The department is always actively seeking to attract indigenous employees. Currently we have approximately 190 Indigenous employees in various positions across the department. These positions range from Customer Service Officer, Field Worker and Team Leader, to Director and Executive Director. 

Below are just some of the ongoing projects we are involved in:

Working In Partnership With Indigenous People (WIP WIP)
It is important all staff have a good understanding of how we can develop optimum relationships between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal staff and clients.  The WIP WIP Program includes the development of ‘Generic’ and ‘Local’ training to increase cross-cultural awareness of all employees. 

The ‘General’ program provides knowledge of Traditional Culture and the impacts colonisation had on contemporary Aboriginal society, as well as ways to work more effectively with Aboriginal staff, community organisations and clients. The ‘Local’ program looks at the specific history, stories, culture, issues, people and organisations in their local area. 

Mentoring Program
We are currently developing a mentoring program in partnership with Indigenous staff to assist and support Indigenous staff wishing to further their career within the Department.

Learning and Development Opportunities
Various programs are available, including the Structured Training and Employment Projects (STEP) and Existing Workers Traineeships.  The programs offer support to Indigenous employees to develop their skills and strengthen their career opportunities. 

Indigenous Scholarship Program
This fully funded tertiary scholarship program is open to applicants who have been permanently employed within the Department for a period of two years.

Applicants need to enrol in a degree that suits the requirements of the Department’s core business or strategic direction. Participants study full time and are required to work for a total period of eight weeks during semester breaks.

Upon completion of studies participants are placed into a permanent position and are required to work for the Department for the period of time that they have studied.

Cultural Leave Project
The Department is taking a lead role in this across-agency initiative that seeks to extend current leave entitlements to enable Indigenous staff to attend cultural events, such as Lore Time and Burials.

Indigenous Distribution List
The Indigenous distribution list supports the communication between Indigenous staff within the Department.  The list informs employees of various positions and acting opportunities while also allowing Indigenous employees to contribute to policy development and specific Indigenous projects.