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Education Officer – Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Learning & Wellbeing
📍 Newcastle West | 🕒 Permanent, Full Time | 🗓 Commencing February 2026
Catholic Schools Diocese of Maitland-Newcastle is seeking a passionate and experienced Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander educator to lead and strengthen Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander learning, wellbeing and cultural inclusion across our system of schools.
This senior leadership role works in partnership with schools, Elders and communities to improve student outcomes, embed culturally responsive curriculum and practice, and support reconciliation in action across primary and secondary settings.
The successful applicant will bring strong educational leadership experience, deep cultural knowledge, and a commitment to Catholic education and community connection. This position includes system leadership, staff supervision and advisory responsibilities.
Join us in making a lasting difference for students, families and communities across the Diocese.
The work of Student Learning and Support Services is focused on creating a culture of high expectations, deep learning, enhanced wellbeing, and a sense of belonging for all through:
Ensuring every student is known as a person and learner and demonstrates growth in their learning every
year.
Building the capacity of every teacher, every leader and every school through collaborative professionalism, and relevant, contemporary professional learning.
Nurturing a culture of learning that is adaptive, innovative, and continuously improving.
The role of Education Officer: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Education will:
Improve outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students across the system of schools
Promote and provide culturally responsive curriculum, pedagogies and practices which value and embrace Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander knowledges and languages for primary and secondary schools within the diocese
Establish partnerships, links and networks among schools, Catholic Schools, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Elders and communities
Collaboratively develop, review and support the implementation of policies and procedures that support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Education across the system of schools.
Promote and build collaborative relationships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Elders and communities, promoting greater respect and understanding of their life and culture across the entire Catholic school system, and for advocating for all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to assist in bringing just outcomes within a spirit of genuine reconciliation.
The role has direct supervisory responsibilities for the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Education Teachers, Leaders of Learning - Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Education and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Education Support Assistants (Workers) working in diocesan schools. Developing effective collaborative and mentoring relationships with these Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Education staff and their Principals is a key aspect of the role.
As the system of Catholic schools commits itself to reconciliation in action, this role has responsibility for advising system leaders on cultural protocols, political nuance and sensitivities, and in being a wisdom figure in the development of policies and procedures related to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students and their families.
Desired Skills and Experience
EXPERIENCE/CRITERIA
Ability to articulate a clear understanding of and a personal commitment to Catholic Education and the mission of the Church through Catholic schools.
Being Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander is a genuine occupational qualification for this position as described under section 14 (d) of the NSW Anti-discrimination Act 1977. In order to ensure this qualification is considered, submission of corroborated acknowledgment of Aboriginality is preferred. Applicants should have established ongoing links with the local and/or wider Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community.
Experience and expertise working in educational settings with a focus on supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students with a commitment to inclusive education and familiarity with the Multi-Tiered System of Support (MTSS).
Demonstrated ability to improve student learning outcomes through data and evidence-informed practice.
Demonstrated ability to apply knowledge and understanding of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, histories and contemporary educational issues affecting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
A demonstrated understanding of current and emerging syllabuses and national and international perspectives on curriculum.
Capacity to provide pedagogical advice relating to Aboriginal issues, studies, perspectives, and languages across the curriculum.
Demonstrated communication, interpersonal and negotiation skills with the ability to develop cooperative working relationships with a wide range of people and stakeholders.
Demonstrated experience in design and implementation of Aboriginal language revitalisation aligned with the K-10 NSW Aboriginal Languages syllabus.
QUALIFICATIONS/ACCREDITATIONS
•Aboriginal and / or Torres Strait Islander identity as a genuine occupational qualification for this position as described under section 14(d) of the NSW Anti-discrimination Act 1977.
Be appropriately qualified as a 4-year trained teacher with a minimum of 5 years teaching experience.
Postgraduate educational qualifications
Active NESA Accreditation
Current paid NSW Working with Children Check (WWCC) number
Current (NSW) Driver's License
Desirable
Postgraduate qualifications in Aboriginal Education or willingness to undertake further study
Experience in a formal educational leadership position and/or other relevant positions
CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT
Catholic Schools Office, Diocese of Maitland-Newcastle Employees Enterprise Agreement 2024
Work in quality schools where students are nurtured, challenged and encouraged to excel and grow
A corporate fitness program through Fitness Passport (T&C's apply)
Employee assistance program (EAP)
Training and staff development programs
Paid parental leave for eligible employees
Access to long service leave after just five years for eligible employees.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION
Contact Kathryn Gillespie, Head of Student Learning and Support on Tel: 02 4979 1248or via email: kathryn.gillespie@mn.catholic.edu.au
TO APPLY, CLICK ON THE APPLY BUTTON BELOW AND
Please provide a cover letter along with your resume
Within your cover letter address each of the selection criteria as listed under EXPERIENCE/CRITERIA above and ensure your response to each criteria is no longer than 300 words.
Please note, not adequately addressing the selection criteria may result in your application not being shortlisted.
Applications for this position will only be considered if submitted through the following platforms: our careers page on our website, mnpeople, Indeed, Seek, or LinkedIn.
Applications close: Sunday 18th January 2026 at 11.59pm
Additional information
The Diocese of Maitland-Newcastle is committed to safeguarding children and vulnerable persons and preventing those in our care from suffering abuse or neglect. It is committed to implementing and maintaining compliance with the NSW Child Safe Standards and the National Catholic Safeguarding Standards and takes a zero-tolerance approach to abuse of children or vulnerable persons. All who work in the name of the Diocese must comply with the Diocesan Safeguarding Framework Policy and act in accordance with the Diocese’s Code of Conduct which includes the Diocese’s Safeguarding Commitment Statement. Employees are required to undergo a National Police Check and retain a valid NSW Working with Children Check where necessary, in accordance with legislation.
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