Aboriginal Partnerships & Strategy Officer

Lead collaboration and meaningful partnerships with local Traditional Owners & First Nations people, supporting positive outcomes for our communities!

• Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander designated position
• Join a flexible, supportive and inclusive team
• Contribute to meaningful work that makes a difference in our communities!

This is an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Designated Position designated under ‘Special Measures’ in Section 12 of the Equal Opportunity Act 2010 (Vic). Only Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people are eligible to apply for this position.

North East Water are committed to partnering with local First Nations people to support outcomes in water management and maintain cultural and spiritual connections to Country. We work with eight Aboriginal communities across our service region including the Registered Aboriginal Parties of Yorta Yorta and Taungurung and are also committed to our relationships with the Duduroa Dhargal, Dhudhuroa Waywurru, Dalka Warra Mittung, Bangerang, Jaithmathang and Jaithmathang TABOO communities.

About the role

The Aboriginal Partnerships and Strategy Officer will lead and support a variety of internal and external partnerships, policies and strategies:

• Support opportunities to return river water to Traditional Owners and the environment.
• Work with Traditional Owners to progress culturally appropriate considerations and activities.
• Partner with Traditional Owners to support self-determination and apply the Cultural Benefits Framework.
• Act as a primary contact for local Traditional Owners and First Nations groups.
• Develop and maintain positive, productive relationships and engage regularly with stakeholders, Traditional Owners and First Nations groups on upcoming strategies, plans, capital works programs and other initiatives.
• Identify, understand and embed our First Nations-related obligations into the business, regarding Water is Life, Statement of Obligations, First Nations Self-determination Framework, and Land Use Activity Agreements.
• Liaise with state government and Traditional Owners and First Nations groups to inform and develop a North East Water policy position, including customer bill relief for enhanced First Nations outcomes.
• Embed cultural heritage and First Nations commitments into internal processes including our capital works programs.
• Lead actions and support the implementation of our Country & Culture Action Plan.

This role is part of our Infrastructure Strategy & Liveability team to embed First Nations considerations into our infrastructure planning and options assessments, progress opportunities to return water to Traditional Owners, support pilot projects and work with land managers and internal teams to improve access to land and water entitlements.

This role is a full-time, ongoing opportunity, including a monthly RDO and a range of flexible work options available.

To view more information and access the position description for this role, please visit www.newater.com.au/careers

Key Selection Criteria

1. Experience working with and/or supporting local First Nations communities with a commitment to cultural safety.
2. Excellent communication skills with the ability to engage effectively with stakeholders, communicate sensitively and effectively.
3. Experience facilitating collaboration and applying change management and capacity building techniques to deliver positive outcomes.
4. Experience in strategic planning, policy development and project management.

For tips on writing your application and how our application process works, please visit: https://www.newater.com.au/careers/recruitment-process

Why work at North East Water?

North East Water is a leader in a unique and rewarding industry. This is thanks to our team who makes sure we exceed the expectations of our customers and communities. We’re committed to providing a respectful, inclusive, and equitable environment, and offer a range of benefits to our people, including:

• Our state-of-the-art regional headquarters (with our fabulous atrium),
• Getting out and about in the beautiful north east region,
• Great work-life balance with a range of flexible working arrangements including hybrid working, compressed hours and the option to purchase additional leave,
• Professional development through on-the-job and external training, leadership development programs, study assistance, mentoring and secondment opportunities,
• Annual salary increases and superannuation,
• Wide variety of leave types including 1 paid day off per month to use as you choose,
• 15 weeks paid primary caregiver leave and 3 weeks secondary caregiver leave,
• A day of paid leave to attend NAIDOC Week activities each year,
• Up to 3 days of paid ceremonial leave each year,
• 24/7 confidential wellbeing support and psychology sessions available through our Employee Assistance Program (EAP),
• Discounted gym and pool memberships through Fitness Passport,
• Musculoskeletal reimbursements for allied health treatments,
• Discounted private health cover,
• Onsite flu vaccination and skin check clinics annually,
• Social club,
• Bring your dog to work,
• plus much, much more! https://www.newater.com.au/careers/why-work-with-us

Position Information

• Identified role: This is an Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Designated Position, classified under ‘special measures’ of section 12 of the Equal Opportunity Act 2010. Only Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people are eligible to apply for this position.
• Location: Primarily based in Wodonga at our Regional Headquarters.
• Employment type: Full time, ongoing role.
• Salary: $101,942 to $113,349 plus 12% superannuation, depending on skills and experience.
• Successful applicants will be required to undertake pre-employment checks including a national police check and/or pre-employment medical and functional testing where applicable (paid and organised by NEW).
• Applicants must have the right to work in Australia.

Have questions? Please get in touch!

Please do not hesitate to contact Jill Fagan, Manager Infrastructure Strategy & Planning on 0487 109 510.

Alternatively, you can contact Sienna from our People & Culture team via email hr@newater.com.au

How to apply!

Please apply via our websitewww.newater.com.au/careers to submit your resume, cover letter and key selection criteria responses.

Our recruitment process:

• For tips on writing your application and how our application process works, please visit: https://www.newater.com.au/careers/recruitment-process

Applications close 11:59pm Sunday 25 October 2026.