First Peoples Arts Officer

Exciting new role that will assist to increase First Peoples programming across the Arts and Culture program at Merri-bek.

• Part Time, permanent role 0.6EFT (based on 35 hours per week)
• Increase self-determination at one of Melbourne’s leading Councils for the Arts
• This role will be based in Coburg and Brunswick with work from home opportunities
• Salary: $84k – 95k+ Super (pro rata)
• Online Information Sessions – book here:  https://calendly.com/astuart-4ook/first-peoples-arts-officer-info-session 
• Ability to transfer or take LSL (Long Service Leave) within Local Government

About Merri-bek City Council

Merri-bek City Council is a progressive council of 175,000 residents: one community, proudly diverse. Our council area sits within the banks of the Merri Creek and the Moonee Ponds Creek, and includes Brunswick, Coburg, Fawkner, Glenroy, Gowanbrae, Hadfield, Oak Park and Pascoe Vale. Our city is vibrant and energetic, known for its active community, cultural diversity, creative industries and the arts. Our long-term vision has ambitious goals for environmental sustainability, social justice, community wellbeing, and creating great places. With the Civic Centre located in Coburg, 8 kilometres north of Melbourne’s CBD, there are excellent public transport options and great food and cafés right at the doorstep.

Merri-bek Council strives to be a contemporary, innovative and collaborative organisation with a deep commitment to engaging and supporting the Merri-bek community.  Our organisational vision is to be one team, brave and diverse, making a difference.

We pride ourselves on being an inclusive and welcoming workplace. We offer flexible and hybrid work options and genuinely care about providing our staff work/life balance. With the Civic Centre located in Coburg, 8 kilometres north of Melbourne’s CBD, there are excellent public transport options and great food, cafés, parks and a cinema right at the doorstep.  Merri-bek is a great place to live, work and play.

About the role

The First People’s Arts Officer role is a new role that will assist to increase First Peoples programming across the Arts and Culture program at Merri-bek and increase self-determination in that programming.

The Merri-bek arts program includes an extensive festival program including large scale events such as Brunswick Music Festival and smaller, community-based events including Fawkner Festa and Glenroy Festival, the contemporary Counihan Gallery in Brunswick, public art commissioning, arts grants and professional development programs for artists.

The role will:

• work across the Arts and Culture Unit to establish and nurture relationships with First Peoples artists, organisations and Traditional Owners, to grow Merri-bek’s engagement with and support of these communities through the arts,
• assist to increase First Peoples programming and self-determination, including ensuring events are conducted with cultural integrity and respect,
• assist to create pathways for First Peoples artists,
• ensure culturally sensitive programming and communications,
• support the integration of First Peoples cultures and perspectives in Arts Merri-bek programs, and
• contribute to the development and implementation of policies that support the inclusion and well-being of First Peoples.

This is a Special Measures position where lived experience and knowledge of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture is required; therefore, only people who identify as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander are eligible to apply, as per section 12 (1) of the Equal Opportunity Act 2010.

Skills and experience require to perform the role

• Demonstrated experience of participation in the development and delivery of First Peoples arts and culture programs
• Strong interpersonal skills, with demonstrated experience of working collaboratively with diverse stakeholders
• Well-developed stakeholder management and community engagement skills, with a demonstrated record of building relationships with First Peoples artists and communities
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively with a team, across a variety of program areas

What the role can offer

• The opportunity to work alongside an experienced and collaborative Arts and Culture team and contribute to the vibrant Merri-bek community.
• A role that is interesting and impactful
• Salary sacrifice options
• A real sense of work-life balance & flexible work options
• Tailored First Peoples Support and Networks within the organisation, including connection to culture and wellbeing events just for Mob.
• Employer-supported study assistance schemes
• Wellness programs

Further support offered for our staff

• Up to 20 weeks primary & up to 5 weeks secondary parental leave
• Purchase leave
• Ceremonial leave
• Gender affirmation leave
• Family violence leave

For further information about this position please contact Amber Stuart, Unit Manager Arts and Culture on 9240 2376.

Applications close: 11:30pm, Thursday 13 July 2025.*in the case that we receive a high volume of applications, we reserve the right to close this advertisement before the current closing date.

Before submitting an application, please view the Position Description.

How to apply

Please fill out an application using our online recruitment system. You will be required to upload your CV, a cover letter outlining your relevant skills and experience. You do not need to respond to the individual Key Selection Criteria. Please also upload any other relevant documents.

*Please note that some documents relating to this position may reference Moreland City Council. We are in the process of updating the councils new name of Merri-bek City Council.

Please note that applications must only be submitted online, applications will not be accepted via email.

Merri-bek City Council is proudly diverse and an equal opportunity employer. We encourage applications from the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community, people with disability, and people from every culture, sexuality and gender identity, age and ethnic background. Merri-bek City Council is a Child Safe organisation.

Merri-bek is focused on diverse representation of the community we serve. With this we value lived experience that could contribute to the shaping of this role and in turn will continue to provide representation and growth of safe and inclusive work culture.

We encourage everyone to apply and discuss opportunities to develop your knowledge and experience.  Council is committed to removing barriers and access to employment where possible at any point in the recruitment, onboarding and during your time at Council. For further information regarding access or modifications you may require for a recruitment process please contact Danni Jovanovic, Recruitment Business Partner on recruitment@merri-bek.vic.gov.au

Our Commitment

In May 2021, Merri-bek Council adopted a revised Statement of Commitment to Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung People and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities of the municipality. The statement recognises the Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung people as the traditional owners of the lands and waterways of our municipality.

Merri-bek City Council is committed to being a Child Safe Organisation and has zero tolerance for child abuse. We believe children and young people have the right to be and feel safe and that their safety and wellbeing is the responsibility of everyone. You can read more about our Child Safety Commitment Statement on our website.