• Position    : Permanent, Part Time 
• Location   : Preston
• Salary      : $76,376.56 - $81,906.76 plus superannuation and salary package

The Organisation

The Victorian Aboriginal Child and Community Agency (VACCA) is an Aboriginal Community-Controlled organisation that supports and advocates for the Aboriginal Community and is the largest organisation of its kind in Australia. The VACCA team is committed to the organisation’s visions and values, passionately providing support, service and advocacy for our children and other vulnerable members of the community.

Our strength lies with our people.

About the role

The Community Elder/ Older will work alongside residential carers to integrate culture into the homes teaching cultural ways including responsibilities and obligations and aligning with Gamadji Balit principles, objectives and the Cultural Therapeutic Ways framework.

This critical role will bring to life old ways in new environments while supporting community connections and leadership to our staff, young people and their families. The broken lines that young people in residential care often experience will be supported through the relationships with Elders/ Olders in the homes.

About You

• Commitment and understanding for the values that underpin VACCA’ vision and purpose and the capacity to take a leadership role in championing these internally and externally
• Demonstrated awareness and appreciation of Aboriginal societies and cultures, and commitment to continually build knowledge of such, along with a high level of awareness of the key issues which impact upon Aboriginal communities
• Good understanding of the issues experienced by Aboriginal children and young people in residential care and their families
• Ability and willingness to assist and mentor young people and their families through cultural connection in the homes
• Support the work of carers in the home through developing their confidence in working with Aboriginal children, young people and their families
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills and the ability to work independently and within a team
• Requirements: Valid Police Check, a Working with Children’s Check for a paid employee (or willingness to obtain) and a Victorian Driver Licence. Current COVID-19 vaccination (Strongly Recommended).

What we can offer you

• A supportive environment that includes comprehensive induction
• The support of regular internal supervision
• Professional development and training opportunities 
• Attractive salary packaging to increase your take-home pay
• 17.5%  loading on annual leave
• Access to agency vehicles for all work-related travel 
• Access to Employee support and wellbeing programs 
• Paid parental leave after 12 months of ongoing employment
• Opportunity to work and build connection with the Aboriginal Community and culture
• Fitness Passport - allowing you (and your family) access to any of the facilities available on this program 

Please note: This is an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander designated position, classified under Section 12 Special Measures of the Equal Opportunity Act 2010. This employment opportunity is only available to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people

Applications should include a cover letter addressing the key selection criteria and current resume. We encourage applicants to view the Position Description prior to applying. Please click here  Community Elder - Residential - L3.pdf to download the position description for this role. 

Application closes by 31 March 2026

We are committed to Aboriginal self-determination and supporting strong, safe, thriving Aboriginal communities and aim to ensure every individual is treated with dignity, honouring all cultural backgrounds, abilities, ethnicities, sexual orientations, gender identities and spiritual beliefs.

VACCA is a child-safe organisation and is committed to ensuring the safety and wellbeing of children and young people with zero tolerance for child abuse. All successful applicants will be required to undertake a National Police Record Check and Working with Children Check prior to commencement of employment and periodically following commencement.

VACCA is an equal opportunity employer and has a smoke-free workplace policy