Overview
The department is committed to the Victorian Aboriginal Affairs Framework 2018 to 2023 and the Self-Determination Reform that places Aboriginal Victorians at the centre of decision-making where they will be better supported to be healthy, safe, resilient, thriving and living a culturally rich life. The department is also committed to the Victorian Public Service (VPS) Aboriginal employment targets that set the goal of having a minimum of 2% representation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in our workforce. This aims to ensure that the department's workforce represents the community it serves.
Marrung – Aboriginal Education Plan
The department is committed to achieving the vision of the Marrung – Aboriginal Education Plan 2016 to .
The department recognises that education and employment are key parts of the foundation to improving the economic well-being of Aboriginal people and closing the gap in outcomes between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal Victorians.
Refer to the Resources tab to access the Marrung – Aboriginal Education Plan.
Dhelk Wukang – Aboriginal Inclusion Plan 2022 to 2026
Dhelk Wukang, the department’s fourth Aboriginal Inclusion Plan, is the department’s commitment to strengthening Aboriginal inclusion, self-determination and cultural safety at all levels within the department, including the VPS and Government Teaching Service (GTS).
Dhelk Wukang means ‘giving goodness, giving respect’ in the language of the Djaara people of central north-western Victoria.
The plan outlines the proactive steps the department is taking to support tangible, positive structural change across our entire workforce – both in school and corporate settings – to ensure every departmental workplace is safe for Aboriginal people.
Refer to the Resources tab to access the Dhelk Wukang – Aboriginal Inclusion Plan.
Barring Djinang: First Peoples Workforce Development Framework
Barring Djinang (a Taungurung language phrase meaning 'pathway of the feet') is the Aboriginal Employment Strategy for the Victorian Public Sector. Overseen by the Aboriginal Employment Unit at the Victorian Public Sector Commission (VPSC).
Barring Djinang has 5 focus areas:
- improve attraction and recruitment
- create progressive career experiences
- create culturally safe workplaces
- enhance support for Aboriginal staff
- provide central oversight and strong governance
The department actively supports the implementation of Barring Djinang and participates in initiatives arising from these focus areas such as the leadership and career development programs.
Refer to the Resources tab to access the Barring Djinang: First Peoples Workforce Development Framework.
Aboriginal Employment Plan
The department’s Aboriginal Employment Plan 2020 – 2026 (AEP) aims to make the department an employer of choice for Aboriginal staff – one that easily attracts and retains Aboriginal employees and by doing so enhances the department’s work to benefit the community.
The department recognises that supporting and developing the Aboriginal workforce, increasing the number of Aboriginal staff and creating a culturally safe environment are key to achieving this vision.
The AEP is a key action of Dhelk Wukang, the department’s Aboriginal Inclusion Plan.
The AEP, developed in consultation with department staff and Aboriginal partner organisations, focuses on staff employed directly by the department in both the VPS and the GTS.
Refer to the Resources tab to access the Aboriginal Employment Plan.
Koorie Education Workforce
The department has a Koorie Education Workforce focused on supporting improvements to Koorie education outcomes in early years and school settings.
The Koorie Education Workforce is based in the department’s regions and includes:
- Koorie Education Coordinators (KEC)
- Koorie Engagement Support Officers (KESO).
Schools, parents/carers and community can obtain assistance with Koorie cultural inclusion and Koorie education guidance and support, through their region by contacting the Koorie Education Coordinators (KEC) with enquiries.
Supporting future Koorie teachers
Aspiring Koorie Teachers Now – supporting future First Nations teachers through employment-based studies.
Supports for First Nations individuals interested in or currently studying teaching
Aspiring Koorie Teachers Now offers Victorian government schools an opportunity to address their staffing needs and invest in their future workforce with First Nations pre-service teachers (PSTs) and/or Education Support (ES) students completing their teaching degrees and Certificate IV training.
Working in partnership with Vocation Education and Training (VET) and Initial Teacher Education (ITE) providers, eligible First Nations PSTs and/or ES students can be hired as education support staff and will receive department-subsidised remuneration through schools while they study for up to 18 months. These participants will be supported by cultural mentors.
Refer to the Resources tab for further information and contact the program team at marrung@education.vic.gov.au with any questions.
Victorian government traineeship
Each year, the Youth Employment Scheme (YES) provides opportunities for young Aboriginal people, aged 15 to 29 who face barriers to employment, to gain qualifications and practical experience that will lead to sustainable employment.
The department supports the YES program by providing trainees with valuable work experience that will support future employment opportunities.
Refer to the Resources tab for more information on this traineeship.
Early childhood Aboriginal pathway scholarships and employment milestone payments
(Certificate III to postgraduate-level qualifications)
This scholarship is for eligible Aboriginal people wanting to become an early childhood educator or early childhood teacher including those looking to upskill.
Refer to the Resources tab for Aboriginal pathway scholarships option.
Contact information
- Workforce Diversity and Inclusion, email diversity@education.vic.gov.au
- Koorie Outcomes Division, email marrung@education.vic.gov.au
- Regional Koorie Engagement Support Officers (KESO), visit the Contact a Koorie education
- Aboriginal Employment Unit (VPSC), email aboriginal.employment@vpsc.vic.gov.au
- Aboriginal Victoria, email aboriginalaffairs@dpc.vic.gov.au
Reviewed 14 July 2025