Overview of Corporation

Dja Dja Wurrung Clans Aboriginal Corporation (DDWCAC) actively works to progress the aspirations of the Dja Dja Wurrung community. It is incorporated under the Corporations (Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander) Act 2006 (CATSI Act) and is regulated by the Office of the Regulator of Indigenous Corporations (ORIC). Established in 2004, the principal objectives of the Corporation are to:

• Promote the health and wellbeing of the Dja Dja Wurrung People and.
• Protect and promote the laws, culture, property rights and human rights of the Dja Dja Wurrung People.

In March 2013, the Victorian Government, and the Dja Dja Wurrung Clans Aboriginal Corporation (DDWCAC) entered a ‘Recognition and Settlement Agreement’ which formally recognises the Dja Dja Wurrung people as the traditional owners for part of Central Victoria. The Dja Dja Wurrung people nominated the Corporation as the ‘traditional owner group entity’ for the purpose of the settlement, meaning it will hold and manage the settlement on behalf of the Dja Dja Wurrung people. The Corporation is also a party to the settlement agreements.

The Corporation is the primary vehicle through which the Dja Dja Wurrung people engage with the State in relation to the agreements, and through which the Dja Dja Wurrung will seek to achieve our aspirations including employment and training opportunities for Dja Dja Wurrung people and having a say in the management of our country.

DDWCAC is a partner in the implementation of the Dja Dja Wurrung joint Management Plan (JMP), and a Registered Aboriginal Party with the responsibility to protect, manage and preserve Dja Dja Wurrung cultural heritage, including tasks associated with Cultural Heritage Management Plans (CHMPs) and ceremonies such as Welcomes to Country and Smoking.

The DDWCAC is a registered Public Benevolent Institution allowing general salary sacrifice.

Primary Purpose of Position

The Program Manager – Dhelkunya Dja Policy plays a key role in supporting a genuine partnership and meaningful engagement between Djaara and Government across all areas of the Dhelkunya Dja Country Plan.

The role will further develop the policy framework that enables the implementation of the Country Plan through in accordance with expectations of the DDWCAC Corporate Strategy.

Accountabilities:

• Develop a policy framework and related templates to apply across all nine goals of the Country Plan. These Policy elements must include:
  • Djaara vision
  • Related Local, State, and federal Government references (policy, strategy regulations)
  • Key performance indicators
  • Methodology for progressing goals through Policy application
• Coordinate with relevant program managers or technical advisors the development of focused policy for each Country Plan goal.

• Where appropriate, lead the development policy, including NRM aligned to Djaara vision for NRM as detailed in Dhelkunya Dja.
• Scope DDWCAC expectations of related State policy in each Country Plan goal area including:
  • Objectives of DDWCAC, aligned to the Country Plan
  • Identification of available resourcing
  • Outcomes for DDW Group
  • Roles and responsibilities
  • Agreed strategy/policy response with the State
• Advocate across all levels of Government to facilitate the achievement of Dhelkunya Dja through Government Policy and Strategies in accordance with the IPA2 model.
• Support DDWCAC Program Managers and Djandak to develop effective action plans and strategies to achieve Dhelkunya Dja outcomes.
• Supervise a Project Officer including the development of workplans, professional development plans, assigned tasks and adherence to DDWCAC policy
• Support the GM-Corporation as required in developing and maintaining DDWCAC Business Plans
• Ensure DDWCAC policies are applied and maintain a safe workplace

Key Selection Criteria

The key selection criteria specified below outline the capabilities required for the position:

1. Commitment to Djaara self-determination.
2. High level communication skills and influencing skills.
3. Minimum 10 years’ experience in complex policy environments
4. Comprehensive knowledge of natural resource management and conservation principles
5. Sound appreciation of Djaara traditional ecological knowledge and practice.
6. Minimum 5 years management experience and proven ability to effectively develop staff

For further information on this position, please contact Cassandra Lewis, DDWCAC General Manager, on 0488 006 752.

A position description is attached.