- Lead an ACCO delivering meaningful impact across the Mallee region
- Shape strategy, culture, and partnerships grounded in self-determination
- Strengthen governance, services, and community wellbeing outcomes
About the Company
Mallee District Aboriginal Services (MDAS) is a proud Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisation committed to healing, supporting, serving, and protecting Aboriginal communities across the Mallee. Guided by our Elders and grounded in Lore, MDAS exists to strengthen the resilience, independence, and wellbeing of our Mob.
We walk alongside individuals and families through every stage of life — caring, empowering, educating, and advocating so people can be their very best selves. Our programs span health, wellbeing, family services, community support, and culture. With deep community roots and strong regional presence, MDAS is moving confidently towards becoming a sector-leading ACCO known for its cultural authority and practical, life-changing outcomes.
At MDAS, culture guides action, and community voice shapes our future.
Role Overview
As CEO, you will be the organisational leader responsible for progressing MDAS’ vision of self-determined, culturally strong, and healthy Aboriginal communities. Working in partnership with the Board, you will guide the strategic direction, culture, operations, and sustainability of the organisation.
You will provide visible, values-based leadership across all MDAS teams and communities, ensuring culturally embedded practice, strong governance, financial stewardship, and high?quality service delivery. You will represent MDAS across government, partner agencies, and the broader sector, influencing outcomes that benefit the Mallee region and strengthen the ACCO sector.
Success in this role looks like trust, stability, cultural integrity, organisational confidence, and measurable community impact.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead and translate MDAS’ vision, values, and strategic plan into clear action across all regions and services.
- Provide strategic advice and partnership to the Board, supporting high-quality governance and decision-making.
- Strengthen organisational culture, embedding MDAS Lore, values, and self-determination in all programs and operations.
- Ensure strong financial, operational, and workforce performance across a diverse health and community service portfolio.
- Build and sustain trusted relationships with community, Elders, partners, funders, and government stakeholders.
- Drive continuous improvement, quality, risk management, compliance, and accountability.
- Represent MDAS in advocacy, collaboration, and sector-wide initiatives, ensuring the organisation’s voice is strong and respected.
- Lead a high-performing Executive Leadership Team that is cohesive, culturally grounded, and future-focused.
- Promote transparency, communication, and unity across all MDAS sites, teams, and communities.
Culture of the Business
MDAS is built on cultural strength, community leadership, and respect for Lore. Our workplace is inclusive, accountable, and connected, where culture and community come first. We value integrity, humility, courage, and resilience. We support our people to grow, contribute, and lead in ways that honour our history and strengthen our future.
Skills, Knowledge and Experience
- Proven executive leadership experience in complex human services, health, community, or ACCO environments (ideally at CEO or senior executive level).
- Deep understanding of Aboriginal community control, self-determination, cultural safety, and the impacts of colonisation.
- Experience working with Boards, governance structures, risk frameworks, and strategic planning.
- Strong financial and operational leadership, including managing diverse programs and multidisciplinary teams.
- Demonstrated success engaging with community, Elders, government, funders, and partner agencies.
- Exceptional communication and relationship-building skills, with the ability to influence at all levels.
- Commitment to ethical leadership, cultural integrity, and strengthening organisational capability.
- Relevant tertiary qualifications in health, community services, management, governance, or similar (with additional qualifications highly regarded).
Other Requirements
- Current Driver’s Licence
- Working with Children Check
- National Police Check (arranged by MDAS)
- Willingness to travel across the region
- MDAS is a child-safe organisation and all appointments are subject to appropriate screening.
We strongly encourage Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to apply.
For more information, please contact Bianca Holmes on Bianca.Holmes@harrisonmcmillan.com.au
