Title:  Aboriginal Partnerships Officer

About Us

The Department of Transport and Planning oversees key planning, transport and land use policy decisions and management across the State. A life-cycle approach to planning, building, connecting and sustaining communities means our people can come together to; improve services, deliver sustainable projects, focus on customer engagement, streamline regulatory approval pathways, facilitate community consultation and better realise local economic opportunities for more liveable communities across Victoria.

Transport Services delivers safe, reliable and accessible transport infrastructure and services to keep Victoria moving, connecting people to what matters most in their lives.

Gippsland and Capital Delivery is a Division in Transport Services Group and is responsible for delivering a better transport experience connecting Gippsland communities, businesses and visitors.

We’re focused on outcomes that deliver more choice, connections and confidence in our travel, ensuring the whole transport network works as one to deliver better services and outcomes.

About the Role

Job Location: Traralgon, Gippsland

The Aboriginal Partnership Officer role sits within the Gippsland Transport Strategy team, of the Gippsland and Capital Division and is responsible for coordinating and providing expert advice to develop, maintain, and support strong working relationships and partnerships with Registered Aboriginal Parties, Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations and other Aboriginal Stakeholders within the region.

The Aboriginal Partnership Officer is a key member of the Gippsland Transport Strategy team supporting regional growth areas, and transport corridors. The Gippsland Transport Strategy team develop and deliver the transport planning program for an integrated a whole-of-government view to create sustainable and successful places.

The Aboriginal Partnership Officer is integral to the development and implementation of the Transport and Planning Portfolio Aboriginal Self Determination and Reform Plan, and the Cultural Safety Action Plan. Working alongside the First Peoples Self Determination and Reform (FPSDR) Division, the Aboriginal Partnership Officer develops and coordinates regional delivery of the actions in both plans, ensuring they are embedded in day-to-day practice across the Region.

To access the Position Description, please click here.

Position Outcomes / Accountabilities

• Act as a subject matter expert within the region, guiding colleagues and leadership on culturally appropriate engagement approaches.
• Apply sound judgement to support culturally informed integrated transport planning and decision making across regional strategies, plans and programs.
• Build and maintain respectful and collaborative partnerships with RAPs, ACCOs, Traditional Owner groups and Aboriginal stakeholders within the Gippsland region.
• Support cross-functional teams within the region to deliver culturally safe and responsive services.
• Support the Region to maintain accountability for Aboriginal community partnerships and regional cultural safety actions in collaboration with the FPSDR Branch.
• Promote and support safe, inclusive and flexible team operations.

Key Selection Criteria

The DTP is seeking a motivated professional who supports partnering and co-creation with customers and stakeholders to contribute to the development of effective strategies, programs and products. The role involves applying sound critical thinking, interpersonal and communication skills to resolve issues, follow established policies and processes, and work collaboratively with others. You will support project delivery by prioritising tasks, using tools and maintaining accurate records to ensure timely and high-quality outcomes.

Qualifications and experience

• This role has been designated only for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people
• Tertiary qualifications in Aboriginal studies, public policy, community development, or related discipline are desirable.
• Experience working in or alongside Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations or Traditional Owner groups is preferred.
• Flexible working arrangements.
• Driver’s license.

Cultural value 

We welcome applicants from a diverse range of backgrounds representing the community that we serve, including veterans, parents, carers, First Peoples, people with disability, multicultural, multifaith and LGBTIQA+ individuals. 

As an equal opportunity employer, we are committed to fostering a safe, inclusive, and high-performance culture. Through shared actions and behaviours aligned with our strategy and direction, we empower our people to thrive and meaningfully contribute to the department’s goals. 

What we offer

• Meaningful work making Victorian communities more accessible and liveable
• Professional growth and development opportunities across the department and the wider Victorian Public Services
• A hybrid working model focused on collaboration and teamwork
• Optimal work-life balance initiatives including flexible working arrangements
• Opportunity to work across multiple urban and suburban hubs
• We prioritise the development of a safe and inclusive culture

Pre-employment checks and employment conditions  

All new appointments to the department will be subject to a National Criminal Records Check, Misconduct Screening, and a Qualification Check where there is a requirement for a mandatory qualification. Information provided to the Department of Transport and Planning will be treated in the strictest confidence consistent with the requirements of the Privacy and Data Protection Act 2014. 

Applicants must be an Australian Citizen, Permanent Resident or hold a valid work permit or visa necessary for the nature of the position. 

Recipients of Victorian Public Service (VPS) voluntary departure packages should note that re-employment restrictions apply. 

 Non-VPS applicants will be subject to a probation period of six months. 

How to Apply

Click the ‘Apply’ button to be redirected to our recruitment platform, where you may need to create an account to submit your application. 

If you encounter any issues, refer to our Quick Reference Guide for step-by-step instructions.

Applications close at 11:59 pm on Sunday 22nd of February 2026. 

Please include both your resume and a cover letter. All applications must be submitted via the online portal, we’re unable to accept email or manual submissions. 

For further information about the role, please contact Rachael Ashton A/ Associate Director Transport Strategy via 0422 045 385 or rachael.ashton@transport.vic.gov.au

Important Information: 

• If you require any adjustments to fully participate in the recruitment process, or need the advert or attachments in an accessible format (e.g., large print), please contact us by phone or email. We're here to support you.