Our Connection to Country Officer

The HP2032+ High Performance Sport Strategy (Win Well Strategy) highlights Our Connection to Country (OCTC) as an opportunity of strength and competitive advantage for Australia.

To deliver this strategy, the VIS in collaboration with the ASC to employ a Connection to Country Officer to deliver a culturally-safe, culturally connected, and culturally inclusive high-performance sport environment in Victoria.

  The primary objectives of the role are to:

• Drive the delivery of the OCTC Action Plan within Victoria
• Support the National Institute Network (NIN) partnered sports to deliver key actions identified in the OCTC Action Plan.
• Drive the development of the System Initiatives identified in the OCTC Action Plan
• Collectively form a National OCTC Steering Committee.

Job Responsibilities may include but not limited to: 

• Create awareness and understanding of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultural practices and protocols.
• Develop meaningful relationships with Traditional Custodians of the areas where the organisation is and/or visiting.
• Identify and promote current Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander contributions to the organisation.
• Identify public forums to promote Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander contributions.
• Honour the land on which the organisation is situated.
• Ensure all athletes, coaches, performance support staff, officials, administrators, and senior leaders have practical awareness, knowledge, and understanding of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures and the challenges they may face in HP Sport environments.
• Create immersive experiences to deepen understanding and connection with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
• Identify and understand the success factors (i.e., barriers to and enablers of participation) for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
• Ensure culturally safe opportunities within the organisation.
• Develop programs to support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in pursuing HP opportunities.
• Develop organisational responses to actively prevent unacceptable behaviours and practices.
• Assist with the development and implementation of the Reconciliation Action Plan.
• Support the VIS’ First Nations Strategic Plan objectives, contributing knowledge and ideas whilst also providing counsel and guidance at strategic points throughout the plan.
• Be a leading example of the principles and values embodied in the VIS Code of Conduct, and behave, act and communicate at all times to reflect fairness, ethics and professionalism.
• Comply with relevant Equal Employment Opportunity and Work Health and Safety regulations.