We're committed to creating a culturally safe and inclusive workplace that values and supports Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples and cultures.
Aboriginal Employment at the City
The City of Greater Bendigo acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the land on which the municipality is situated, the Dja Dja Wurrung and Taungurung Peoples. The City is committed to supporting Aboriginal recruitment, employment and retention. We aim to become an Employer of Choice for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples, where our staff feel valued and respected in an inclusive, welcoming and culturally safe workplace.
The City of Greater Bendigo Reconciliation Plan 2021-2025, Barpangu sets out a target to increase Aboriginal employment at the City and to increase the level of cultural safety, awareness and understanding across our whole organisation, staff and services. An Aboriginal Employment and Retention Plan is currently being drafted that supports the City reaching this target, while also ensuring we provide opportunities for career development and skill building for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander employees.
Support for Aboriginal staff
The City provides a range of benefits and support for Aboriginal employees which are listed below. Additional support and advice is provided by our Inclusive Communities Officer (Reconciliation) who is a key contact and support for all Aboriginal staff at the City and who can also help staff link in with other Units and key contacts across our organisation.
Staff are also encouraged to attend and participate in events and activities which the City runs and supports throughout the year as part of our Reconciliation Plan 2021-2025, Barpangu, including during NAIDOC Week and Reconciliation Week.
If you wish to find out more about the supports available to Aboriginal staff, please request to be put in touch with the Reconciliation Officer via email:
Our EAP provides all staff with confidential counselling, coaching and support for workplace and personal issues, and are designed to assist staff in meeting the challenges and demands of both work and personal life.
This confidential and independent assistance enables the early resolution of factors that may be impacting on your well-being and effectiveness in the workplace. These support services are delivered by highly-skilled Consultants and a network of Associates throughout Australia.
A number of sessions are funded by City of Greater Bendigo and is a free service to you. Confidentiality and privacy is important so when you see a Converge International EAP Counsellor, no details of your issues will be discussed with anyone without your permission.
You can also access Aboriginal consultants through EAP. Staff can place a request for this specific service at the time of booking an appointment. To access your EAP, an appointment can be made by contacting Converge International via phone, email or their website.
Upon starting at the City, all Aboriginal staff will be supported by a Buddy system. This is usually pairing you up with another staff member on your team as well as the City’s Reconciliation Officer who is also a support person for staff. Your buddy will be checking in informally and are another source of support during your time with us.
A regular, informal gathering of Aboriginal employees at the City that provides informal and confidential peer support and is open to all Aboriginal staff if they would like to attend. It is a great opportunity to meet staff from different areas across the organisation, to make connections, and to provide each other with support.
If requested, the City’s Reconciliation Officer can help staff to set up a cultural supervision and mentoring relationship with an Aboriginal professional that is external to our organization. These mentoring relationships can offer a great opportunity to develop skills, share knowledge, and support your professional and personal goals.
As part of the City’s commitment to providing a flexible workplace and assisting employees to balance their work and personal responsibilities, we offer a number of flexible leave options that you may be eligible for. Check them out via the Employee Benefits link below.
The available leave options include Cultural or Ceremonial Leave: The parties to this agreement recognise and value the cultural diversity of the City’s workforce and will therefore provide opportunities to observe days of cultural, ceremonial and/or religious significance. Where attendance requires time away from work, employees may apply for annual leave, flex leave or unpaid leave.
One Cultural and Professional Development day will be organised for Aboriginal staff each year. This is for Aboriginal staff only and may include On Country training, guest speakers and other workshops.