What’s been achieved Through the partnership with local government, this project has assisted the Victorian Government deliver on its commitment to foster a climate that builds job opportunities for Victorian Aboriginal people across the economy, and support existing employees to move into higher job levels (Victorian Aboriginal Affairs Framework ). Since the Reconciliation Survey was undertaken in 2012 and the commencement of the MAV Aboriginal Employment Project, there has been a steady increase in known employment of Aboriginal people in local government. While this has been due to range of factors, including individual council initiatives, state government partnership projects, there remains considerable potential to deliver exponential growth as networks of Aboriginal employees build. Achievements specific to the MAV Aboriginal Employment Project include: 1.Respect – Increased awareness for councils through the provision of central advice that brings an Aboriginal and local government perspective 2. Relationships - Improved trust and connections between local government and Aboriginal communities 3.Opportunities – New jobs started and continued exploration of new areas of employment in local government KOORIES IN VICTORIAN COUNCILS: ABORIGINAL EMPLOYMENT IN VICTORIAN LOCAL GOVERNMENT ACHIEVEMENTS & REFLECTIONS Is a symbol created by Ngarra Murray, a proud Wamba Wamba and Yorta Yorta woman, to represent the coming together of Aboriginal and local government communities The MAV acknowledges with thanks the contribution of funding from the Department of Economic Development, Jobs, Transport and Resources through the Employment Start Up for Aboriginal Jobseekers Program year number of jobs Employment of Aboriginal people in local government Partnership project with the MAV for Aboriginal employment

Some councils 2016 GOAL: Close engagement between councils and Aboriginal communities Routine employment of Aboriginal people Most councils 2016 State of play 2001 Level of engagemen t Low High Numbers of Aboriginal people employed Core ingredients of success: Employment of an Aboriginal community member in the MAV capitalises on mutual networks with multiplier effects Funding assistance from the state has enabled state-wide connections and sharing of advice Incubating ideas and making them happen using our knowledge and networks within local government and Aboriginal communities However there’s more to do, and engagement and further development activities will seed exponential growth KOORIES IN VICTORIAN COUNCILS: ABORIGINAL EMPLOYMENT IN VICTORIAN LOCAL GOVERNMENT ACHIEVEMENTS & REFLECTIONS MAV focus of effort

KOORIES IN VICTORIAN COUNCILS: ABORIGINAL EMPLOYMENT IN VICTORIAN LOCAL GOVERNMENT CASE STUDIES Relationships Respect Opportunities Increasing numbers of councils flying the flag Flying the Aboriginal flag outside council officers makes a powerful statement of reconciliation and of Aboriginal legacy as first peoples and their contribution to the local community. In 2015, two of the thirteen councils which didn’t fly the Aboriginal Flag did so, and discussions are underway with two more. The MAV has presented to councillors and senior managers in councils about how this can be a significant welcoming statement their local Aboriginal communities. Creating connections to enable effective delivery of initiatives As the peak organisation for Victoria’s 79 councils, employing a respected and well-known member of Victoria’s Aboriginal community has increased its understanding about how it can better connect with key Aboriginal organisations. The adviser has given the MAV the confidence to embark on a range of initiatives, including the development of the Victorian Local Government Aboriginal Employment Framework, web resources and communications which regularly promote Aboriginal initiatives. Influencing councils’ recruitment practices to better attract Aboriginal candidates MAV scans of council jobs alerts Aboriginal people to jobs in particular councils. It also advises councils on how they can adjust their recruitment practices to better attract Aboriginal employees. For example in one case a council’s advertisement could have been much better worded – on being alerted the council made changes, it is exploring adoption of the Victorian Local Government Aboriginal Framework and is now having contact with the MAV Aboriginal Employment adviser. An Aboriginal candidate will hopefully apply as a consequence. Showcasing initiatives which join, not divide In working with a council where there was a serious racism issue that was divisive in the community, the MAV played a role in diffusing the issue by alerting the local community to the good work promoting the local Aboriginal community. Showcasing this particular council in the local government magazine CIVIC enabled other councils to see how issues can be managed through positive engagement with the Aboriginal community. Building confidence for more extensive engagement with Aboriginal community organisations Knowing the networks in both local government and the Victorian Aboriginal community has enabled the seeking and incubation of ideas. Through greater interaction with the Aboriginal Heritage Council and Aboriginal organisations such as VACCHO, various policy areas of the MAV have also explored how they can adjust their work to improve the situation of Aboriginal people. Assisting state/local government employment programs gain traction The MAV Aboriginal Employment adviser has assisted in designing the eight Health Promotion positions that will be funded through DHHS and councils to maximise take- up by councils. Six Aboriginal Home and Community Care Trainees have also commenced as a result of a joint project between MAV and DHHS. More councils aware about how they can be more involved Linking to a state-wide framework has helped at least eight councils which have used the Victorian Local Government Aboriginal Employment Framework to progress their projects within the council organisation. MAV continues to use it as starting place for conversations with councils considering how they can better engage with their Aboriginal communities. Connecting Aboriginal people in local government Having Aboriginal people connect with one another has helped in the retention of staff and is an important ingredient of a viable Aboriginal employment strategy. MAV has established an list of Aboriginal staff working in councils to keep them updated about employment and other initiatives occurring in councils around the state. The MAV adviser has also provided mentoring support to new Aboriginal staff in councils. Identifying pilot projects The MAV has identified a number of opportunities and mobilised connecting the people and organisations able to progress development. Examples include working with Hays, a significant local government recruiter. Currently work is underway to assist a group of Aboriginal people to gain lifeguard qualifications which if they succeed, will be offered jobs in a council recreation centre.