Lindi Dietzel
Clifton Springs,Australia
Summary
Dja Dja Wurrung/Yorta Yorta descendant with a strong commitment to empowering Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. Proven track record in leading cultural safety initiatives that enhance community engagement and health outcomes. Developed the West Division Cultural Safety Framework, promoting inclusive practices and advancing self-determination. Experienced senior advisor skilled in strategic planning, cross-functional leadership, and operational efficiency improvements.
Overview
31
31
years of professional experience
Work History
Senior Advisor
Department of Families, Fairness and Housing
01.2013 - Current
- Provided subject matter expertise and authoritative advice to DFFH program areas and senior staff, delivering reasoned recommendations and innovative solutions for complex program implementation issues.
- Developed West Division Cultural Safety Framework to guide workforce development and implement culturally safe, inclusive, and consistent workplace practices.
- Coordinated and administered DFFH West Division Aboriginal Staff Support Network (ASSN) to enhance support for Aboriginal staff and promote cultural safety.
- Coordinated and administered the West Division Aboriginal Outcomes Committee meetings. The role of the Aboriginal Outcomes Committee provides oversight of the West DFFH key priorities and projects focused on improving outcomes for Aboriginal people, families, and communities.
- Implemented various state-wide initiatives, including the Aboriginal Employment Strategy and Moondani Aboriginal inclusion action plan.
- Work and have relationships with Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations that provide services in the West Division, Other Aboriginal service providers and support workers, Community Service Organisations and mainstream service providers, Traditional Owner Groups, Registered Aboriginal Parties, And most importantly ~ Traditional Owners, Elders and Community Members.
- The Aboriginal Engagement Unit West has both an internal focus within DFFH as well as externally to the department to build the Department's engagement capacity with Aboriginal organisations and communities as well as universal services in ways that support Aboriginal self–determination and cultural safety.
Sessional Trainer/Workplace Assessor
Koorreen Enterprises
01.2006 - Current
- Delivering training in - Certificates IV in Youth Work, Alcohol & Other Drugs and Mental Health.
- Conducted specialised Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander training, promoting cultural awareness and understanding.
- Developed resources to improve training programs, enhancing participant engagement and learning outcomes.
- Delivered Cultural Safety presentations to foster a more inclusive environment.
Self-Employed Massage Therapist
Self
Clifton Springs, Australia
01.1996 - Current
- Assessed client needs to effectively customize treatment plans.
- Delivered holistic treatments for clients with diverse physical and emotional health issues.
- Provided therapeutic massages to promote relaxation and well-being.
- Maintained cleanliness and organization of massage therapy rooms and equipment.
Aboriginal Health Programs Liaison (Project Officer)
Barwon Medicare Local
01.2010 - 01.2013
- Developed and delivered Close the Gap – Indigenous Health Initiative for General Practice in Geelong, leading multi-strategic, cross-sectoral culture change and implementing Commonwealth Government’s Closing the Gap Indigenous Health Incentives Program and Indigenous Chronic Disease initiatives.
- Improved access to culturally safe mainstream primary care services for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians, contributing to efforts to close the gap in life expectancy.
- Collaborated with Barwon Medicare Local team to build and strengthen partnerships at local, state, and national levels, identifying and addressing barriers to quality health care access for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
Indigenous Youth Employment Consultant
Diversitat Youth Services
01.2007 - 01.2010
- Provided culturally appropriate individualized assistance and support to Aboriginal young people, facilitating their access to employment, training, and education opportunities.
- Consulted with and developed relationships among communities, local schools, vocational education and training providers, local businesses, training bodies, employment service providers, and Job Network members to strengthen employment pathways.
- Guided youth through personalized career planning sessions, helping them identify suitable job opportunities.
- Developed and maintained relationships with local employers for job placements.
- Facilitated workshops on resume writing and interview preparation skills.
Youth Pathways Case Manager
Barwon Youth
01.2006 - 01.2007
- Managed case files for young people in Geelong region, providing counselling and support to ‘at risk’ youth across all secondary schools, facilitating improved access to resources.
- Developed vocational plans for students, identifying further education and training opportunities while coordinating personal support and referral services.
- Coordinated client assessments and developed individualized service plans.
- Facilitated case reviews to ensure compliance with organizational standards.
- Collaborated with community resources to support client needs effectively.
Youth Support Worker
Gordon Institute of TAFE
01.2000 - 01.2006
- Coordinated case management, counselling, and support for students, formulating vocational plans and identifying further education and training opportunities to enhance student outcomes.
- Supported youth in developing life skills through structured activities and mentoring.
- Assisted in creating individualized support plans tailored to each youth's needs.
- Facilitated workshops on conflict resolution and effective communication strategies.
Project Manager - “Bridging the Gap” Attendance Action Research Project
Barwon Youth
Geelong
01.2005 - 12.2005
- Led project planning and execution for youth development initiatives.
- Coordinated teams to ensure timely completion of community programs.
- Managed budgets and resources for multiple projects simultaneously.
- Analyzed attendance data and evaluated current approaches to create strategies for school-wide implementation.
Project Manager - “Out There” Adventure Based Learning Action Research Project
Gordon Institute of TAFE
Geelong
01.2003 - 12.2003
- Led project planning and execution for educational programs at the institute.
- Coordinated cross-departmental teams to enhance project delivery efficiency.
- Managed budgets and resources for multiple concurrent projects successfully.
- Developed model to engage young people in education through adventure-based programs.
Casual Trainer
St Laurence
01.2001 - 01.2003
- Facilitated employment support training programs for young people with disabilities, enhancing their job readiness and confidence.
- Facilitated training sessions to enhance employee skills and knowledge.
- Developed training materials for various programs and workshops.
- Assessed trainee performance through evaluations and feedback sessions.
Tutorial Support
Gordon Institute of TAFE
01.2000 - 01.2003
- Provided educational and personal support for students in Certificate IV in Community Services (Youth Work) to enhance learning outcomes. Liaised with teaching staff, team leaders, and workplace supervisors to ensure alignment and support for student progress.
Work Placement Facilitator
Gordon Institute of TAFE
01.2000 - 01.2003
- Coordinated practical work placements that aligned with on-the-job course requirements for students in Certificate IV in Community Services (Youth and Disability Work).
Development and facilitation “Managing on My Own” program
GATE/Supportworks
01.2002 - 12.2002
- Facilitated independent living and employment workshops for adults with disabilities, enhancing their skills and knowledge.
Casual Trainer
Gordon Institute of TAFE
01.2000 - 01.2001
- Delivered VET in Schools Certificate III in Community Services courses at local educational institutions, enhancing student engagement and practical skills development.
Casual Trainer
CREATE Youth Services
01.1999 - 01.2000
- Delivered youth support programs to enhance participant engagement.
Education
Barring Djinang Leadership Program - Certificate of completion
01-2024
Malka Training - Cultural Safety and Lateral Violence
01-2013
Company Directors Course -
Australian Institute of Company Directors
01-2012
Cert IV in Training & Assessment - Update
01-2011
Yapaneyepuk Mentor Training - Cultural Diversity
01-2011
Certificate IV in Indigenous Leadership -
01-2008
Certificate IV in Training & Assessment -
01-2000
Certificate IV in Community Services - Youth, Child & Family
01-1999
Practitioners Certificate - Massage Therapy
01-1996
Skills
- Policy writing
- Program evaluation
- Strategic planning
- Stakeholder engagement
- Community liaison
- Cultural competence
- Program design
Professional Relationships
- Murrimatters
- Australian Indigenous Leadership Centre – Canberra (Leadership Plus Steering Committee)
- Kooreen Enterprises
- Narana Creations/ Murrenda Aboriginal Community Care (Geelong)
- Wathaurong Aboriginal Cooperative & Wathaurong Health Service
- Wayaperri Mentor Bank (Indigenous Mentor) & Boards register
- Geelong Football Club – Community Advisory Committee
- Geelong Region Local Learning and Employment Network (LLEN)
Career Statement
Proud Dja Dja Wurrung/Yorta Yorta woman, mother, grandmother. Descendant of the Stolen Generation, I am passionately committed both professionally and personally to the empowerment of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, our Families and Communities. Particularly focused in the areas of Cultural Safety, Self Determination, and Inclusion.
Timeline
Senior Advisor
Department of Families, Fairness and Housing
01.2013 - Current
Aboriginal Health Programs Liaison (Project Officer)
Barwon Medicare Local
01.2010 - 01.2013
Indigenous Youth Employment Consultant
Diversitat Youth Services
01.2007 - 01.2010
Sessional Trainer/Workplace Assessor
Koorreen Enterprises
01.2006 - Current
Youth Pathways Case Manager
Barwon Youth
01.2006 - 01.2007
Project Manager - “Bridging the Gap” Attendance Action Research Project
Barwon Youth
01.2005 - 12.2005
Project Manager - “Out There” Adventure Based Learning Action Research Project
Gordon Institute of TAFE
01.2003 - 12.2003
Development and facilitation “Managing on My Own” program
GATE/Supportworks
01.2002 - 12.2002
Casual Trainer
St Laurence
01.2001 - 01.2003
Youth Support Worker
Gordon Institute of TAFE
01.2000 - 01.2006
Tutorial Support
Gordon Institute of TAFE
01.2000 - 01.2003
Work Placement Facilitator
Gordon Institute of TAFE
01.2000 - 01.2003
Casual Trainer
Gordon Institute of TAFE
01.2000 - 01.2001
Casual Trainer
CREATE Youth Services
01.1999 - 01.2000
Self-Employed Massage Therapist
Self
01.1996 - Current
Barring Djinang Leadership Program - Certificate of completion
Malka Training - Cultural Safety and Lateral Violence
Company Directors Course -
Australian Institute of Company Directors