Aboriginal Advisory Panel

Aboriginal Advisory Panel

Social Futures is committed to developing and maintaining authentic relationships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, based on equity, respect and strong partnerships. We acknowledge the central importance of connection to Country, culture, knowledge and community to wellbeing, and the need for acceptance of our shared history to shape our work. 

We are seeking Expressions of Interest from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community members to join our Aboriginal Advisory Panel, to help shape this journey.  Panel members are paid sitting fees and have travel costs covered in recognition of their time and contribution. Expressions of Interest close 1 May 2026.
Submit your expression of interest here >> 

About the Aboriginal Advisory Panel at Social Futures 

Established in 2022, the Aboriginal Advisory Panel is an important part of our governance, providing independent cultural advice to our Board and organisation. It brings together Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander community members from regional NSW to share cultural knowledge, lived experience, and expertise, helping ensure our work reflects respect, strong relationships, and meaningful engagement. 

The Aboriginal Advisory Panel currently comprises six members who bring a depth of cultural knowledge, professional expertise, and community leadership. Collectively, the Panel represents a strong balance of experience across government, community-controlled organisations, infrastructure, advocacy, and the arts. Together, the Panel offers a unique combination of cultural authority, professional expertise, and lived experience, enabling meaningful guidance that supports respectful engagement, strengthens relationships with Aboriginal communities, and ensures cultural knowledge is appropriately recognised and shared. 

We invite you to express your interest   

We warmly invite Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community members, including Elders, leaders, and young people, to join our Aboriginal Advisory Panel. 

As a panel member, you will: 

  • Influence real change by guiding our strategic direction, policies, programs, and Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) 
  • Strengthens engagement and access for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander employees, customers and community members  
  • Share insights, feedback, and community perspectives directly with the Board 
  • Support improved outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff, participants, and communities 
  • Receive sitting fees and travel coverage in recognition of your  valuable time and contribution. 

 Expressions of Interest close 1 May 2026. 

Who can apply? 

We welcome Expressions of Interest from people who: 

  • Are aged 18 or over 
  • Identify as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander 
  • Live in regional NSW 
  • Are willing to complete a Working with Children Check and National Police Check 

You do not need formal qualifications. We value your connection to community, lived experience, and willingness to contribute to positive change. Social Futures works to create communities where people thrive, and we believe reconciliation is everyone’s business. We support children, young people, families and communities, and while we are learning, we know we don’t always get it right. We are committed to doing better, alongside community, through a genuine two-way learning journey. 

Submit your expression of interest here >> 

 

Have a question?

Georgina Bruinsma
Senior Manager Aboriginal Leadership and Engagement

[email protected] 

Cassie Sheppard
Reconciliation and Engagement Officer
[email protected]  

For more information, visit our FAQs below. 

Learn more about the Aboriginal Advisory Panel