Participation Officer - Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Education
Date: 6 Jan 2026
Location: WOOLLOONGABBA, QLD, AU, 4102
Company: Brisbane Catholic Education
About Brisbane Catholic Education
Brisbane Catholic Education (BCE) is a vibrant learning community within the Archdiocese, employing over 12,000 people across a diverse range of positions. As the largest provider of Catholic education in Queensland, BCE is dedicated to delivering high-quality education from Prep to Year 12. Through strong partnerships with parents, governments, and the wider community, BCE fosters social responsibility, self-discipline and Catholic values in all its students. We offer a supportive working culture where care for the individual is an important part of our ethos. Arrive at work every day to a welcoming and compassionate environment, knowing that you'll be supported to take care of what's important to you. Learn more about Brisbane Catholic Education.
About our team
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Education is part of Student Learning and Wellbeing function, offering support to schools to enhance outcomes for First Nations students and to create the conditions for all BCE staff to develop their Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Cultural Capabilities. The First Nations team provide holistic support for schools in implementing the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander content and cross curriculum priorities in the Australian curriculum, engaging with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families and communities, supporting schools in the Reconciliation Action Planning cycle, leading schools to create culturally safe environments and supporting First Nations students to achieve, feel valued, have a sense of belonging and pride in their cultural identity. The First Nations team also supports BCE staff in understanding and engaging with reconciliation initiatives, acknowledging, and celebrating significant Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander events and anniversaries, reflecting on and challenging attitudes, perspectives and practices to create more inclusive organisational environments and processes reflective of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples’ perspectives, ways of working and ways of knowing.
Ngutana-Lui Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies centre
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Education is part of Student Learning and Wellbeing function, offering support to schools to enhance outcomes for First Nations students and to create the conditions for all BCE staff to develop their Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Cultural Capabilities. A critical aspect of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Education Team is the work of the First Nations staff from the Ngutana-Lui Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies centre at Inala. At the centre, a wide range of students and staff are engaged in experiential, environmental and culturally immersive learning experiences to deepen their understanding and knowledge of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander histories, cultures, stories, languages and spiritualities.
Summary
We’re seeking an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander professional to walk alongside First Nations students, families, Elders, and school staff to strengthen engagement, attendance, and retention in Catholic schooling. In this identified role, you’ll use cultural knowledge, community connections, and a strengths-based approach to help schools create culturally safe, welcoming environments where First Nations students can thrive. You’ll support First Nations families through enrolment and transitions, work as a part of a team to deliver staff learning to build cultural capability, and partner with local services to wrap the right support around each young person. You will coordinate cultural incursions for First Nations students, supporting them to become strong leaders within the community and connecting them to pathways options for future work and education. If you’re passionate about celebrating culture and empowering students to succeed, we’d love to hear from you.
- Location: BCEO Woolloongabba
- Work hours: Fulltime | Flexible Working Arrangements Available
- Status: Fixed Term | January – June 2026
- Salary: $92,570 - $104,607 plus super
- Ad Close date: 19 January 2026
- Contact: CareersBCE@bne.catholic.edu.au
About the opportunity
In this position you will:
- Assist schools to engage with families and communities to develop and implement strategies that promote culturally responsive education for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students.
- Deliver and contribute to professional learning activities that enhance staff cultural competency and sensitivity.
- Support schools in providing culturally appropriate assistance to improve attendance and retention outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students.
- Work across BCE school communities to raise awareness and participation in educational decision-making processes.
- Provide advice, feedback, and support on current school and community issues, helping schools and communities collaborate for improved student outcomes.
- Support families in accessing enrolment processes and promote BCE schools within Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.
- Foster relationships with families, community Elders, and local service providers to create culturally safe and welcoming school environments.
- Participate in cultural and reconciliation events, encouraging schools to engage in Reconciliation Action Plans.
- Coordinate cultural activities and events to strengthen the identity and wellbeing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students.
About you
To be successful in this position you will bring relevant contemporary skills and experience including:
- Providing confidential and accurate documentation with a high attention to detail.
- Stakeholder engagement ensuring information flow in a timely and inclusive manner.
- Demonstrated understanding of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures and communities.
- Providing information to a range of internal and external stakeholders in response to direct queries.
- Investigating issues and concerns and providing advice and information in line with policy and procedures.
- Certificate level/Diploma qualifications or equivalent experience working with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and cultures.
Eligibility and Safeguarding requirements:
- Eligibility to work in Australia for the duration of the appointment
- Positive Notice Blue Card for working with Children.
- Brisbane Catholic Education considers that being an Aboriginal or a Torres Strait Islander person is a genuine occupational requirement for this position under Section 25 of the Anti-Discrimination Act 1991 (Qld) as amended.
Why choose BCE
Join us and be part of the largest Catholic Diocese in Queensland, nurturing your personal and professional development goals. As a valued member of our organisation, enjoy these and other rewards:
- Opportunities for career advancement and professional development
- Competitive remuneration and flexible work arrangements (position dependent)
- Access to targeted AI tools and training with a focus on innovation and strong ethical standards. Learn more here: The Rome Call for AI Ethics and Microsoft Australia News Centre
- Salary packaging and salary-sacrificing options
- Active staff social club and wellness programs
- Personal support for our employees and families through the Employee Assistance Program.
Please note applications for this position may be considered as they are received, and an appointment made prior to the advertised close date.
Everyone at BCE models and fosters a commitment to the safeguarding of children and promotes a culture where student protection is everyone’s responsibility. The Archdiocese of Brisbane has standards of conduct for workers to maintain a safe and healthy environment for children. Our commitment to these standards requires that we conduct working with children checks and background referencing for all persons who will engage in direct and regular involvement with children and young people and/or adults-at-risk. The organisation is fully committed to child safety and has a zero tolerance to abuse of children or adults-at-risk.
Equity and inclusion are at the core of our Catholic values and we recognise the benefits of a diverse workforce. We encourage and welcome candidates from all backgrounds to apply for this position.
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