Ulare secondment program
The Ulare Secondment Program connects South Australian Government agencies and Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations (ACCOs) through structured, project‑based secondments.
The program supports reciprocal learning, stronger cross‑sector relationships and practical outcomes aligned to Closing the Gap priorities.
Public sector agencies can get involved in Ulare as both host organisations and public sector employees can take part as secondees.
South Australian public sector employees
You will undertake a placement within an Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisation, contributing to meaningful work aligned to organisational priorities.
Secondees enter the placement with a focus on learning, relationship building and shared experience, gaining deeper insight into community-led ways of working, stronger cross-sector relationships and practical experience that can be carried back into their home agency.
South Australian Government agencies
Your agency has the opportunity to host an employee from an Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisation (ACCO) who brings valuable lived experience, cultural knowledge and community-informed perspectives into your workplace through clearly defined, project-based work aligned to your agency’s priorities and operational context.
Placements support reciprocal learning, culturally informed practice and stronger cross-sector relationships through practical collaboration and shared experience.
There are many benefits for your agency and employees. Hosting a Ulare secondee creates opportunities to strengthen relationships, support shared learning and build culturally informed ways of working through practical collaboration across sectors.
About Ulare
Ulare placements create opportunities for agencies and ACCOs to work together in ways that support:
- culturally informed practice
- shared learning
- practical collaboration aligned to organisational and community priorities.
Ulare (pronounced "uh-LAH-ruh") 🕪 is an Arrernte word meaning ‘for a reason’. It reflects the intent at the heart of the initiative — purposeful connection, cultural respect and relationship‑based collaboration that supports long‑term value across government and the ACCO sector.
The Ulare Secondment Program directly supports the following reforms under South Australia’s Closing the Gap Implementation Plan 2024–2026.
- Priority Reform Two: Building the Community‑Controlled Sector
- Priority Reform Three: Transforming Government Organisations
Secondment information
The program is open to employees of participating South Australian public sector agencies, including employees working full-time, part-time, casually or on fixed-term contracts. Individuals engaged as external contractors are not eligible to participate.
Ulare placements are designed to be flexible and aligned to secondee and organisational capacity.
Placements:
- typically run between one and six months
- may support hybrid or remote participation, where appropriate
- are available across metropolitan, regional and remote South Australia.
Matches are made by the program team in consultation with host organisations and potential secondees. Matching considers:
- the host organisation’s priorities and project needs
- the secondee’s skills, experience, availability and readiness
- cultural safety considerations and organisational fit.
Host organisations confirm their comfort with a proposed match before a placement proceeds.
People engaged as external contractors to the public sector are not eligible to participate.
Eligibility is subject to organisational suitability and a readiness assessment during the intake process.
Cost
There are no direct costs for eligible secondees. Public sector agencies contribute to program delivery through agreed arrangements.
How to get involved
Secondees
As a South Australian public sector employee, learn how a placement can build your capability, broaden your perspective and support your growth
If you are interested in being involved, discuss the opportunity with your line manager before submitting an Expression of Interest (EOI).
Organisations
As a South Australian public sector agency, learn how a purposeful placement can build capability within your agency and deliver value for the communities you serve.
More information
Visit www.ulare.com.au for further information.
Express your interest
Both South Australian public sector employees and agencies can use the forms below to express their interest.
Express your interest in becoming a Ulare Secondee