POSITION DESCRIPTION
JOB TITLE: Heritage Advisor
LOCATION: Warrnambool, Victoria
TERM: 1FTE 24 months full time, fixed term
SALARY: $80,000- $85,000
REPORTS TO: Cultural Heritage Manager
THE ORGANISATION
The Eastern Maar Aboriginal Corporation (EMAC) is a Registered Native Title Prescribed Body Corporate
(RNTBC) established under the Native Title Act 1993 (Cth) and registered as a corporation under the
Corporations (Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders) Act 2006 (CATSI Act).
EMAC was established in 2011 following a positive Native Title consent determination by the Federal Court.
This determination granted rights over an area known as PART B, spanning from Deen Maar (Lady Julia Percy
Island) in the south to Dunkeld in the north. It is shared with the Western Gunditjmara Native Title Holders,
represented by the Gunditj Mirring Traditional Owners Aboriginal Corporation.
In March 2023, a second positive Native Title Determination expanded EMAC’s jurisdiction, covering an
extended area from Yambuk to Aireys Inlet in the southwest, reaching Middle Creek and Ararat in the north,
and returning south to Dunkeld.
Eastern Maar peoples are those descendants, including by adoption, of the following persons:
• King of Port Fairy and Eliza; Old Jack (father of John Dawson); Charlie and Alice (parents of
Albert Austin); Samuel Robinson and Mary Caramut; Lizzie (mother of Frank Clarke); Robert
and Lucy (parents of Alice Dixon); Barney Minimalk; Nellie Whiturboin; Louisa (mother of
William Rawlings) and Richard Sharp;
and who:
• either identify as being from the eastern domain of the Maar-speaking people and are
recognised as being from the eastern domain by the Eastern Maar people;
• or otherwise identify as Maar, Gunditjmara, Tjap Wurrung, Peek Whurrung, Keeray Wooroong
(Kirrae Whurrung), Kuurn Kopan Noot, Yarro Waetch (Tooram Tribe), Djargurd Wurrung,
Gulidjan and/or Gadubanud and are recognised as being from the eastern domain by the
Eastern Maar peoples.
EMAC is a formally recognized Registered Aboriginal Party (RAP) responsible for protecting and managing
Cultural Heritage. The RAP boundaries extend beyond the Native Title-recognized boundaries, including
Winchelsea in the east and reaching the furthest point of Landsborough in the north.
As the representative body, EMAC advocates for the collective group, advancing their native title rights,
protecting cultural heritage, providing policy advice, and leading key initiatives aligned with the rights,
aspirations, and assertions of the EMAC community. They actively strive to enhance the cultural and
economic capacity and independence of Eastern Maar citizens by pursuing and implementing their economic
and social aspirations, notably through the Victorian Registered Aboriginal Party regime.
PURPOSE OF THIS POSITION
The RAP Technical Specialist at Eastern Maar Aboriginal Corporation (EMAC) plays a crucial role in managing and
preserving the cultural heritage of Eastern Maar. The position involves working closely with Traditional Owners,
stakeholders, heritage advisors, and government agencies to ensure the protection and promotion of Eastern
Maar cultural heritage. The RAP Technical Specialist will contribute to the implementation of the Eastern Maar
Biocultural Landscapesstrategy, provide expert advice, and support EMAC in its role as the Registered Aboriginal
Party (RAP) for Eastern Maar Country.
KEY ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
• Evaluate CHMP’s to ensure compliance against the Aboriginal Heritage Act 2006.
• Evaluate CHP applications, prepare documentation to support executive decision making and prepare
cultural heritage permit documents within statutory timeframes and standards.
• Map out Cultural Heritage assessment areas, and conduct related activities, such as onsite inspections,
recording and registering Aboriginal places on the Victorian Aboriginal Heritage Register.
• Provide advice and direction on the development of ACHLMAs and CHAs.
• Provide authoritative, strategic, and timely advice to executive team on Aboriginal cultural heritage
matters including the preparation of reports and briefs.
• Develop and assist with developing policies and procedures for managing EMAC RAP functions in
accordance with the Aboriginal Heritage Act 2006 and best practices in cultural heritage management.
• Provide advice on the curation, custody, and repatriation of Aboriginal cultural heritage material for
the EMAC RAP area.
• Assist EMAC in the pursuit of ongoing protection declarations for significant Aboriginal places within
the EMAC RAP area.
• Support the development and implementation of the EMAC Biocultural Landscape Strategy
• Assist in the development of and lead in the overseeing of repatriated collections and/or items for
cataloguing, safe storage, and preservation.
KEY SELECTION CRITERIA
ESSENTIAL
• Qualified Heritage Advisor as defined by the Aboriginal Heritage Act.
• Tertiary qualification in either Archaeology (preferred), Anthropology or a related field.
• Experience in the registration of Aboriginal places on the Victorian Aboriginal Heritage Register.
• Ability to use Geographical Information Systems and Global Positioning System technology.
• Experience in developing and/or evaluating cultural heritage management plans and cultural heritage
permits, preparation of clear accurate and professional documentation to support executive decision
making.
• Proven planning, problem-solving and analytical skills with the ability to work through issues with
moderate complexity and guide and/or coach others in the resolution of problems.
• Demonstrated communication and interpersonal skills to engage with, influence and build and maintain
relationships with stakeholders.
• A current Victorian driver’s license is essential.
DESIRABLE
• Knowledge of Eastern Maar people, Country, culture, values, and customs and experience working with
the Eastern Maar people, community and key organisations and stakeholder groups.
• Experience working with Aboriginal people, including a demonstrated ability to communicate and
engage sensitively and effectively with Traditional-Owner-led communities and organisations.
• Demonstrated understanding of the regulatory framework in which EMAC operates.
OTHER POSITION REQUIREMENTS
Offers of employment can only be made once all required probity checks have been completed. These include:
• reference checks.
• The appointment of the successful applicant will be made subject to a satisfactory national police
history check. A clear Police Check must be conducted within the last three months.
• Acceptable evidence of their proof of immunisation/vaccination status.
• The incumbent requires the ability to travel regularly for work-related purposes.
• A current Victorian driver’s licence is essential.
• Proficiency in the use of computer and telecommunications technology.
• A request to conduct probity checks does not guarantee that an offer of employment will be made.
WHY JOIN EASTERN MAAR ABORIGINAL CORPORATION
EMAC EMPLOYEE BENEFITS
• Hybrid working arrangements available.
• Paid Christmas break
• Employee Assistance Program
• Four weeks of annual leave
• Mentoring, learning and career development opportunities.
EMAC WILL OFFER
• A friendly and supportive culture
• Work-life balance
• Opportunities for career progression
• Opportunity to experience various teams.
• Professional development opportunities
HOW TO APPLY
To apply please include in your application a CV/resume and cover letter that addresses why you are the best
candidate for this position and how your background, experience and skills align with the Key Selection Criteria.
Please ensure your full name is on all attachments and email your application to Bansri Dave,
bansri.dave@easternmaar.com.au
Closing date for applications: COB 13 SEPTEMBER 2023
If you have any queries about the role, please email bansri.dave@easternmaar.com.au
Appointment of the successful applicant will be made subject to a satisfactory national police history check.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are encouraged to apply, but this is not a designated/identified
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander appointment.
Read a full description of the position at this link
