Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Employment

The University of Notre Dame Australia aims to provide a vibrant and welcoming workplace for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, with a collaborative environment that actively supports and nurtures the personal and professional growth of our employees.

We are dedicated to providing career and employment opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and foster an inclusive and culturally safe environment where the unique perspectives and contributions of Indigenous peoples’ talents are valued and supported.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Employment Strategy 2024 – 2026

Our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Employment Strategy 2024 – 2026 provides a framework that fosters a welcoming and culturally respectful workplace that supports the professional and career development of our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander employees. It includes initiatives across four strategic focus areas:

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Employment Committee

UNDA’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Employment Committee is established to oversee and contribute to the implementation of the University’s Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Employment Strategy to attract, retain and develop Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander employees and foster a culturally safe and inclusive workplace.

The Committee’s members include:

• Jacqueline Bate – Chief People Officer
• Gail Bool – Director, Organisational Development and Health, Safety & Wellbeing
• Todd Phillips – Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Employment Advisor
• Cheryl Davis – Associate Professor, School of Medicine
• Stephen Kinnane – Chair Indigenous Studies and Partnerships
• Clive Walley – National Director, Partnerships and Community Engagement

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Employment Advisor

Todd Phillips

UNDA’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Employment Advisor, Todd Phillips is a proud Bundjalung and Gumbaynggirr man from the north coast of New South Wales. Todd leads and oversees the development and implementation of UNDA's Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Employment Strategy and initiatives, and foster meaningful and respectful relationships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander employees, communities and stakeholders. Todd is available to assist you on any of the below topics:

• UNDA Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Staff Network
  This network provides a culturally safe environment to welcome, connect and collaborate with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander colleagues, both professionally and socially.
• Cultural and Ceremonial Leave
  Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander employees with obligations external and separate to the University to attend cultural and ceremonial events are entitled to 5 days paid Cultural and Ceremonial Leave.
• Cultural Awareness workshops and training
• Workshops are designed to support employees to build their understanding of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture and foster a more inclusive and harmonious workplace environment.
• Details of the workshops and training on offer.
  Access to confidential and culturally competent counselling
  The University’s Employee Assistance Program (EAP), the Centre for Corporate Health psychologists are trained in Aboriginal Social and Emotional Wellbeing to ensure their knowledge base is strong prior to working with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander employees.
  Watch the webinar to learn more about our EAP provider’s cultural competency.
• Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Language Allowance
  Employees required by the University to use an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander language within their position will be paid an allowance.

For more information or support on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander employment matters and opportunities, please contact Todd on:

Email: todd.phillips@nd.edu.au
Phone: +61 427 195 625

Support resources

• How to self-declare your Indigenous heritage (and why it is important)
• Come and have a Yarn (EAP) – Supporting your Social and Emotional Wellbeing
• Contact 13YARN on 13 92 76 for free, confidential one-on-one yarning with an Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Crisis Supporter who can provide crisis support 24 hours a day, 7 days a week