Thurru Administrative Assistant

• Indigenous Health Unit – College of Health, Medicine and Wellbeing
• Make a meaningful impact supporting Indigenous health and well being
• Engage deeply with Indigenous culture and be supported in your learning journey
• Full time Fixed Term position for 12 months

Be Challenged and Imagine With Us

We’re looking for a proactive and organised Administrative Assistant to join Thurru, the Indigenous Health Unit at the University of Newcastle. In this unique and rewarding role, you’ll support the Director and broader Thurru team, ensuring smooth day-to-day operations and contributing to our mission to improve health outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

This is a fantastic opportunity to work alongside a passionate team of researchers and educators, gain insight into Indigenous health initiatives, and build strong professional relationships across the University and community.

The Role

As the Thurru Administrative Assistant, you’ll:

• Provide high-level support to the Director, including managing their calendar, coordinating meetings, making travel bookings, processing credit card reconciliations, and preparing correspondence.
• Manage key administrative tasks such as maintaining records, monitoring and responding to emails, ordering supplies, and preparing agendas and minutes for meetings.
• Support cultural and community events and help coordinate internal and external stakeholder engagements.
• Help foster a culturally safe and inclusive working environment.
• Occasionally travel between campuses and work outside business hours when required.

We’re seeking someone who is:

• Highly organised, self-directed, and able to manage competing priorities with confidence.
• Culturally aware and committed to supporting Indigenous health and wellbeing.
• A strong communicator**,** comfortable liaising with a diverse range of stakeholders.
• Able to use initiative to keep things on track and solve problems as they arise.
• Experienced in providing administrative support.
• Experience working with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities or in Indigenous health settings is highly desirable.

This full-time position is fixed term at a HEW 4 Higher Education Level located at Callaghan Campus.

Who Can Apply?

As part of the University’s commitment to increasing Indigenous employment, this is a targeted Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander position. The University holds an exemption under Section 126 of the Anti-Discrimination Act 1977 (NSW) in relation to its targeted recruitment programs.

Both Indigenous and non-Indigenous applicants are welcome to apply, however priority will be given to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander candidates who can demonstrate their heritage through a Confirmation of Aboriginality and meet the selection criteria.

About our University

The University of Newcastle stands as a global leader distinguished by a commitment to equity and excellence. Our vision is to be a world-leading University for our regions and creating a better future for our regions and the globe. Underpinned by this vision and our values of excellence, equity, engagement and sustainability, the University of Newcastle’s Looking Ahead Strategic Plan 2020-2025 outlines the University’s commitment to delivering an exceptional student experience and serving our communities.

For more information click here – Our Uni.

What we offer

In addition to working for a university that is breaking boundaries, discovering new ways of thinking and cementing a place as a global leader, we offer a range of benefits to our employees to ensure you balance your commitments, stay healthy and work effectively.

These include:

• The remuneration for this position is pro-rated from $74,491-$ 80972 p.a. + superannuation and is commensurate with skills and experience
• Flexible working arrangements (in line with the University’s Flexible Work Policy
• 17% super and salary packaging
• Additional University Holiday days, generous personal leave and parental leave, annual leave loading and additional purchased leave scheme
• Discounts in private health insurance, gym memberships, software, travel and more
• Wellbeing programs

Your next steps

Please visit here for a guide on how to apply for a role.

If viewing this on a job board other than the University's please click ‘Apply’ to reach the University's website, where a copy of the Position Description can be accessed. Please download a copy before commencing your application.

Your application must include:

• Your resume
• A cover letter outlining your motivation to apply for this opportunity
• A statement addressing the Essential Criteria listed below in the job description

To ensure that your application receives full consideration, it's important to structure and address the selection criteria outlined in the application process. This helps us better understand your experience and suitability for the role. We appreciate your attention to this matter and look forward to reviewing your application.

Please upload your Cover Letter and response to the requested Criteria as one PDF document.

Your Cover Letter and Response to the Essential Criteria should not exceed 4 pages (approximately 2,000 words).

For specific position enquiries, please contact Zoe Pegler, Team Leader on (02) 4033 9063 4033 9063) or via email [email protected]

Having Difficulties? Please reach out to us: [email protected]

Closing date: Wednesday 2****nd September 2026 @11:59pm AEST

Our assessment process

Typically, candidates that progress beyond the shortlist stage can expect to undertake the following (minimum) assessment activities as part of the recruitment process:

• Interview (an ‘in person’ interview will be conducted as part of the process)
• Referee checks
• Pre-employment checks as appropriate to the role

Our University is committed to creating a safe, respectful, and inclusive environment for every member of our community. This commitment is central to our values and our efforts to build a diverse workforce where everyone can thrive.

As part of this, and in alignment with the National Higher Education Code to Prevent and Respond to Gender-Based Violence 2025, from 1 January 2026, the University will also consider gender-based violence risk factors as part of our recruitment processes.

The completion and return of the University’s Gender-based Violence Declaration Form will form part of the pre-employment checks for this position and any offer of employment will be conditional upon review by the University.

Our adherence to the Code is about more than compliance—it’s about living our values. Together, we can ensure our University remains a place where respect, safety, and inclusion are non-negotiable.

We are excited to be Looking Ahead with you

We are committed to a fair, inclusive, and barrier-free recruitment process. If you require an alternative way to access the Position Description or submit your application, please contact [email protected]**.

Reasonable adjustments are available throughout the assessment and interview process to support all applicants to participate fully.

The University of Newcastle is an equal opportunity employer committed to equity, diversity, and social inclusion. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and strongly encourage women and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander candidates to apply.

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