About Boomerang Alliance

The Boomerang Alliance (www.boomerangalliance.org.au) was formed in 2003 with the aim of a zero-waste society. We are a community-based organisation advocating for waste reduction and resource recovery. Our network includes many of the key environment, conservation and litter clean-up organisations in Australia, with campaign work covering issues such as beverage and plastic bag litter, toxic tyres, electronic waste, plastic packaging, recycling and circular economics. Our network includes 51 national and state environment groups and many community organisations.

A key current focus is on litter, particularly plastic pollution. Previously our aim has been the introduction of a container deposit scheme for beverage containers in each state, and the phase-out of single use plastic bags. With the announcement and implementation of these now in almost all Australian states and territories, Boomerang Alliance is addressing other single-use, fossil-fuel based plastics, commonly found in the waste and litter stream.

Plastic Free Cairns and Plastic Free Townsville

Boomerang Alliance’s Plastic Free Places (PFP) program has been established as a community-focused program to promote the switch from single-use, ‘disposable’ plastic takeaway products to better practices and alternatives. By taking a whole-of-community approach, working with business on procurement decisions, and with the support of state and local government - we work to reduce single-use plastics, demonstrating how this can be effectively achieved and receive acceptability.

Boomerang Alliance is undertaking PFP programs in Cairns and Townsville in 2020. Utilising extensive experience gained through four PFP projects already in operation in Noosa (Qld), Byron Bay (NSW), Adelaide (SA) and Perth (WA), the ‘Plastic Free Townsville’ and 'Plastic Free Cairns' initiatives will directly engage with local food retailers to facilitate the transition away from key single-use plastic food service items. To learn more about how our programs operate, visit http://www.plasticfreeplaces.org/.

About the roles

We are looking for local candidates to fill a position in each community. The coordinators will be employed for 22.5 hours per week on a 41-week contract to deliver on the goals of the program. We are looking for candidates who have local knowledge of their community. The positions are home-based and flexible with days, but the majority must be conducted Mon-Fri to fit in with suitable hours for business engagement. Some weekend work may be occasionally necessary. The position will commence by February 17th, 2020, and run until November 27, 2020 (41 weeks), with the possibility of extension if further funding is secured.

With support from the BA National team, the coordinators will focus on the practical implementation of the Project Action Plan for their community, with specific tasks including but not limited to:

• Coordination of on-ground engagement with cafés/food retailers/product suppliers and any other identified sectors.
• Media and public spokesperson representation of the project where required.
• Production of regular social media content (Facebook and Instagram).
• Production of copy for newsletters and articles.
• Liaison with the PFP Program Manager, Council and other stakeholders to ensure project objectives are being met.
• Content management of member database.
• Data collection and reporting.

For information on conditions and salary, please see the supporting document attached.

Selection Criteria

Essential

• Local knowledge of the Cairns or Townsville community.
• A bachelor’s degree qualification, preferably related to an environment or communications field.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Excellent time management skills.
• Proficiency in the use of Microsoft Office.
• Proficiency with social media.
• Confidence with public speaking.
• Confidence working with a range of business and government stakeholders.
• An interest in waste and plastic pollution issues.

Desirable

• Experience within the food retail / hospitality sector (management experience would be well regarded).
• A skillset in marketing, graphic design, photography, videography or copywriting.
• Knowledge of the issues surrounding waste, recycling and plastic pollution.

A position Description is attached.