One of the things that makes Australian Catholic University a great place to work is that it is a culturally inclusive space for staff and students. ACU is committed to being a leading practice employer for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
This commitment is led by our Vice-Chancellor and President, Professor Zlatko Skrbiš. His leadership advocates strong community engagement, education and employment outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
Forming strategic partnerships with community
Our commitment to being a leading-practice employer is also guided in a practical way by the ACU Mission and is interwoven in the Statement of Commitment to Reconciliation and the ACU Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples Employment Strategy.
The strategy includes a range of proactive recruitment initiatives and cultural supports for staff that aim to increase the participation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff at all levels of the University to 3%, and to support staff members to reach their potential. Extensive consultation and collaboration on our initiatives is undertaken with local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities and the University’s Indigenous Higher Education Units (IHEUs). Further information on the IHEUs can be found on our Student Support page.
Support offered to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff
Practical and professional support, provided by the National Manager, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Employment is tailored to meet the needs of the individual and the work unit, starting before recruitment and following through the staff member’s employment journey with ACU.
Staff support initiatives include:
- Expert advice and practical support in the development of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander recruitment initiatives for supervisors and managers
- Specialised induction for supervisors and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff members
- Assisting staff in seeking mentoring support or a workplace buddy
- Regular contact and ongoing support with the staff and their supervisors
- Facilitating Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Staff Network meetings that bring staff together regularly to share information and learn from each other
- Offering career development opportunities for staff that include additional entitlement to study leave
- Facilitating Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander lunchbox session titled ‘Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Perspectives’ that invites internal and external subject matter experts to talk on their areas of interest
- The University also supports the celebration of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultural events, and holds an annual ACU Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander week each August to celebrate the unique contributions of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff and students .
For further information visit the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander employment page or contact Shaelene Cubillo, National Manager, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Employment. You can also find answers to frequently asked questions about Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture on the cultural supports webpage.
Generous benefits available for all staff
Along with a commitment to supporting diversity in our workplace, ACU offers a range of attractive benefits for staff.
Useful Links
- Guidelines for conducting Welcoming/Acknowledgement of Country at an ACU function
- Reconciliation Australia
- ABC Indigenous Online
- National Congress of Australia's First Peoples