About Us & Our Purpose

Since 2001 Abbott Native Title Trustees (Abbotts) has grown and evolved to include various trustee roles across Western Australia including Kimberley, Pilbara, Goldfields and Murchison regions. It now offers its services Australia wide.

It has established an experienced team based in Perth which works closely with all of its trusts, regularly travelling to meet with the representatives of each group to ensure we provide a professional, transparent and fair service.

Through Paperbark Corporation Services it also provides a range of services to Aboriginal companies (ASIC) and corporations (ORIC) including administration, bookkeeping and governance support. It also assists these entities to liaise and do business with mining companies, local government and state government agencies by providing logistical and facilitation services for meetings and surveys.

We acknowledge Aboriginal Peoples' inherent rights to culture, country and resources, and are committed to working alongside communities to support improved political, economic and social outcomes. Guided by the principles of self-determination, we listen to and learn from Aboriginal people, respect the importance of culture and community, and deliver services that are transparent, accountable and fair. We strive to conduct all our work with integrity, professionalism and respect, supporting Aboriginal people to make decisions about their own future.

The Role

Our Values reflect how we interact with each other, how we take the time to listen to our clients and how we learn from them about how to provide a better service to them. Fundamental to our values is the recognition that Aboriginal People have the absolute right to Self Determination including the right to make decisions about their future.

This is a highly unique technical role, putting the human and operational face to a legal framework of deeds, constitutions and agreements. It requires a rigorous, organised individual with an analytical approach and eye for detail who is not afraid of using their emotional intelligence to find the best outcomes possible for each unique situation.

You will need to be courageous in what at times can be demanding situations.  If you have outstanding communication and relationship building skills and can show respect for and value Australia’s First Peoples, then you will find this a rewarding opportunity.

Working closely with the delegated trustee, you will work to support the effective administration of trusts and corporations ensuring that they are compliant with deeds/rule books and relevant legislation at all times. We are looking for someone who wants to develop both personally and professionally in the role.

You will be part of a team which interacts and meets with Aboriginal People both in our Perth Office and through regular travel to meet our clients on their country. Initially no staff will report to this position but it has the potential to lead others in the future.  

Key Responsibilities

• Build and maintain strong relationships with clients, stakeholders and Aboriginal communities through regular engagement and collaboration.
• Translate client needs, aspirations and objectives into practical trust, governance and distribution programs.
• Facilitate and attend meetings, including preparing agendas, meeting papers, minutes and action items.
• Prepare high-quality reports, correspondence, policies and procedures to support trust and corporate operations.
• Provide governance and administrative support to ensure trusts and corporations operate in accordance with trust deeds, constitutions, policies and relevant legislation.
• Maintain and manage registers, records, memberships, resolutions and action tracking systems.
• Coordinate and support meetings of directors, committees and general membership groups.
• Manage projects, assets and contractor relationships to ensure agreed outcomes are delivered effectively.
• Coordinate heritage survey activities and other community initiatives in accordance with relevant agreements.
• Develop, implement and monitor budgets, financial plans and cash flow requirements.
• Monitor financial performance and liaise with financial advisers, investment managers and other professional service providers as required.
• Travel periodically to meet with clients and communities both in metropolitan and regional locations.
• Demonstrate organisational values through respectful, culturally safe and community-focused practice.
• Contribute to a collaborative, accountable and high-performing team environment, including leadership and mentoring responsibilities where applicable.
• Maintain a strong commitment to workplace health, safety and wellbeing standards.

About You

You are a highly organised and relationship-focused professional who builds trusted relationships with a diverse range of stakeholders. An excellent communicator, you confidently facilitate meetings, manage challenging conversations and keep stakeholders informed and engaged.

You possess strong analytical and organisational skills, enabling you to interpret complex information, develop practical solutions and maintain high standards of governance, compliance and administration. Proactive, adaptable and team-oriented, you effectively manage projects, follow through on commitments and leverage Microsoft Office applications, including Word, Excel and Outlook, to support stakeholder and information management.

Desirable Experience

• Experience working with Aboriginal people and communities.
• Financial management, budgeting or asset management experience.
• Leadership experience, including mentoring or supporting team members.
• Knowledge of trusts, particularly charitable trusts.
• Experience working within governance, regulatory or compliance frameworks.

Why Join Us?

We offer the opportunity to work in a purpose-driven organisation where your contribution has a meaningful impact.

You will join a supportive and close-knit team, develop specialised skills in a unique sector, and build strong relationships with Aboriginal communities across Western Australia.

This is a rare opportunity to combine governance, stakeholder engagement, project management and community-focused work in a role that is both professionally rewarding and personally meaningful.

next steps

To submit your application, please click ‘Apply now’ by the closing date.