Bushfire Recovery Project Officer
- Support community emergency resilience workshops and engagement activities
- Assist community groups with grant and funding applications
- Provide information and support to bushfire-affected residents
Bushfire Recovery Project Officer
Temporary Full-Time | 12 Month Fixed-Term Contract | Colac Otway Shire Council
Help Communities Recover. Build Resilience. Make a Difference.
The January 2026 Otway bushfires impacted lives, properties and communities across our region. Now is your opportunity to be part of the recovery journey and help build stronger, more resilient communities for the future.
Colac Otway Shire Council is seeking a passionate and community-focused Bushfire Recovery Project Officer to support local recovery initiatives, strengthen community resilience and help deliver projects that make a real and lasting impact.
What You'll Be Doing
As part of our Bushfire Recovery Program, you will:
- Support community emergency resilience workshops and engagement activities
- Assist community groups with grant and funding applications
- Help plan and coordinate community events and recovery initiatives
- Provide information and support to bushfire-affected residents
- Contribute to recovery communications, including webpages, social media and community resources
- Prepare reports and help track progress on recovery projects and emerging community needs
About You
You're someone who enjoys connecting with people, solving problems and making things happen.
You will bring:
- Excellent communication and facilitation skills
- Strong organisational skills and attention to detail
- The ability to manage competing priorities and work autonomously
- Experience researching, analysing and preparing information or reports
- A collaborative, community-minded approach
- Understanding of grants, funding programs and basic budget processes
- Current Victorian Driver's Licence
- Experience with Crisisworks or community recovery, emergency management, local government or community development will be highly regarded
Why Join Us?
At the Colac Otway Shire Council, our people live our values every day. We are supportive, inclusive, respectful, accountable, proactive and committed to making a positive difference in our community.
This is a unique opportunity to:
- Support community recovery and resilience
- Work closely with local communities and stakeholders
- Develop valuable project, engagement and grant-writing experience
- Be part of meaningful work that genuinely impacts people's lives
Apply Now
If you're passionate about helping communities recover, thrive and prepare for the future, we'd love to hear from you.
Join us and help shape the next chapter of recovery across the Colac Otway region.
Salary information: $77,392.64 to $88,025.60 per annum plus superannuation
For further information regarding the duties and requirements of the role, please refer to the Position Description.
Please submit:
- A cover letter outlining your interest in the role
- Your current resume
- Key Selection Criteria responses
Applications Close Monday 28 September 2026 at 11:59pm
Please note: we reserve the right to conduct interviews with suitable candidates prior to the closing date.
Colac Otway Shire Council is a child safe organisation and is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer
Apply Now
About Colac
Colac Otway Shire is widely regarded as one of the most picturesque municipalities in Victoria. It comprises spectacular coastal areas, rain-forested hinterlands and beautiful vast open plains with native grasslands and wildflowers.
From the Great Ocean Road towns of Apollo Bay and Lavers Hill, to the beacon of the Cape Otway Lighthouse, the cascading waterfalls, nature trails and native wildlife, the lush tree ferns of the rainforests and tall timber of the Otway forest, Colac Otway has it all. Country living without compromise.
Colac Otway Shire Council is an amazing place to work. If you are passionate about delivering great customer service, working for a progressive and innovative council, and making a difference to your local community, browse the current vacancies below.
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