The important role of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples

We are working to ensure Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples play an increasing role in the education and training of young Australians.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students improve their learning outcomes and build their personal strengths when Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff and communities are involved in their education.

You can help us increase Year 12 completion rates, expand culturally inclusive learning programs and promote opportunities for Aboriginal communities to engage with school life. We encourage and welcome Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander applicants for roles across the department, both in our public schools and education support offices. We will help you at every stage, starting with finding the right job for you and then building your skills and capabilities at work.

Confirmation of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Descent

We are committed to improving the employment outcomes and wellbeing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff to ensure they have the opportunity to excel and achieve in every aspect of their careers and professional development.

Successful applicants and department employees must provide confirmation of their Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander descent for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander teaching scholarships and to be appointed to Identified positions.

The Confirmation of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander descent policy details the process successful applicants or employees must follow when seeking appointment to Identified roles or being awarded an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander teacher scholarship, apprenticeship or internship. Current employees who are not employed in an identified role may also wish to update their status with the department at any time by having their Aboriginality and/or Torres Strait Islander descent formally recognised.

Employment opportunities

We have a wide range of opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples to work in our schools, in our education support offices and within our senior executive.

We have two types of positions: those identified for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, and non-identified positions open to all candidates, where we may target applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

We encourage and welcome applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander candidates for our wide range of non-identified positions, and we believe you have an important role to play in strengthening education and training for all children and young people in NSW public schools.

Identified and targeted roles

In a position Identified or Targeted for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, you may work in our schools or education support offices in roles that contribute to the Department’s work and priorities. Some roles may have a specific focus on supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students, employees and communities, while others may contribute more broadly across the Department.

You will see these jobs described as Identified or Targeted positions, with conditions explaining that the position is designated or Targeted for an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander person.

If you are applying for an Identified role, you must be of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Descent. If you are not already recognised by the department, specific documentation confirming your Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander identity must be provided before appointment. More information about the department’s confirmation process can be found in the Confirmation on Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander descent policy.

If you are applying for a Targeted role this will be open to all candidates, but preference will be given to Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander applicants who meet the criteria for the role. Applicants are encouraged to share cultural knowledge and lived experience where relevant to the role. If an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander person is found suitable, they will be prioritised for selection. Applicants are encouraged to include information about their cultural connection in their application, so the hiring manager and panel are aware that they are of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander descent.

If the successful applicant wishes to be formally recognised as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander with the Department, further information about the requirements and process is available in the Confirmation of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Descent Policy.

Supporting your professional journey

We are here to support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people throughout their professional journey with the NSW Department of Education. Whether you are considering a career in education, applying for a role, progressing your career or seeking support in your current role, our team can provide advice, guidance and connections to help you navigate your career pathway.

The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Recruitment and Advisory Team hosts Yarn Ups – community information sessions about Identified and Targeted roles across a range of positions. If you see a job advertisement that includes information about a Yarn Up, we encourage you to join us. Yarn Ups provide an opportunity to learn more about the role, understand the requirements and ask questions about the application process.

You can also find information about current vacancies and roles available to apply for on our Facebook page, @JoinOurMobNSWDoE.

We encourage you to apply for all roles that interest you. If there is a position you are interested in that is not Identified or Targeted, please reach out to our team. We can provide support and guidance throughout the application process.

Our goal is to increase Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander representation across the Department and support more Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to build their careers with us.

Careers in teaching

There is a strong connection between the work of our teachers of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander descent and improved learning outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students. The department prioritises the permanent employment of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander teachers through our recruitment processes.

In 2026, we have approximately 1,400 teachers of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander descent working in NSW Public Schools. Some of our schools are located in Indigenous communities or have high numbers of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander student enrolments.

You can read more about Joining our mob and the support and pathways we offer to becoming a teacher of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander descent.

The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Recruitment and Advisory team provides dedicated support to teachers throughout their teaching journey. We engage and connect with our teachers to ensure their information and preferences are up to date before they are permanently appointed. Our team will be able to have these conversations with you about where you would like to be placed especially if you are interested in teaching on country.

If you need support or would like to speak with a member of our team about the teacher recruitment process or your placement in a NSW public school, please contact us. We can also provide support and advice if you have questions about your Aboriginal Teacher scholarship or Deed of Agreement.

Careers in school administration and support

School administration and support workers are often the first to greet students, parents and visitors when they arrive at school. The skills, experience and knowledge of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples are particularly valuable in helping Aboriginal parents, carers and communities engage with school life.

In 2026, there are more than 750 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people employed in these roles in our schools.

Careers in education staff support

Working in the department's education support offices, you can help foster a relationship built on respect, commitment, collaboration and accountability.

The department is aiming to increase the number of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff in all our workplaces.

As an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait islander applicant for a range of public service roles, we value your unique skills, experience and knowledge. We believe it is important for Aboriginal and all employees to work together to enable Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander students to achieve their aspirations and realise their potential.

People in identified positions that provide effective support to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students and communities and are actively involved in the department's decision-making processes.

We welcome your application for an education support role. Join our collaborative efforts to meet the education needs of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

Career pathways and opportunities

Explore career opportunities across our schools and education support workplaces and discover pathways that match your skills, experience and career goals. We can work with you to help you understand opportunities, role requirements and the recruitment process.

Ongoing support and advice

The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Recruitment and Advisory team provides advice and support across identified and targetted recruitment, career pathways, and retention. This includes support with applying for roles, preparing for placement, understanding recruitment and employment requirements, and providing advice on matters such as Confirmation of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Descent.

Not sure who can help? Start with us. If your question sits with another team or specialist area, we can help connect you with the right people.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Workforce Initiatives team

This team supports the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander workforce in all NSW public schools and Education support staff teams by delivering key workforce and reconciliation initiatives.

Contact the team on AboriginalWorkforceInitiatives@det.nsw.edu.au.

Mirrung Network

The Mirrung Network (formally known as Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Employee Network) is a supportive and inclusive community for recognised Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander employees across the NSW Department of Education.

In the Dharug language, mirrung means "belonging" — a word that speaks to connection, identity, and place within a community. This meaning is at the heart of our network. Mirrung is a space where culture is celebrated, stories are shared, and strong connections are built across schools and workplaces.

The network provides a culturally safe space for yarning, cultural exchange, and professional development, empowering our members to thrive both personally and professionally. Through advocacy, events, and collaboration, we work to foster a sense of belonging, elevate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander voices, and support culturally safe and respectful workplaces.

Whether you’re looking for support, mentorship, or simply a space to connect with mob — Mirrung is here for you.

Join here: Mirrung Network | Community in Viva Engage

Further Information

• Careers at Education
• Become a teacher in NSW public Schools - Join Our Mob
• Diversity, equity and inclusion
• Working in partnership with the NSW AECG Inc.
• Aboriginal Employment Strategy 2026-2030