Introduction

• Do you believe in the power of culture to heal and guide your work?
• Can you build trust and connection using your creative flair with empathy and respect?
• Are you ready to use your skills in counselling or social work to support women and families facing complex challenges?

The Business

Galiwin’ku Women’s Space Aboriginal Corporation (GWS) is a Yolngu-led organisation based in the remote Galiwin’ku Community on Elcho Island, Northeast Arnhem Land. Established by a dedicated group of Yolngu women, GWS exists to address the devastating impact of domestic and family violence through culturally grounded, community-led solutions.

We operate using a “two worlds” approach, bringing together Yolngu and Balanda ways of knowing, being, and doing. Our work is rooted in the Yolngu Gurrutu system (kinship), which guides how we relate to one another and how we care for families.

GWS provides services that span crisis accommodation, trauma-informed counselling, prevention programs, community education, and cultural healing. We work to strengthen families, empower women and children, and stop the cycle of violence, all while building local capacity and leadership for long-term change.

As a grassroots, not-for-profit organisation, we’re deeply connected to the community we serve — our staff, our clients, and our leaders are Yolngu women who carry the strength of culture into every aspect of the work.

The Opportunity

This position is for female-identifying applicants only.

The DFSV Art Therapist / Counsellor position is a unique and meaningful role based in Galiwin’ku Community on Elcho Island, Northeast Arnhem Land. Operating within Galiwin’ku Women’s Space Aboriginal Corporation, this role plays a central part in delivering early intervention and therapeutic services for women and children impacted by domestic and family violence.

The role is designed for a qualified Art Therapist or Counsellor with a recognised qualification in psychology, counselling, social work or mental health. The position is open to female-identifying applicants only, in line with the organisation's commitment to culturally safe, women-led support services.

This position will be facilitating creative and wellbeing-based therapeutic sessions — both individually and in group settings — drawing on a wide range of expressive mediums such as art, movement, meditation, and other sensory-based approaches. These activities are delivered at the women’s shelter and within the community, with a focus on promoting calmness, healing and connection. Previous activities have included yoga and herb therapy in fun and inclusive workshops that bring joy and emotional safety to participants.

In addition to therapeutic work, the position requires basic administrative duties, such as documenting sessions, creating program resources such as posters or short videos, and contributing to evaluation and planning. The Therapist is also involved in a rotating on-call roster supporting after-hours needs of women in crisis accommodation (with additional pay and on-call allowance).

This opportunity is well-suited to a creative, community-minded practitioner who values cultural integrity, empowerment and trauma-informed practice in a remote Indigenous context.

About You

You are a compassionate and creative mental health professional who brings a culturally sensitive, hands-on approach to therapeutic work. You will ideally have:

• A recognised qualification in Art Therapy, Psychology, Counselling, Social Work or a related discipline
• Membership or registration with a relevant professional body (e.g. PACFA, AASW, AHPRA)
• Experience working in remote Indigenous communities or cross-cultural environments
• Confidence in delivering creative and non-clinical therapeutic interventions, including group activities
• Skills in any creative or expressive medium (e.g. visual arts, movement, meditation, craft, storytelling)
• The ability to facilitate trauma-informed, strengths-based support for women and children
• Basic administrative and digital skills (e.g. writing case notes, using Microsoft Office, creating simple posters/videos)
• A collaborative and flexible approach to working in a small, values-led team
• A current NT Working with Children (Ochre) Card, National Police Check, and current Driver’s licence
• A genuine commitment to healing, empowerment and capacity building in Aboriginal communities
• Willingness to coordinate occasional staff wellbeing retreats (e.g. beach or bush days)

Your Reward

This is a rare opportunity to live and work in a culturally rich, community-led environment where your work has deep impact. In return for your dedication, you will receive:

• A full-time, fixed-term contract (12 months) with competitive Pay at SCHADS Award Level 4 
• 11.5% superannuation and access to generous salary packaging benefits
• Three return flights per year to Darwin for personal leave or respite
• Fully self-contained housing, either a one-bedroom private studio apartment at the women’s shelter or a nearby one-bedroom unit — both with privacy and independence
• The chance to engage in meaningful, community-driven work that blends art, wellbeing, and cultural connection
• Ongoing support from a passionate and experienced local team committed to empowering women and children
• Regular team wellbeing days (e.g. beach trips, bush outings)
• A truly diverse and fulfilling role that values creativity, relational healing and cultural safety
• A workplace where Yolngu values, relationships and community voices are central to everything

Next Steps

To register your interest, click the “Apply Now” button, without delay.

To discuss this opportunity, or if you have questions, contact Aisla for a confidential discussion on 0448 345 483 or [email protected] using the subject line: Domestic, Family and Sexual Violence Art Therapist / Counsellor - Galiwin’ku Women’s Space Aboriginal Corporation enquiry via EthicalJobs.