Overview of Eastern Maar Aboriginal Corporation

The Native Title Act 1993 (Cth) (NTA) requires that, following a native title determination, native title holders establish a Prescribed Body Corporate (PBC) to manage and protect their rights and interests. These corporations must incorporate under the Corporations (Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander) Act 2006 (CATSI Act) and register with the National Native Title Tribunal (NNTT). Once registered, they become a Registered Native Title Body Corporate (RNTBC).

Eastern Maar Aboriginal Corporation (EMAC) was established in 2011 as a PBC following a positive consent determination by the Federal Court, covering an area known as PART B—from Deen Maar (Lady Julia Percy Island) to Dunkeld—shared with the Western Gunditjmara People, represented by Gunditj Mirring Traditional Owners Aboriginal Corporation.

In 2023, a second determination expanded EMAC's jurisdiction from Yambuk to Aireys Inlet, reaching Middle Creek and Ararat, and looping south to Dunkeld.

EMAC is a formally recognised Registered Aboriginal Party (RAP), with responsibilities for protecting and managing cultural heritage across a broader area extending to Winchelsea and Landsborough.

As the representative body for Eastern Maar citizens, EMAC leads the advancement of native title rights and interests, cultural heritage protection, high-quality policy advice, and initiatives aligned with the inherent rights, aspirations, and independence of its people.

Purpose of the Position

The purpose of the position is to facilitate and help grow the relationship between EMAC and two Catchment Management Authorities (CMAs): Glenelg Hopkins CMA and Corangamite CMA; to advance the interests of the Eastern Maar community and their ability to look after Biocultural Landscapes through improved working relationships with CMAs; to assist with the design and delivery of current and future partnership projects and activities; to support CMA's in the delivery of culturally safe projects and activities; and to facilitate communication between the organisations.

The CMA Partnerships Officer position, funded by Glenelg Hopkins CMA and Corangamite CMA, and employed by Eastern Maar Aboriginal Corporation (EMAC), will provide a first point of communication between EMAC and the CMAs.

Key Roles and Responsibilities

Stakeholder Engagement and Relationship Building.

• Facilitate regular engagement with Catchment Management Authorities (CMAs), including organising and leading meetings between EMAC and CMA staff.
• Help EMAC enhance internal understanding of CMA roles, functions, and operational structures.

Strategic Alignment and Cultural Integration.

• Support the implementation of the Meerreengeeye Ngakeepoorryeeyt (EMAC Country Plan) and Water is Life: Eastern Maar Parreeyt Nation Statement in the development and review of Regional Catchment Strategies and Waterway Strategies.
• Promote the inclusion of Eastern Maar values and priorities in catchment and biocultural landscape-level strategic planning processes.

Partnership Development and Opportunity Identification.

• Identify and advance opportunities for Eastern Maar Citizens to engage with and benefit from CMA programs and activities.
• Support and facilitate activities within partnership projects that reflect and uphold Eastern Maar values.

Project Development and Delivery.

• Contribute to the planning, design, and development of projects and funding bids, or facilitate EMAC input into these initiatives.
• Support project delivery by meeting reporting and milestone requirements and representing EMAC in project governance structures.

Advocacy.

• Promote the objectives and assertions of the Eastern Maar Parreeyt Nation Statement through collaboration and strategic initiatives with CMAs.

Key Selection Criteria - Essential

• Demonstrated communication and interpersonal skills to engage with, influence and build and maintain relationships with stakeholders.
• Proven ability to show initiative, work collaboratively, prioritise work requirements, consult appropriately and respond to direction.
• Proficiency in the use of computers and telecommunications technology.

Key Selection Criteria - Desirable.

• Strong understanding of the importance of Country to Traditional Owners and recognition of the Eastern Maar Peoples as Traditional Owners of the south-west region of Victoria.
• Ability to communicate respectfully, sensitively and effectively with Eastern Maar citizens and all Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples.
• Commitment to and appreciation of Eastern Maar culture, values, perspectives, and heritage, including impacts of colonisation and importance of cultural continuity.
• Demonstrated understanding of and commitment to Aboriginal self-determination and supporting aspirations of the Eastern Maar community.

Other position requirements.

• Working with Children Check within 90 days.
• Current Victorian Driver's Licence.
• National Police Check for Employment Purposes within the last 3 months.

A request to conduct probity checks does not guarantee that an offer of employment will be made.

Working with EMAC - Our offer to you.

• At EMAC, we are committed to fostering a supportive, culturally safe, and empowering work environment. When you join our team, you'll enjoy:
• Flexible hybrid working arrangements available.
• Salary packaging benefits are available in accordance with the ATO-approved rates for Public Benevolent Institutions, currently up to $15,900 + Meal Entertainment benefits up to $2,650 per year.
• Paid Christmas break in addition to 4 weeks' annual leave.
• Employee Assistance Program.
• A friendly and supportive culture.
• Professional development opportunities.