About the Proud and Ready Program

ACON’s Proud and Ready Program is a paid, structured internship designed to equip you with real-world experience, mentorship, and industry connections to build confidence and job readiness in the health and community sector.

This six-month, part-time internship strongly encourages applications from LGBTQ+ Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women, women from multicultural backgrounds, women in regional NSW, and young women, who have faced barriers to entering or re-entering the workforce. Interns will be placed across ACON’s diverse teams, including women’s health, Aboriginal health, alcohol and other drugs, sexual, domestic and family violence programs, marketing, and business administration. You’ll gain hands-on experience, receive mentorship, and develop key skills in health promotion, research, and advocacy.

There are a number of internships available, which will contribute to community health initiatives on projects such as conducting research, community outreach, supporting event planning, and creating digital communication materials. You’ll work alongside experienced professionals while accessing structured training, supervision, and peer networking opportunities to strengthen your professional development.

Be part of a program that drives change and opens doors for individuals in the workforce by joining a supportive, inclusive environment that fosters growth, confidence, and career pathways.

Ok, so what’s the role?

The First Nations Community Health Promotion Intern will work within ACON Northern Rivers Health Promotion team and contribute to strengthening our partnerships with Aboriginal Medical Services and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities across Bundjalung to Birpai Country (Tweed to Port Macquarie). This is an excellent opportunity for someone passionate about First Nations health, community engagement, and HIV and sexual health promotion to build their skills and make a meaningful impact.

In this role, you will support the co-design and delivery of a peer-led workshop focused on HIV testing, prevention, treatment, and stigma reduction, tailored for First Nations community members, including LGBTQ+SB (Sistergirls and Brotherboys). You’ll work closely with community stakeholders to ensure culturally safe and effective health promotion initiatives.

Key responsibilities include assisting with community engagement and stakeholder management, supporting the co-design and delivery of a peer-led workshop, contributing to the development of culturally appropriate resources and materials, and working collaboratively with the Northern Rivers Health Promotion team to ensure programs are community-led and culturally responsive.

This role is perfect for someone who is passionate about improving health outcomes for First Nations communities, eager to develop skills in health promotion and community engagement and committed to creating culturally safe spaces for LGBTQ+SB individuals.

This role has been designed to provide culturally specific services. Lived experience or cultural knowledge is essential for effective service delivery.

All available internships include:

• First Nations Community Health Promotion Intern - ACON Northern Rivers (Lismore)
• First Nations Community Health Promotion Intern - ACON Sydney
• Community Health Promotion, Administration and Liaison Support Intern - ACON Hunter (Newcastle)
• Sexual, Domestic and Family Violence Health Promotion Intern - ACON Sydney
• LGBTQ+ Women’s Health Promotion Intern - ACON Sydney
• Digital Content Intern - ACON Sydney

• Who are we looking for?

We’re seeking passionate, motivated individuals who are eager to develop their skills and gain hands-on experience in community health. The ideal candidate is curious, proactive, and committed to making a positive impact. You should have a strong interest in health promotion, advocacy, or community development, and be keen to work in a collaborative, supportive environment. No prior experience is necessary—just a willingness to learn, contribute, and grow in a program designed to elevate your career prospects.

What else can we tell you?

ACON provides a diverse, nurturing, and fun workplace. ACON’s employees and volunteers are at the heart of everything we do and working at ACON would see you join a community of passionate people who deliver innovative community engagement and health promotion programs and initiatives for our communities.

To support the successful candidate in their new role at ACON we offer:

• Generous learning and development opportunities.
• Potential for tailored mentoring opportunities.
• Supportive working environment with a knowledgeable and friendly team.

What’s the remuneration and working details?

Salary: $52,303.00 (Gross FTE per-annum, PLUS Superannuation and Leave Loading)

Locations: ACON’s Gadigal/Sydney Office, ACON’s Awabakal/Hunter Office or ACON’s Bundjalung/Lismore Office.

Hours: Part Time (28 hours per fortnight / 0.4 FTE) on a 6-month fixed term contract. Days and times of work may be negotiable.

We are committed to diversity and inclusion. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women, women from multicultural backgrounds, women in regional NSW, and young women are strongly encouraged to apply.

We offer flexible working arrangements and a generous array of entitlements often above the National Employment Standards (NES) including:

• Salary Packaging up to $35,000 gross up value (i.e., currently up to $15,900 Expenses + $2,650 Meals, tax free).
• Generous pro-rata leave entitlements – including up to an extra week of paid leave for full time employees to be taken during our Christmas and New Year’s shutdown period.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) – access to a comprehensive counselling service free to employees.

How do I apply?

You must submit the following three documents in MS-Word or PDF format.

1. Your completed ACON application form
   • Ensure all details are filled in.
   • Download the form via the Apply Now button below.
2. Your Cover Letter (max 2 pages) or a short video (max 3 minutes):

• • Outline the following:
  • Your preferred Internship
  • How this Internship aligns with your personal values and interests
  • Any relevant skills or experience that align with the position/selected Internship

Applicants are welcome to submit a video instead of a cover for the purposes of accessibility. This option supports those who may find verbal expression more effective than written formats.

If submitting a video:

• Please use MP4 (.mp4) or MOV (.mov).
• Keep the file size under 25MB if possible
• If needed, use Google Drive, Dropbox or OneDrive and share the link within your application email.

1. Your Resume (max 2 pages)
   • Tell us about your current and previous employment and your education. Be sure to include:
2. Your Name, Contact Details and preferred Pronouns.
3. Your Education including any degrees you have received, the institution and its location and the date of your graduation. You might also want to include your major/minor fields, any honours, and publications.
4. Your Work Experience including jobs, internships, and volunteer work.

More information and support:

For more information on the role or for support with submitting an application, please contact the Proud and Ready team via email at [email protected] using the subject line: First Nations Community Health Promotion Intern - Lismore enquiry via EthicalJobs.

A position description is attached.