The Jawun program is open to South Australian public sector employees at ASO6 level and above (or equivalent).

In some cases, employees at ASO5 level and below may be considered if they can demonstrate capability in autonomy, adaptability, resilience, stakeholder engagement and project delivery.

A secondment is a temporary placement of a South Australian Government employee from their home agency to a host organisation. Secondments allow employees to build skills and experience while supporting organisations to deliver priority projects.

Phase 1: Application submitted

With manager support and departmental sign-off, a Jawun Secondment Application Form and CV are submitted to OCPSE at least 4 weeks before the preferred round.

Phase 2: Project identified

Aboriginal partner organisations identify priority projects requiring support.

Phase 3: Skills matched

Secondees are matched to projects based on their skills and experience.

Phase 4: Project delivered

Following an induction week, secondees deliver projects during their time in the region. Jawun manages the experience end-to-end and provides ongoing.

A Jawun secondment takes place in one of three regions:

• the Lower River Murray, Lakes and Coorong
• the Far West Coast
• Central Australia (APY Lands)

Lower River Murray, Lakes and Coorong

The Lower River Murray, Lakes and Coorong region is home to the Ngarrindjeri nation. The Ngarrindjeri’s traditional areas extend south-east of Adelaide from Mannum, through Murray Bridge and Victor Harbor, and along the coast from Goolwa to Cape Jervis. This includes Lake Alexandrina and Lake Albert.  

There is a strong focus in this region, on creating a future centred on caring for Country, with respect for traditions, cultural responsibility and self-determination. 

Current initiatives focus on research, land management and the development of a sustainable Ngarrindjeri regional economy.

Far West Coast

The Far West Coast region is home to around 1,100 Aboriginal people across communities including Oak Valley, Yalata and Ceduna.

With approximately 2,000km of coastline, the region supports diverse industries such as agriculture, tourism, emerging mining and renewable energy. Its vast geography and distance from Adelaide present challenges, including limited infrastructure and economies of scale.

Regional leaders are committed to building a sustainable future that prioritises Aboriginal employment and enterprise. A key focus is the preservation of Aboriginal culture and the revitalisation of the endangered Kokotha, Mirning, and Wirangu languages.

Central Australia (APY Lands)

Central Australia (APY Lands) is home to Anangu and Yarnangu people in north-west South Australia.

The APY Lands form part of the broader Ngaanyatjarra Pitjantjatjara Yankunytjatjara (NPY) Lands, which span South Australia, Western Australia and the Northern Territory. There are 26 desert communities and homelands across an area of approximately 350,000 square kilometres.

Tjukurpa (Aboriginal law, culture and beliefs) remains strong in this region, providing a shared cultural, historical, familial and linguistic connection across the NPY Lands and with Country.

Jawun runs four intakes each year in February, May, July/August and October.

Applications must be submitted at least 4 weeks before your preferred round.

Lower River Murray and Far West Coast

Round 1: Sunday 8 February 2026 - Friday 20 March 2026

Round 2: Sunday 3 May 2026 - Friday 12 June 2026

Round 3: Sunday 2 August 2026 - Friday 11 September 2026

Round 4: Sunday 11 October 2026 - Friday 20 November 2026

Central Australia

Round 1: Sunday 15 February 2026 - Friday 27 March 2026

Round 2: Sunday 10 May 2026 - Friday 19 June 2026

Round 3: Sunday 26 July 2026 - Friday 4 September 2026

Round 4: Sunday 18 October 2026 - Friday 27 November 2026

Lower River Murray and Far West Coast

Executive visit: 2 March 2026 - 5 March 2026

The costs below are a guide only.

Jawun coordinates in-region logistics, including shared accommodation, induction activities and transport. The total cost is invoiced to the home agency once the secondment is completed.

Costs covered by your agency include:

• program participation costs
• flights to and from the secondment location
• meals and incidentals
• use of department-issued laptop, charger and mouse.

Late withdrawal may result in your agency being invoiced for shared costs already incurred.

Please refer to the below guidance document.

Jawun Vaccination Guidance (PDF, 157KB)

Step 1: Obtain departmental endorsement

You must have the support of your line manager to participate in the six-week secondment and to cover the associated costs.

Director or executive-level endorsement is also required.

Step 2: Choose your preferred secondment round

Select the intake that best fits your availability.

You may indicate a preferred location, noting that placements are based on where skills are most needed.

Step 3: Complete and submit your application

Submit the following documents at least four weeks before your preferred round:

• Jawun Secondment Application Form (DOCX, 91KB)
• your current CV

Email your completed application to aboriginalworkforcepartnerships@sa.gov.au

You may be invited to take part in an informal discussion with representatives from Jawun and OCPSE. If successful, you will be contacted with next steps.

Email your questions to aboriginalworkforcepartnerships@sa.gov.au