Koorie Liaison Officer

Holmesglen Institute is a leading provider of vocational and higher education in Victoria, with over 40 years of experience and 140,000 graduates. As one of the largest government-owned TAFEs, we offer 600+ courses across multiple campuses, including Chadstone, Moorabbin, Glen Waverley, Eildon, and Melbourne's CBD. Our hands‑on learning approach is supported by state‑of‑the‑art facilities and strong industry partnerships, ensuring students gain the skills needed for successful careers. We foster a supportive, inclusive environment that encourages both staff and students to grow, innovate, and make a positive community impact.

The Student Engagement and Equity Department at Holmesglen is dedicated to fostering an inclusive, supportive, and collaborative educational environment where every student feels valued. The department promotes a vibrant student life and advocates for the diverse needs of students, offering key services such as disability support and programs for First Nations students. Focused on diversity, equity, and inclusion, the department also leads strategic initiatives that amplify student voices and ensure meaningful student partnerships throughout their journey at the Institute.

The objective of the role of the Koorie Liaison Officer is to establish effective and positive working relationships with Holmesglen’s Koorie learners, local communities, service providers and industry partners. Additionally, you will be responsible for engagement of Koorie learners and contribute to the Institute’s overall cultural priorities and improvements. In this role you will have responsibility for implementing a range of programs and initiatives to support Koorie engagement. This also includes activities and approaches that support the Wurreker Strategy.

As a Koorie Liaison Officer, you will:

• Support Koorie learners in achieving positive educational outcomes that align with their personal aspirations and long‑term goals.
• Promote and actively contribute to the development of culturally safe, inclusive learning environments, programs, and resources that honour and reflect Koorie culture and identity.
• Provide accurate and timely information to enhance culturally responsive practices that emphasise the value of education and lifelong learning for Koorie learners.
• Collaborate with the broader Holmesglen community to create meaningful opportunities for Koorie learners to participate in and contribute to the wider TAFE experience.
• Strengthen cultural inclusivity by contributing to institutional initiatives, policy development, and the creation of educational materials that embed Aboriginal perspectives and uphold culturally respectful practices.

To be successful, you’ll have:

• Degree and post graduate qualifications and relevant experience, preferably in the education sector or a lesser qualification and substantial experience may be considered.
• Demonstrated understanding of the issues impacting Koorie learners, with a strong ability to apply culturally safe and ethical practices, facilitate support, and advocate effectively within both education and community contexts.
• Strong time management, administrative, and case management capabilities, including the ability to prioritise competing demands, maintain confidentiality, and manage multiple learner needs effectively.
• Objectively analyse and evaluate available data, points of view, needs of stakeholders and potential solutions before recommending relevant actions or decisions.
• Integrate digital and technological developments in the design and delivery of our work.
• A current and valid driver’s licence is required, this position requires travelling and working at varied campuses.

WWCC and Police Check: Appointment to this position is dependent on obtaining a Victorian ‘employee’ Working with Children Check, and a valid Police Check within the last 12 months.

Our commitment to you: At Holmesglen Institute, we are committed to fostering a safe, supportive, and flexible workplace where our employees can thrive both personally and professionally. We’ve implemented strong systems and ongoing support to ensure our staff can work and deliver in a safe and adaptable environment. Our team benefits from a range of wellbeing initiatives, access to the Employee Assistance Program, and opportunities for professional and career development. We also offer paid parental leave and flexible work arrangements to support a healthy work‑life balance. Holmesglen is a child safe and equal opportunity employer. We are dedicated to attracting, retaining and developing our people. We value diversity in our workforce and encourage people from all backgrounds, abilities, and identities to apply for roles within our organisation, including the Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander community.

Here’s how to apply: Please submit your updated resume and a short cover letter with responses to the Key Selection Criteria. We commit to respond to every applicant. For a confidential discussion regarding this role, please contact Tina Whitmore, Manager - Student Engagement and Equity.