Director Community Service

• Join a Council with exponential growth opportunities
• Beautiful Location |A few short hours drive to Weipa and great fishing!
• Abundant opportunities for lasting impact and social advancement
• Up to $185K + 12% Super + FMV + Subsidised Accommodation

Highly rewarding, pivotal role managing a dedicated team making a recognised difference in the community. Continue driving further transformation & growth.

Closing Date: Monday 24^th June 2024 at 10PM | Based in Aurukun QLD

About the Organisation 

The community of Aurukun is located on the north-west coast of the Cape York Peninsula, 178km south of the mining town Weipa and 811km (11hrs) from Cairns. Nearly the entire population live within the township.

The shire has an area of 7500sq. km and is bounded by the Holroyd River and Pormpuraaw Deed of Grant in Trust lands to the south, Cook shire and Archer Bend National Park to the east, the Gulf of Carpentaria to the west and Cook shire to the north. It has about 107 km of Gulf of Carpentaria coastline.

Situated in the heart of an Indigenous community, Aurukun is one of the larger communities in the Cape with a population of approximately 1400. Most residents are Traditional owners of the shire and surrounding lands. There are 5 spiritual clan groups: Apalech, Winchanam, Wanam, Chara and Puutch. There are 15 outstations that are occupied during the dry season, one feature in common with many other Indigenous communities is a very stable (immobile) population. Many Aurukun residents have little opportunity to move away from the area – many lack recognised education or training and to do so would also deprive them of their family and clan supports.

About Council

The Aurukun Shire Council lies at the heart of a dynamic Indigenous community, playing an instrumental role in delivering vital services such as health, education, police, and welfare. Beyond these, the Council manages the local airport, banking, and postal operations, daycare, aged care, while also overseeing road and housing development and maintenance. With robust support from both State and Federal governments, we are staunchly committed to community growth, sustainability, and well-being.

Our overarching vision is to foster community development, champion well-being, and position Aurukun as a hub of opportunity and advancement. In line with this, we are collaborating with various government stakeholders, including Ministerial and Government Champions, to roll out a forward-thinking 4-point plan for Aurukun's future.

• Community safety

• Access to education

• Strengthening community

• Jobs and economic development

The Role

Reporting to the CEO, you will lead the Directorate to fulfill the strategic vision of Council and enable the community and environment to thrive. Your dedication to unleashing the potential in people will drive your active role in enhancing staff capabilities and customer service to meet the needs of the community.

With responsibility for the delivery of community services to the Aurukun community, you will encourage and champion an environment of respect for persons and instilling community pride. The position will also be responsible for the delivery of specific services of childcare, aged care, community events, funeral assistance, community engagement, Indigenous Knowledge Centre (IKC), community radio, library, community security, environmental health and animal control.

A Candidate Briefing Document with additional information about the Role and living in Aurukun can be accessed HERE.

The Person

This role requires a strategic, people-focused leader with proven experience in community services, particularly within Aboriginal communities. You will bring expertise in child care, aged care, community and economic development, along with the ability to create tangible outcomes, foster partnerships, and lead diverse teams effectively. Essential qualities include strong commercial and political acumen, a passion for community empowerment, creativity, and continuous improvement. You understand the significance of placemaking, arts, culture, and creativity in fostering community connectivity and can lead your team to deliver these services successfully.

The ideal candidate will have demonstrated experience in implementing community-based initiatives, managing projects, and achieving results that align with the community's aspirations. Experience in a remote Aboriginal/Indigenous location is highly desirable. While knowledge of local government is beneficial, the ability to understand and lead a team to deliver outstanding community results is paramount.

Why this Role?

Truly a hidden gem, this paradise is cradled by three major rivers with each branching out to weave a tapestry of waterways. From a bird's-eye view the landscape unfolds like a scene from a fantasy epic — lush, verdant forests stretching endlessly! A haven for every nature enthusiast and unforgettable fishing spots!!

PEAK Services is working in conjunction with Aurukun Shire Council, exclusively on this position. We offer local government expertise across a wide range of professional fields, providing tailored solutions for councils and other similar organisations. We work with our clients to deliver meaningful outcomes in recruitment and contracting services. 

How to Apply

You will be required to answer a few questions that relate to the criteria on the online application below.  Please note that you cannot submit your application without attaching your resume.  A cover letter is not mandatory, but may be added if so desired. When uploading your Resume or documents please ensure file names should only include 'A-z', '0-9', '.' and '-' characters.

Applications will close on Monday 24th June 2024 at 10pm

PLEASE NOTE: Once you have commenced your application you cannot save and continue at a later stage. 

For a confidential conversation, please call Cole Berman on 0428 642 119 at Peak Services Recruitment.