Our commitment to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander employment
We recognise and value Indigenous knowledges, leadership, and ways of being as integral to our university’s strength and future.
We are committed to building genuine trust with community and ensuring that all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff are supported to maintain and deepen their cultural and community connections as part of their professional growth and leadership journey at Swinburne.
Indigenous Workforce Strategy
Our Indigenous Workforce Strategy is about creating real opportunities, meaningful careers, and a culturally safe workplace for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples—now and into the future.
By 2030, we’re working to grow Indigenous representation and leadership across Swinburne. To get there, we’re focusing on the things that matter most:
- A culturally safe workplace with anti‑racism frameworks and cultural competency training
- Recognition and support for cultural load
- Career development plans and leadership pathways for Indigenous staff
- Community partnerships that build skills and long‑term growth
To make sure we’re doing what we say, our progress is reviewed every quarter through our RAP Governance and Diversity & Inclusion committees. This keeps us accountable and helps us keep improving.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Workforce Strategy
Current opportunities
Benefits of working at Swinburne
Working at Swinburne comes with a wide range of benefits for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island employees. This includes support and resources specific to Indigenous staff as well as all other benefits available to Swinburne staff.
To strengthen career development and wellbeing for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander employees, Swinburne's mentoring program provides culturally safe spaces for:
- one-on-one and group mentoring
- connecting staff with experienced mentors and Elders
- promote leadership pathways and community engagement.
Swinburne provides cultural leave entitlements to support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff in meeting cultural, ceremonial, and community obligations.
Eligible employees can access up to 10 days of paid cultural leave per year, in addition to other leave types, for activities such as Sorry Business, ceremonies, and significant cultural events.
This ensures that these responsibilities are recognised and respected within the workplace.
Swinburne has committed to support the career progression for all Indigenous staff by providing financial assistance for activities such as specialised training, leadership programmes, conferences, and cultural development initiatives.
The fund aims to remove barriers to career progression, foster cultural capability, and create pathways for Indigenous employees to thrive in both academic and professional roles.
Current Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff can obtain this support by submitting an application form outlining the proposed professional development activity, which is then assessed for alignment with the fund’s objectives before approval and allocation of financial support.
Benefits for all Swinburne staff include:
- flexible working arrangements
- health and wellbeing services
- access to campus facilities
- superannuation
- staff discounts and offers.
Community and stories
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- Student News
- Social Affairs
How Michael is creating change centred in culture
Swinburne student Michael Phelan founded the Reconnect mentoring program at the Bimberi Youth Justice Centre
Monday 02 March 2026 -
- Astronomy
- Film and television
- Social Affairs
MTC Future Aspirations camp blends STEM and Indigenous culture
The Moondani Toombadool Centre hosted 25 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander high school students at its recent Future Aspirations Camp, where it blended cultural activities with university experiences
Monday 02 March 2026 -
- University
- Film and television
From Melbourne to the Tiwi Islands: LINGER brings Indigenous stories to the big screen
Indigenous students from Swinburne’s Advanced Diploma of Screen and Media lead a powerful collaborative film project exploring dispossession, identity, and resilience.
Thursday 05 June 2025 -
- Astronomy
Indigenous students explore the cosmos through Swinburne’s astrophysics program
Indigenous students explored astrophysics at Swinburne, connecting science and culture while building pathways to future careers in STEM.
Friday 19 September 2025 -
- University
Michelle Searle paints a new path through leadership diploma
Proud Awabakal artist and Wathaurong Country resident Michelle Searle is expanding her role as a community leader through Swinburne's Indigenous-only Diploma of Leadership .
Friday 11 July 2025 -
- University
Changing the trajectory of reconciliation
Melinda Cilento delivered the address at the 2025 Swinburne Annual Reconciliation Lecture. She shared insights from two decades of engagement with reconciliation efforts across Australia.
Thursday 26 June 2025
Indigenous culture
Indigenous culture and education at Swinburne is guided by community wisdom and leadership.
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Moondani Toombadool Centre
Indigenous education and culture at Swinburne are guided by community wisdom and leadership, shaping governance, student services, teaching and learning, research, staff, culture, and engagement.
Contact us
If you have questions about Indigenous employment at Swinburne, please contact us at the Moondani Toombadool Centre.