First Nations Lead - 2026 Mourning in the Morning Program
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The Australia Day Council of South Australia (ADCSA) is seeking to engage a passionate and experienced First Nations Lead to guide and curate the 2026 Mourning in the Morning program, held annually on January 26th at Tarntanya Wama (Elder Park).
This important role will lead the cultural and creative direction of the Smoking Ceremony and associated programming, ensuring that the event respectfully honours and elevates First Nations voices, ceremony, culture, and storytelling.
Working in partnership with the ADCSA Events and Communications team, local First Nations communities, artists, cultural leaders, and Elders, the First Nations Lead will ensure the success of the 2026 program.
Key Responsibilities
1. Lead the design, cultural framework, and creative direction of the 2026 Mourning in the Morning program.
2. Ensure that the program reflects appropriate cultural protocols, local community engagement, and truth-telling practices.
3. Facilitate and guide respectful dialogue with First Nations Elders, cultural practitioners, artists, and knowledge holders.
Artist & Community Engagement
1. Identify and engage First Nations cultural leaders, performers, artists, musicians, and speakers to participate in the 2026 program.
2. Coordinate storytelling, music, dance, or other cultural activations in consultation with community members.
3. Work collaboratively with Open Circle and other First Nations advisory groups to shape ceremony elements.
4. Work closely with ADCSA’s Event Manager and production suppliers to ensure the artistic and cultural vision is supported logistically and technically.
5. Assist in the development of run-sheets, ceremony scripts, and key messaging ensuring cultural accuracy and sensitivity.
Stakeholder Engagement & Relationship Management
1. Act as the key liaison between ADCSA and the First Nations community for Mourning in the Morning planning.
2. Ensure inclusive consultation processes are maintained throughout the project lifecycle.
3. Attend and contribute to community and stakeholder meetings, workshops, and site visits as required.
4. Provide input into post-event documentation capturing cultural learnings, artist reflections, and recommendations for future years.
5. Support the collection of content (video, photography, stories) that may be used (with consent) for education and legacy purposes.
Skills & Experience
1. Strong connection to and understanding of First Nations cultural protocols, practices, and storytelling.
2. Demonstrated experience in leading or curating First Nations cultural programs, events, or ceremonies.
3. Excellent communication and relationship-building skills within diverse First Nations communities.
4. Experience working collaboratively with artists, Elders, and cultural leaders.
5. Strong skills in event planning, scheduling, and delivery.
6. Experience in contract management and stakeholder engagement.
7. Confidence in managing event schedules, timelines, and budgets.
8. Strong time management and organisational skills — ability to manage multiple priorities.
9. Attention to detail in planning, documentation, and delivery.
10. Experience using Microsoft Word and Excel for event planning, schedules, reporting, contracts, and documentation.
11. Ability to work independently while collaborating closely within a small project team.
12. Experience working in culturally safe and inclusive ways.
13. Ability to provide cultural guidance within a public event context.
14. Experience working with event production teams.
15. Knowledge of South Australian First Nations communities and networks.
16. Experience in project management or cultural consultancy.
Commitment & Hours
1. Contract engagement from July 2025 – February 2026.
2. Estimated hours will vary across the project lifecycle, with key delivery period between October 2025 – January 2026.
3. Flexibility to work remotely and attend on-site meetings in Adelaide as required.
Reporting Line
This role reports to:
* Senior Event & Communications Manager, Australia Day Council of South Australia
* In collaboration with Open Circle, ADCSA First Nations Advisory Group, and ADCSA CEO.
Contract Fee
A fixed-term contract fee will be negotiated with the successful applicant, reflective of experience, deliverables, and project scope.
How to Apply
1. Expressions of Interest should include:
2. A cover letter addressing your connection to culture and relevant experience.
3. A brief CV or profile outlining previous work.
4. Contact details for at least two referees.
5. If you’d like to have a chat about the role before applying, contact us at (08) 8212 3999.
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