Wangun Lidj Program Manager

GEGAC is seeking anexperienced and motivated Manager to lead the implementation and operationaldelivery of the Aboriginal Children in Aboriginal Care (ACAC) Program underSection 18 of the Children Youth and Families Act. This is a unique leadershipopportunity to contribute to an innovative and culturally led service modelthat strengthens Aboriginal self-determination within the child and familyservices sector. The role will provide strategic oversight and leadership toensure the delivery of high-quality culturally safe and outcomes-focusedservices for Aboriginal children and families.

The successful applicantwill demonstrate strong leadership capability advanced case managementexpertise and a sound understanding of the child protection and out-of-homecare system. They will possess the ability to build effective stakeholderrelationships lead multidisciplinary teams and drive best practice servicedelivery aligned with legislative cultural and organisational is seeking a professional committed to achieving positive outcomes forAboriginal children and families through culturally responsive practicecontinuous improvement and community-led approaches.

OrganisationalProfile

GEGAC isan Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisation based in Bairnsdale of about 200 staff GEGAC is a Not-for-Profit organisation thatdelivers holistic services in the areas of Primary Health Social ServicesElders & Disability and Early Childhood Education.

GEGACadvocates for the self-determination of the Aboriginal community byprioritising services that enhance social emotional and spiritual wellbeingwith culture at the heart of everything we do.

PositionPurpose

The Wangun Lidj Program Manager leads GEGACsAboriginal Children in Aboriginal Care (ACAC) program operating under Section18 of the Children Youth and Families Act 2005 (Vic) (the Act).

WangunLidj meaning Boomerang Child in Gunaikurnai language reflects theprograms commitment to ensuring Aboriginal children and young people remainconnected to family kin culture community and Country.

The roleprovides operational leadership statutory oversight and culturallyauthoritative practice leadership to ensure the safety wellbeing permanencyand cultural connection of Aboriginal children and young people throughculturally grounded trauma-informed and legislatively compliant servicedelivery.

Theposition upholds the principles of Aboriginal self-determination theAboriginal Child Placement Principle and culturally led decision-making in allaspects of practice.

Key Selection Criteria

Demonstrated understanding ofAboriginal culture self-determination and culturally authoritative practicewith the ability to embed culturally safe approaches across all aspects ofservice delivery for Aboriginal children young people and families.

Extensive knowledge and demonstratedexperience in the administration and application of the Children Youth andFamilies Act 2005 (Vic) including Section 18 responsibilities the AboriginalChild Placement Principle permanency planning and statutory child and familypractice.

Demonstrated leadership experiencewithin child and family services Out of Home Care Child Protection orAboriginal Community Controlled Organisations including workforce supervisionmentoring staff development and performance management.

Demonstrated experience managingcomplex high-risk and sensitive child safety and wellbeing matters includingsound risk assessment crisis management investigative and decision-makingskills.

Highly developed understanding oftrauma attachment child development and the impacts of intergenerationaltrauma on Aboriginal children young people and families.

Demonstrated experience in programmanagement including service development policy and procedure developmentcompliance oversight quality improvement budget monitoring and operationalleadership.

Highly developed stakeholder engagementand partnership-building skills with the ability to build and maintaineffective working relationships with community government legal and sectorpartners.

Advanced written and verbalcommunication skills including report writing briefing preparation policydevelopment and the ability to adapt effectively to changing operational andorganisational environments.

Qualifications and RegistrationsRequirement (Essential or Desirable).

Valid Victorian drivers licence ESSENTIAL

A recognised Social Work degree or similarwelfare behavioural or human services qualification with a primary focus onchild development trauma family dynamics and/or casework practice ESSENTIAL

OR A recognised Diploma of Community ServicesWork or similar qualification studied over a minimum of two academic yearsfull-time (or equivalent) including supervised field placements and relevantcase management/counselling componentsESSENTIAL

A satisfactory Working with ChildrenCheck and Fit2Work Police Check ESSENTIAL

A person of Aboriginal and or Torres Strait Islanderbackground DESIRABLE

Proof of COVID-19 vaccinated to align with GEGACrequirements ESSENTIAL

How to apply for this job

A copy of the position description can be obtainedby copying and pasting this URL into your browser: copy of the position description can also beobtained by emailing

Applicants must address the key selection criteriafor shortlisting.

Any applications that have not addressed the keyselection criteria will not be considered during the shortlisting process.

Applications can also be emailed

Applications close 5pm Sunday 19 July 2026

No late applications will be considered (unless under exceptional circumstances).

A valid Working with Children Check and Policecheck is mandatory to work in this organisation.

this advertisement is pursuant to thespecial measures provision at section 8 of the Racial Discrimination Act 1975(Cth).