Council Secretary

• Location: Darwin (relocating to new office premises in Berrimah in early 2026)
• Status: Full-time
• Annual Salary: $83,099 per annum plus 15% superannuation
• Special Measures: Priority Consideration – Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander applicants

Support the governance that drives Aboriginal self-determination

If you're passionate about Aboriginal governance and enjoy ensuring effective, culturally safe, and compliant Council operations, the Northern Land Council (NLC) invites you to apply for the role of Council Secretary. This position plays a vital role in supporting the Full Council, Executive Council, and Regional Councils by delivering high-quality secretariat support and upholding statutory and cultural obligations under the Aboriginal Land Rights (Northern Territory) Act 1976.

Join us as we move into our brand-new, purpose-built office in Berrimah - a modern facility offering free onsite parking, enhanced collaboration spaces, and an improved working environment that supports both people and performance

About the Role

As the Council Secretary, you'll be at the heart of the NLC's governance processes, ensuring that meetings of the Full Council, Executive Council, and Regional Councils run smoothly and with integrity. Working closely with the Chair and CEO, you'll prepare agendas and process meeting papers, record accurate minutes and resolutions, and ensure follow-up actions are completed.

Your work will uphold the transparency and accountability that underpin Aboriginal decision-making across the Top End. You'll maintain governance registers, support compliance with statutory obligations, and provide procedural advice that helps Council members focus on the issues that matter most to their communities.

This position is ideal for someone who thrives on organisation and detail, values cultural respect and professionalism, and takes pride in strengthening systems that enable Aboriginal leadership and self-determination.

What You Will Bring:

You are a proactive and professional administrator with exceptional organisational and communication skills. You can navigate cross-cultural contexts with integrity and discretion while managing complex governance and record-keeping processes.

You will bring:

• Minimum two years' experience in secretariat, governance, or board support roles;
• Strong written communication and record-keeping skills;
• High computer literacy (Microsoft Office, TRIM, or similar systems);
• Understanding of the lived experiences of Aboriginal people in the NLC region;
• A current C Class driver's licence and willingness to undertake occasional remote travel in a manual 4WD vehicle or light aircraft
• Current National Police Check

For a full copy of the Position Description refer to the link provided below.

Why join the NLC?

You'll be a part of a values-driven organisation supporting Traditional Owners and strengthening Aboriginal decision-making across the Top End.

We offer:

• Base salary: $83,099 per annum plus 15% superannuation;
• Salary packaging up to $15,900 p.a. (plus meal and accommodation benefits up to $2,650);
• District allowance of up to $4,884 (with dependents) or $2,678 (without);
• Five (5) weeks annual leave, leave loading, 18 days personal leave;
• Annual airfare after 12 months of service (net value $3,177);
• The opportunity to work in a new modern office in Berrimah, designed for collaboration and wellbeing

Important Dates

The NLC's annual close-down period will run from 22 December 2025 to 4 January 2026. The organisation will relocate to its new Berrimah office in early January, with new employees commencing from 20 January 2026.

How To apply

To apply, please submit your CV and a cover letter outlining your interest in the position and how your skills and experience align with the requirements of the role.

For further information, please contact: Anne-Maree Hevey on

Applications Close: 30 November 2025.

Please note that the successful candidate will commence employment no earlier than 20 January 2026.

About the NLC

The Northern Land Council (NLC) is an independent statutory authority of the Commonwealth established under the Aboriginal Land Rights (Northern Territory) Act 1976. We serve Traditional Owners and Aboriginal communities across the Top End, supporting their aspirations for land, sea, and cultural management.

Cultural knowledge and lived experience are central to all we do. We are committed to equity, inclusion, and cultural safety, and we strongly encourage Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander applicants to apply.

Be part of our next chapter

This is an exciting time to join the NLC as we move into a new modern workplace and strengthen our capacity to deliver meaningful outcomes for Aboriginal people and communities across the Northern Territory.