The Victorian Institute of Sport (VIS) was set up to assist the development of Victoria’s best athletes. It was established in 1990 by the State Government as a private trustee company, with its Board of Directors appointed by the Victorian Minister for Sport.
The VIS is located at Lakeside Stadium, Albert Park. The VIS headquarters completed a renovation in February 2023, providing a brand new workspace for athletes and staff. It is a non-residential institute, which utilises Melbourne’s outstanding sporting facilities, to allow high performance athletes to live and train in Melbourne, the sporting capital of Australia.
The VIS operates in partnership with National Sporting Organisations and State Sporting Associations to deliver high performance daily training environments (DTEs) for sports and athletes in support of the National High Performance Sport Strategy outcomes. Our facility and staff help prepare and support future and current Olympic, Paralympic, Commonwealth Games and World Champion athletes.
Employee Benefits:
The Victorian Institute of Sport (VIS) provides a support work environment for you to be your best whilst supporting Victoria's best athletes. In addition, all employees have access to:
2xu gear to proudly represent the VIS brand
Friday Staff Sport - to get that competitive energy out and socialise with all staff
Heavily subsidised acess to St Ali barista coffee and Albert Park parking
Professional development opportunities
Newly renovated office with ergonomic sit/stand desks and plenty of natural light & open windows
Free access to gym, boxing classes and pool/recovery facilities
Job Description
The HP2032+ High Performance Sport Strategy (Win Well Strategy) highlights Our Connection to Country (OCTC) as an opportunity of strength and competitive advantage for Australia.
To deliver this strategy, the VIS in collaboration with the ASC to employ a Connection to Country Officer to deliver a culturally-safe, culturally connected, and culturally inclusive high-performance sport environment in Victoria.
The primary objectives of the role are to:
Drive the delivery of the OCTC Action Plan within Victoria
Support the National Institute Network (NIN) partnered sports to deliver key actions identified in the OCTC Action Plan.
Drive the development of the System Initiatives identified in the OCTC Action Plan
Collectively form a National OCTC Steering Committee.
Job Responsibilities may include but not limited to:
Create awareness and understanding of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultural practices and protocols.
Develop meaningful relationships with Traditional Custodians of the areas where the organisation is and/or visiting.
Identify and promote current Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander contributions to the organisation.
Identify public forums to promote Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander contributions.
Honour the land on which the organisation is situated.
Ensure all athletes, coaches, performance support staff, officials, administrators, and senior leaders have practical awareness, knowledge, and understanding of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures and the challenges they may face in HP Sport environments.
Create immersive experiences to deepen understanding and connection with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
Identify and understand the success factors (i.e., barriers to and enablers of participation) for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
Ensure culturally safe opportunities within the organisation.
Develop programs to support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in pursuing HP opportunities.
Develop organisational responses to actively prevent unacceptable behaviours and practices.
Assist with the development and implementation of the Reconciliation Action Plan.
Support the VIS’ First Nations Strategic Plan objectives, contributing knowledge and ideas whilst also providing counsel and guidance at strategic points throughout the plan.
Be a leading example of the principles and values embodied in the VIS Code of Conduct, and behave, act and communicate at all times to reflect fairness, ethics and professionalism.
Comply with relevant Equal Employment Opportunity and Work Health and Safety regulations.
Desired Skills and Experience
Required qualifications/ experience
We are seeking a culturally sensitive and proactive individual with strong relationship-building skills and a deep understanding of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultural practices and protocols, who can effectively promote and integrate these within our organisation.
Current Working with Children / Working with Vulnerable People Check
Sports Integrity Australia relevant courses - Level 2 Anti Doping, Match manipulation, Child safeguarding
Current First Aid and CPR
Current Driver’s License
Proven success in utilizing knowledge and skills for planning and supporting First Nation or Reconciliation Action Plans to successful outcomes and performance progression
Demonstrated experience working within different groups in organisations to drive strategic outcomes.
Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, time management and planning skills
How to Apply:
To be considered for this opportunity, please submit your resume along with a cover letter that addresses the following:
