POSITION DESCRIPTION
- Job Title: Historian – MANA Developments
- Location: Warrnambool, Victoria
- Term: 1.0 FTE 12 months full time
- Salary: $90,000 – $100,000
- Reports to: General Manager – MANA Developments
THE ORGANISATION
Eastern Maar Aboriginal Corporation (EMAC) was determined by the Federal Court as a Registered Native Title Body Corporate (RNTBC) under the Native Title Act 1993 (Cth) in 2011, holding the native title for an area of land shared with the Gunditjmara people in what is now known as Southwest Victoria.
In 2012, the Eastern Maar filed a native title claim over the remaining portion of their traditional land and waters. EMAC has been accorded Registered Aboriginal Party (RAP) status (under Victorian Aboriginal heritage legislation) for the shared native title area and the area covered by the 2012 native title claim in February 2020.
The Corporation is governed by a Board of Directors, each representing a family group of the Eastern Maar People. Its role is to protect and advance the aspirations of Eastern Maar citizens by managing their native title and cultural heritage rights and interests and implementing aspects of the Eastern Maar Settlement Agreements to be negotiated with the State of Victoria under the Traditional Owner Settlement Act 2010. EMAC is also responsible for providing high-quality policy advice, leadership in developing key initiatives, and strengthening the capacity and independence of Eastern Maar citizens.
PURPOSE OF THIS POSITION
Through consultation with the Eastern Maar rights holders/knowledge holders, the position will lead and contribute to building Eastern Maar communities’ tourism know-how and tourism market readiness by assisting with destination cultural storytelling content creation and curation.
Eastern Maar Peoples have a story to tell, and the Researcher/Historian will assist Easter Maar rights holders in collating the stories and history they want to tell publicly in a tourism context.
The role will link up stories associated with place, captured “on record” in the historical record to those stories that are maintained and held by Eastern Maar Knowledge Holders, particularly Elders.
Importantly, the role will codify agreed community stories within a secure easy to use system/depository that is able to visually map and plot those stories to landmarks and destinations within the Eastern Maar Ancestral Estate that are current and popular high-yield tourist sites, whilst highlighting areas rich in culture, place and story that aren’t current tourist destinations that could become future tourist locales.
KEY ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
- Initiate a Destination Cultural Storytelling reference group made up of interested Eastern Maar Citizen Representation and guided by a developed Terms of Reference approved by the EMAC Board.
- Undertake in-depth historical and ethnographic research related to Eastern Maar clans and societies, through a range of normative “on records” avenues such as desktop assessments, and research at local libraries and archives.
- Develop a system/depository that can visually map and plot those stories to landmarks and destinations within the Eastern Maar Ancestral estate that are current, popular high-yield tourist sites, whilst highlighting areas rich in culture, place and story that aren’t current tourism destinations that could become future tourist locales.
- Codify agreed with community stories within the system/depository.
- Liaise with the Eastern Maar citizens to further detail EMAC’s historical records and seek community members’ knowledge as part of historical research.
- Develop sharing protocols for use of individual community-held Intellectual Property.
- Research and collate the history and background of listed Eastern Maar Ancestors.
- Compile information and develop records and resources to assist the Mana Developments business in providing consistency of messaging pertaining to the Eastern Maar local cultural story.
- Assist the Mana Developments business in articulating the important events and occurrences across the Eastern Maar historical timeline to the present day.
- Research and draft high-quality research papers, briefings, reports, submissions, resources for services and fact sheets focused on Eastern Maar history and stories.
GENERAL
- Be aware and adhere to the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth), OH & S legislation and other relevant legislation.
- Be aware and adhere to EMAC Policy and Procedure manuals.
- Be aware and participate in staff performance reviews.
- Attend all mandatory training as required.
- Perform other duties as may be directed or implied from time to time.
OTHER POSITION REQUIREMENTS
- 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.
KEY SELECTION CRITERIA
ESSENTIAL
The key selection criteria specified below outline the capabilities required for the position.
- Hold tertiary qualifications in history or a related discipline.
- Have demonstrated experience in historical research and writing including the ability to critically assess and contextualize evidence and events of the past.
- Have demonstrated the ability to write effectively, engagingly and accessibly for a general audience.
- Have the ability to relate to people from all backgrounds and communicate engagingly with community members.
- Be familiar with the tenets of copyright, intellectual property and privacy legislation and have the ability to apply these to the creation of historical work.
- Good time management skills with the ability to manage multiple relationships and projects simultaneously.
DESIRABLE
- Demonstrated understanding of the regulatory framework in which EMAC operates.
- Knowledge of Eastern Maar people, Country, culture, values, aspirations and customs and experience working with the Eastern Maar people, community and key organisations and stakeholder groups.
- Experience and capacity to collaboratively manage relationships sensitively and effectively with a diverse stakeholder group including management, Aboriginal organisations, Aboriginal community members and Government bodies.
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: 04 August 2022
If you have any queries about the role, please email bansri.dave@easternmaar.com.au
The appointment of the successful applicant may be subject to a satisfactory national police history check.
Applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are encouraged, but this is not a designated/identified Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander appointment.
