First Nations Cultural Projects Officer

The City of Parramatta embraces what was, is, and always will be Aboriginal Country. We recognise the Baramadagal (Parramatta) and Dharug People as First Australians, being First Nation peoples of the oldest continuous living culture in the world. For more than 60,000 years, Parramatta has been home to the Baramadagal people, who are the Traditional Custodians of the land we call Parramatta. The Baramadagal and other Dharug peoples have cared for and nurtured the habitat, land, and waters for thousands of generations, and maintain an ongoing connection to Parramatta and its surrounding area.

Parramatta is a dynamic and vibrant community of over 260,000 people – diverse, creative and progressive. We honour our rich heritage while shaping a bold future where deep cultural roots meet bold innovation, and creativity thrives alongside a growing business district.

We aspire to create an inclusive, globally connected city that celebrates diversity, fosters opportunity and champions arts and culture. Parramatta’s vibrant cultural life, thriving creative industries and strong community spirit are central to this ambition.

People are at the heart of everything we do – their ideas, energy and creativity drive innovation and shape a city proud of its unique identity. By joining the City of Parramatta, you’ll be part of a team shaping the future – embracing difference, celebrating achievement and driving positive impact.

How this position will make a difference to the City of Parramatta
We are seeking an experienced and motivated person to lead the development and delivery of cultural projects that advance Council’s First Nations Strategy, Cultural Strategy, the Parramatta Community Strategic Plan and the vision of Parramatta 2050.  

All activities should reflect Council’s commitment to respect, inclusion, cultural safety, and continuous improvement, ensuring First Nations voices are central to decision-making.

Position Overview

The First Nations Cultural Projects Officer will plan, manage and deliver major arts and cultural projects with a strong focus on First Nations culture, including public art, heritage interpretation and related cultural initiatives. 

This role leads community engagement and consultation, ensuring inclusive participation and building meaningful connections with First Nations people, artists and communities to achieve culturally informed outcomes.

Key Responsibilities
 

• Consultation: coordinate engagement and consultation with Baramadagal/Dharug Traditional Custodians, other First Nations community and stakeholders to guide cultural project outcomes.
• Stakeholder Management: build and maintain relationships with internal teams, external partners and advisory bodies, including the First Nations Advisory Panel and the First Nations Employee Reference Group to achieve strategic outcomes.
• Framework and Protocol Implementation: apply the Designing with Country framework, First Nations artistic protocols and ICIP ensuring consultation is embedded in all projects in line with Council’s First Nations Strategy and Cultural Competency Framework.
• Cultural Guidance and Evaluation: convene advisory groups, lead consultations and provide cultural advice, procurement and evaluation for First Nations arts and cultural projects. 
• External Partnerships: foster effective relationships with community organisations, consultants, contractors, Local, State and Federal authorities

Key Capabilities

• Cultural Competence.
  Awareness and a deep understanding of First Nations cultural practices, values, and the social and economic needs of communities. Ability to apply cultural, social and ethical considerations to decision-making protocols. Ability to liaise and communicate sensitively and effectively with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander colleagues.
   
• Community Engagement
  Strong ability to connect with First Nations people and communities, fostering trust and meaningful participation.
   
• Project Management
  Proven experience delivering arts and cultural projects, with sound planning, organisation and time management skills to meet deadlines and manage competing priorities.

What you’ll bring to the team

Experience 

• Experience working within First Nations communities and/or organisations in and arts and culture context. 
• Minimum 5 years’ experience in the arts and cultural industry, including placemaking, museums, galleries, public art, heritage interpretation, design or related sectors. 
• Proven ability to manage programs and projects from conception to delivery. 

Qualification 

• Degree qualification in the visual arts, curation and cultural leadership, cultural heritage, or related discipline; or relevant demonstrable experience working with First Nations cultural material.

Skills

• Deep knowledge of First Nations cultures and ability to apply cultural, social and ethical considerations to decisions and communications.
•  Proven ability to build trust, collaborate and engage meaningfully with First Nations communities and stakeholders.
• Experience delivering arts, cultural and infrastructure projects, managing priorities, procurement, finance and compliance.
• Skilled in communication, negotiation, preparing culturally sensitive materials, and resolving sensitive issues constructively.
• Understanding of relevant legislation, work with multidisciplinary teams, and strong administrative and creative/digital software skills.

What’s on offer 

We are offering a permanent full time opportunity with an attractive remuneration from $104,610.61 to $115,174.86 plus 12% superannuation.

In addition, City of Parramatta also offers excellent employee benefits which include: 

• A range of flexible work arrangements including hybrid WFH arrangements
• 14 weeks paid parental leave
• Access to Long Service Leave after 5 years
• Participation in the First Nations Employee Reference Group
• Central Parramatta location (Public transport at our door, discounted parking)
• Significant leave benefits (up to 12 days flexitime, 3 additional leave days at Christmas, 1 day NAIDOC week leave,15 days sick/personal leave, 2 days volunteer leave, health and wellbeing leave per year)
• Learning and development opportunities
• Health and Wellbeing programs (Fitness Passport, flu shots, Flare etc.) 

Want to know more? 

Further information regarding the requirements of this role can be found in the attached Position Description.

Review our Values Flyer, which outlines Council's core values and behaviours.

Alternatively for a confidential discussion please contact Suzanne Buljan on 0422158787 or email sbuljan@cityofparramatta.nsw.gov.au 

How to apply 

Candidates MUST apply online.

Please attach a Cover Letter addressing the requirements of this role and answer the following: 

• Why are you interested in this role and how you can successfully contribute?
• What considerations would enable and facilitate a better introduction to Council and this role?
• Are there any adjustments you require if you are selected for interview?

Applications close 9pm, Sunday, 22 February 2026 and will not be accepted through any other medium.

Prohibited persons as defined under the NSW Child Protection Act are not eligible to apply. A copy of a valid Working with Children Clearance must be presented at Interview.  

This is an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Identified Position.
An applicant's race is a genuine occupational qualification for this role and is authorised under Section 14(d) of the Anti-Discrimination Act 1977, NSW.

The City of Parramatta supports a Drug and Alcohol-free working environment and employees may be subject to random testing as a result. 

Inclusion, Diversity and belonging lies at the heart of how we recruit at the City of Parramatta. We continue to commit to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace and hire great people with a wide variety of skills, experiences, and backgrounds. We invite candidates of all ages, people with disability, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples, women, ADF veterans, LGBTIQA+; and other culturally diverse groups.  We are committed to making reasonable adjustments to provide a positive, barrier-free recruitment process and supportive workplace.