Cultural Governance
National Elders Council
The Australian Aboriginal Enterprise Foundation is guided by respected Aboriginal Elders from across Australia. Elders provide cultural authority, direction, and safeguarding to ensure all AAEF programs remain grounded in Lore, Country, and community.
National Callout for Elders
AAEF is now establishing its National Elders Council and inviting Elders from every state and territory to participate in cultural governance and national decision shaping. We are seeking six Elders from each state and territory to join our cultural governance network — ensuring strong representation from Nations across Australia and supporting a unified, culturally safe approach to enterprise development for Aboriginal adults.
We welcome Elders who carry cultural authority, lived experience, and community recognition.
Why Elders Are Central to AAEF
Elders carry cultural authority, knowledge, and lived experience that guide our organisation in the right way. Your leadership ensures AAEF remains culturally grounded, community driven, and respectful of all Nations.
- Cultural governance
- Community engagement
- Cultural safety
- Program direction
- Crisis and wellbeing support
- Enterprise and economic pathways
- Regional representation
Available Elder Roles
We are inviting Expressions of Interest for the following Elder roles. Each role is cultural and advisory only — in line with AAEF's governance values, all Elder roles are unpaid.
Cultural Governance Elder
Provide cultural oversight and ensure all AAEF programs align with Lore, Country, and community values.
Community Advisory Elder
Offer community-level guidance and help AAEF remain connected to the needs of local Aboriginal communities.
Crisis & Wellbeing Elder
Support culturally safe responses to crisis situations and guide wellbeing programs across AAEF.
Housing Pathways Elder
Guide AAEF's housing-related programs and ensure they reflect cultural and community priorities.
Enterprise & Economic Elder
Shape enterprise development pathways and support economic independence for Aboriginal adults.
Regional Elders Representative
Represent the voices and needs of Aboriginal communities in your region at a national level.
Senior Cultural Advisor
Provide senior cultural advice across all AAEF programs, governance decisions, and national direction.
A Respectful Note About Politics
AAEF honours all Elders and respects the diversity of views across Nations and communities. To maintain cultural safety and unity, AAEF upholds a clear and respectful principle: AAEF does not engage in political party politics, and we kindly ask Elders not to bring political party matters into AAEF's work.
This is not about silencing anyone — it protects cultural integrity, avoids division, and keeps our focus on community, culture, and empowerment.
Who Can Apply
We welcome Elders who meet the following criteria:
- Are recognised by their community
- Carry cultural authority and knowledge
- Are 18 years or older
- Support culturally governed, community driven programs
- Can participate in online or in-person meetings
- Wish to guide AAEF's national rollout
How to Express Interest
Elders can submit an Expression of Interest by contacting us directly. Please include the following in your message:
- Your name
- Your Nation / Country
- Your community
- Your preferred Elder role
- A short description of your cultural leadership
Standing Up a National Cultural Governance Network
The National Elders Council will form the cultural backbone of AAEF's operations. Your guidance will help us build programs that strengthen Aboriginal adults, support enterprise development, and create culturally safe pathways for economic independence.
We look forward to walking this journey together.