaborative and purpose-driven environment
• Influence sustainable change for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples
• Be part of an organisation committed to equity inclusion and community wellbeing.

Apply now so you do not miss this opportunity as we will be assessing applications when submitted. No recruitment agencies thank you.

Applications close: 10th August 2026

Our Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion

Access Health and Community is an equal opportunity employer committed to providing an inclusive working environment that embraces and values all people regardless of cultural background age gender identity sexuality or lived and living experience.

We strongly encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples people from culturally diverse backgrounds people with disability people of all genders and sexualities and people with lived and living experience.

We recognise the strength resilience and ongoing contributions of First Nations peoples and are committed to advancing reconciliation through our employment service delivery and organisational practices.

All compliance requirements will be assessed on a case-by-case basis and a criminal history does not automatically exclude an applicant from employment. All applications will be treated confidentially.