About Us

At Play Matters Australia, our purpose is to enrich lives through the power of connection and play. We champion values of collaboration, Inclusivity, creativity and fun, as well as accountability and contemporary practice. Our ethos recognises parents and caregivers as a child’s first teacher, a principle that is deeply embedded in all our programs.

We invite you to join us in our commitment to creating playful and nurturing environments where all children can thrive.

Commitment to Child Safety

We have zero tolerance for child abuse. Our robust human resources, recruitment and vetting practices are strictly adhered to during the application and interviewing process. Applicants should be mindful that we carry out working with children and reference checks to ensure that we are recruiting the right people.

Your New Role

Part time, fixed-term hybrid role with 30 hours per fortnight from July 2026 until June 2027.

Our vision is ‘Playful Connected Communities’ and you will directly help us achieve this by building growth and retention in various programs.

• Identify growth opportunities within the community sector and apply community development strategies to support, sustain, and grow community playgroups and programs.
• Develops session resources, including activity plans, social media content, tip sheets, and newsletters, and guides student placements.
• Facilitate programs as required and support volunteers to ensure program sustainability.
• Develops strong relationships with organisations and stakeholders, coordinate events, participates in local forums, and provides best practice advice for service delivery and community development.

Essential Criteria

• Hold or is eligible to hold a Working with Children Check.
• Qualifications and/or experience in human services, community development and/or early childhood education or related fields.
• Ability to communicate professionally with external stakeholders and initiate and develop community networks.

Desirable Criteria

• Experience and/or knowledge in disability, inclusion and/or mental health.
• Experience working with families from varying social and cultural backgrounds.

Culture and Benefits

• Purpose and community impact
• Inclusivity & belonging
• Flexibility encouraging work life balance
• Collaboration and support
• Wellness leave
• Cultural leave

Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging Statement

At Play Matters Australia, we are committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace. As part of our core values, we embrace inclusivity and actively uphold our Reconciliation Action Plan through a dedicated working group. We strive to ensure that every team member feels valued, respected, and supported. We have also introduced cultural leave to honour and recognise the diverse cultural backgrounds of our employees. We encourage applicants from all backgrounds, identities, and communities to join us in making a positive impact on the lives of children and families.

If you would like to request any adjustments so you can participate in this recruitment process, please let us know so that we can accommodate you.

Any questions regarding the role can be emailed to Area Manager - Central & Northern QLD, Andrew McMahon: [email protected] using the subject line: Community Development Officer - Townsville enquiry via EthicalJobs.

A position description is attached.