Your new career
Join a collaborative and people-focused team that’s passionate about creating a safe, inclusive, and thriving workplace. 

As the People and Culture Advisor – Gender Equity and Child Safeguarding, you’ll lead Council’s efforts to embed gender equity and child safety into everyday practice. You will:

• coordinate our Gender Equality reporting requirements, 
• guide the delivery of actions from our Gender Equality and Diversity Action Plan, 
• and help bring the Victorian Child Safe Standards to life across all departments. 

This is a meaningful opportunity to influence positive organisational change and help shape a culture where fairness and safety are at the heart of everything we do.

What you will bring to the role
We’re looking for an Advisor who is compassionate, purpose-driven and committed to making a genuine difference. You’ll be motivated by fairness, inclusion, and the wellbeing of others, with the confidence to influence positive change across all levels of the organisation.

To thrive in this role you will have: 

• success in designing and delivering diversity, inclusion and gender equity initiatives that achieve measurable outcomes
• the ability to build trust and influence at all levels of the organisation
• capability to manage projects from concept to completion, driving sustainable organisational and cultural change
• comprehensive understanding of the Gender Equality Act 2020 (Vic) and Victorian Child Safe Standards
• a genuine commitment to fostering a culture that prioritises the safety, empowerment and wellbeing of children and young people

Key selection criteria
Mandatory qualifications, experience and requirements

• Relevant degree, diploma or demonstrated work experience in the broad fields of community services including social work, social sciences, community development, human resource management, psychology, education, public health, public policy or related discipline. (Qualification check will be conducted).
• Demonstrated experience in developing, implementing, monitoring, evaluating health and wellbeing projects.
• Demonstrated understanding of risk and protective factors related to Child Safe and Reportable Conduct, and Gender Equity legislation.
• Ability to plan, co-ordinate and prioritise a demanding workload, along with demonstrated resourcefulness and initiative to complete objectives within given timelines. 
• Experience in Local Government in either HR, Work Health Safety, Change Management or Organisation Development.
• Experience in implementing complex cultural initiatives and with creative and innovative strategic wellbeing responses.
• A current Working With Children Check
• You have the permanent right to live and work in Australia
• Police Check results that are suitable for this position (will be arranged by Surf Coast Shire Council). 
  A complete international criminal history check is required if the person has worked or lived overseas for any period of time OR a complete national criminal history check is required if the person has only ever worked in Australia.

What you’ll love working with us
Council embraces diversity and social inclusion and encourages applications from skilled people from all walks of life.

We recognise that our employees play a vital role in creating an innovative, safe, respectful and supportive workplace, living our values and delivering exceptional services to our thriving community. Our shire spans the Traditional Lands of the Wadawurrung People and the Gulidjan and Gadabanud Peoples of the Eastern Maar Nation. Council is committed to providing a workplace culture of equity, inclusion and diversity that eliminates all forms of discrimination, harassment and bullying.

There are numerous social activities throughout the year available as well as the benefits of:

• Flexible working arrangements including working from home and flexi time options 
• Employee Assistance Program and award-winning staff wellbeing program
• Career development and learning opportunities, we help our people grow
• Purchase of additional annual leave
• Free onsite parking
• Leave loading

For more information
More information on the role accountabilities and the key selection criteria can be found in the position description here. 

If you believe you have the knowledge, skills and experience to fulfil this role and would like further information, please contact Roseta Jacobs, Manager People and Culture on 5261 0600.

How to apply
Applications are to be in Word or PDF format and should include a:

• cover letter including your statement addressing the selection criteria 
• copy of your resume. 

Please note that only applications with a statement addressing the selection criteria will be considered for this position.

Simply complete the application process by clicking the "Apply Now" button and we'll be in touch with you shortly regarding your application. 

Applications close at 11.59pm Sunday 16 November 2025.

Surf Coast Shire Council is an equal opportunity and child safe employer.