Critical Minerals Liaison

Organisation Overview

The Barengi Gadjin Land Council Aboriginal Corporation (BGLC) represents Traditional Owners from the Wotjobaluk, Jaadwa, Jadawadjali, Wergaia and Jupagulk Nations (WJJWJ Peoples), who were recognised in a 2005 Native Title Consent Determination, the first in south-eastern Australia.

We are the Prescribed Body Corporate for the WJJWJ Peoples claim area, as outlined in the Commonwealth
Native Title Act
1993 (NTA 1993), giving us legal authority and obligations to work on behalf of the WJJWJ Traditional Owners.

BGLC is also a Registered Aboriginal Party, as appointed by the Victorian Aboriginal Heritage Council, under the Victorian
Aboriginal Heritage Act
2006 (AHA 2006).

In October 2022 BGLC, on behalf of the WJJWJ Peoples, entered into four Funding, Land and Natural Resource Agreements with the State of Victoria as part of an Expanded Settlement Package, recognising and giving effect to their Traditional Owner rights under the Victorian
Traditional Owner Settlement Act
2010 (TOSA 2010).

BGLC is therefore recognised both federally and by the State of Victoria as the only authorised body in the region with the legal and cultural authority to speak, and make decisions, on behalf of the WJJWJ Peoples to protect, manage and promote their cultural landscapes, values and heritage.

Caring for Country

We are part of our Country, and our Country is part of us. Bunjil the creator, made the land, waterholes, animals and plants and gave Wotjobaluk Peoples the responsibility to look after Country and culture and keep it healthy and strong. Country heals us to our dreaming stories, to our ancestors and spirits.

Position Summary

The Critical Minerals Liaison will be responsible for facilitating BGLC's engagement with mineral extraction activities taking place on Wotjobaluk Country. Working within the Climate & Energy Projects team, this role will manage relationships with stakeholders in these activities, including the Wotjobaluk Peoples community, resource extraction firms and government entities. They will utilise exceptional stakeholder, project and financial management to ensure productive, rewarding and fair partnerships with firms undertaking mineral extraction in the region and that the rights and responsibilities of BGLC in these activities are observed.

Performance Responsibilities

• Lead BGLC's engagement with industry and government on new and existing mineral extraction projects;
• Contribute to the redevelopment of the Corporation's Country Plan (see Supporting Materials), overseeing the embedding of mineral resource considerations;
• Contribute to Traditional Owner-led community benefit scheme, supporting the community's priorities in the arts, culture, sports/recreation and social well-being;
• Contribute to the identification and securing of funding and opportunities in mineral extraction informed by BGLC priorities and industry advice;
• Coordinate governance and delivery of projects and programs in accordance with respective funding agreements;
• Coordinate reporting on progress and budget to internal and external stakeholders including government;
• Build new relationships and strengthen existing networks with BGLC's partners, including Wotjobaluk Peoples community and other Traditional Owner groups, industry, state and local government and the wider community;
• Organise, facilitate and participate in on-the-ground engagement with Wotjobaluk Peoples community such as yarns, workshops and Walks On-Country to build strong understanding, support and participation towards BGLC's engagement with minerals project;
• Advise senior management, BGLC Board and the WJJWJ Full Group, as well as partners engaged in collaboration, on relevant activities to facilitate common understanding, cohesion and accomplishment of objectives.

Other Duties

• Other ad hoc duties as required.

Delegation

• As per the Delegation of Authority and in other matters as approved by the Board from time-to-time.

Key Selection Criteria

Qualifications & Experience

• Subject matter expertise in extraction industries, project management or a related discipline through tertiary education or equivalent experience;
• Substantial demonstrated experience working with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples and groups, including community groups, businesses and Traditional Owner Corporations.
• Experience working with government reporting and stakeholders, and ability to produce reporting materials for funding acquittal;

Professional Attributes

• Knowledge of WJJWJ Peoples' culture, values, aspirations as articulated in the 'Growing What is Good' Country Plan (see Supporting Documentation);
• Exceptional stakeholder management skills, being able to build and sustain partnerships which balance multiple priorities;
• Strong written and oral communication skills;
• Understanding of the role of BGLC throughout the region and community, particularly the WJJWJ Peoples community;
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team, accomplishing objectives on time and within budget;
• Strong time management and organisational skills;
• Excellent planning, organisational and time management skills and an ability to prioritise;
• Willingness and ability to work outside regular hours as necessary.
• Reasonable physical fitness and ability to undertake fieldwork;
• Knowledge of legislation relevant to the Corporation including, but not limited to, the Corporations (Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander) Act 2006, Native Title Act 1993, Traditional Owner Settlement Act 2010 and the Aboriginal Heritage Act 2006;

Occupational health and safety responsibilities

• In the context of OHS policies, procedures, training, and instruction, as detailed in the
  Occupational Health and Safety Act 2004
  , employees are responsible for ensuring they:
• Follow reasonable instructions;
• Cooperate with the employer and report safety breaches, participate in investigations, and implement corrective actions according to applicable procedures and policies; and
• At all times, take reasonable care for their own safety and the safety of others in the workplace.

Conditions of Employment

• Must have a full Victorian Drivers Licence; and
• Ability to obtain National Police and Working with Children checks.

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