Wellways is committed to reconciliation, lived experience and inclusivity. We strongly encourage and warmly welcome people from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, people with a lived experience of mental health and disability and people who identify as LGBTIQA+ to apply. Even if you only meet some of the criteria, we’d love to hear from you.

If you’d like to know more about our reconciliation commitment, click here Reconciliation | Wellways

• Utilise your real-life experience to engage, encourage and support people in our community
• Paid full time (flexible) cadetship opportunity until 30 April 2027
• Not for profit, values-based company + salary packaging up to $15,899 + 17.5% leave loading

About the Opportunity

As a First Nations Peer Cadet, you’ll begin your journey supporting First Nations community members with their mental health and wellbeing. As part of a paid cadetship, you’ll build your skills, knowledge and confidence while studying and learning on the job, supported by a team around you.

Drawing on your lived experience and cultural understanding, you’ll contribute to culturally safe support that reflects each person’s story, strengths and aspirations. With guidance and supervision, you’ll be involved in supporting people to connect with services, community, culture and healing practices that matter most to them.

This is a meaningful opportunity to grow your career while contributing to stronger, more connected and empowered First Nations communities.

Key elements of your new role will include:

• With guidance and supervision, provide intentional, strengths-based peer support
• Support one-on-one support and care planning
• Assisting with the preparation and co-facilitation of group peer sessions
• Support people in building everyday skills and resilience
• Assisting people to engage with and navigate community and wellbeing supports
• Building your knowledge and capability through hands-on experience and learning

Please click here to download a copy of the position description to see further details relating to this role.

An opportunity exists for this role to being a part time (0.8FTE, equivalent to 4 days per week) role for the right candidate to fit your best work / life balance. Pro rata salary would apply.

About You

You are a proud Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander person at the beginning of your peer work journey. You bring your own lived experience of mental health challenges, psychological distress or substance use, along with a strong connection to culture and community.

You’re interested in growing your skills and confidence and you’re open to learning in a supportive, team-based environment. You understand the importance of being seen and heard, and you’re motivated to support others in a way that is respectful, culturally safe and grounded in shared experience.

If you’re ready to take the next step in your learning journey and support others through connection to culture, community and self, we’d love to hear from you.

What you’ll bring:

• Identify as First Nations and be accepted by their community
• Personal experience of mental distress and accessing and navigating healthcare services, including mental health services and a willingness to draw upon your experiences and recovery journey to inform your work
• Certificate IV/Diploma in Mental Health, AOD or currently enrolled
• Evidence of right to work in Australia
• Current and valid driver licence and willingness to undertake travel as part of your role
• Satisfactory National Police Check, Working with Children Check and NDIS Worker Screening Check, or willingness to undertake
• NDIS Workers Orientation module certificate – free online course

About the Service

Wellways, in partnership with APMHA Healthcare and GV Health, is excited to be working together across Greater Shepparton, Strathbogie, and Moira to strengthen mental health and wellbeing support across the region. Together, we're aiming to offer services that meet the unique needs of individuals in our community, whenever and wherever they are needed. Lived experience, inclusivity, and genuine collaboration are at the heart of everything we do.

Mental Health and Wellbeing Locals are free, voluntary and easy to access, with no referral needed. With a “no wrong door” approach and a focus on choice and connection, these safe and welcoming spaces make it easier for people to get the support they need – close to home, family and community.

What we will offer you…

• A purpose driven culture where people can thrive, everyone is respected, and differences are valued
• An equitable, diverse, and socially inclusive work environment
• Salary packaging up to $15,899 enables you to spend a portion of your salary before it is taxed to pay for things like rent, mortgage repayments, car leasing
• Meal and Entertainment allowance via salary packaging up to $2,650 per annum
• Receive 17.5% leave loading every time you take annual leave
• Paid parental leave after 12 months of ongoing employment
• Access for you and your family to our Employee Assistance Program

For a confidential discussion about the role, please contact Hayley Clarke, Support and Connect Team Leader on 1300 000 559.

We'd love to get to know you!

Please include your resume/CV as well as a cover letter, describing what draws you to this role and how your lived experience has shaped your interest or approach to this opportunity.

- You’re welcome to share at a level that feels right for you -

Wellways is committed to the safeguarding of children and vulnerable people.  Successful applicants must undergo a comprehensive screening process prior to their commencement.

Job Description Summary

Support First Nations communities, using lived experience to guide, connect and build skills while learning and growing in a supportive role.

Contract End Date

30/04/2027

Culture

We’re passionate about our work, which is enjoyable, challenging and rewarding. All of our teams work to ensure everyone can imagine and achieve their hopes and potential. We know that people are unique and the experts on their life and are not defined by impairments, diagnosis or labels. We aim to specifically promote safety and inclusivity for LGBTIQ+ and First Nations communities.

How to Apply

Applications Close

23/04/2026