Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Town Planner Development Program
About the program The application process
Applications are now closed
Learn about this unique program, open to people who identify as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander.
Tweed Shire Council and Griffith University offer one Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander person the opportunity to:
- study the Bachelor of Urban Planning (Honours) at Griffith University’s Gold Coast campus – with Griffith University providing a scholarship towards fees
- work in a paid job one day a week (or an equivalent combined period) during their studies for up to 4 years at the Planning and Regulation Division of Tweed Shire Council.
Become a town planner like Zoe at Tweed Shire Council (3 minutes 10 seconds)
From day one, you’ll be immersed in the world of town planning, with your education and work experience equipping you with the knowledge, skills and experience to contribute to making the Tweed and Gold Coast a great place to live, work and play.
With support from Griffith University’s GUMURRII Student Success Unit to complete your studies, mentoring opportunities with the Tweed Byron Aboriginal Land Council and a paid part-time job, this is a great career opportunity.
About the program
Through the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Town Planner Development Program, you will study at university and benefit from an on-the-job training pathway, setting you up for a professional career as a town planner.
You have the option of starting the program in:
The program is backed by Griffith University and Tweed Shire Council, and supported by the Tweed Byron Local Aboriginal Land Council and Griffith University’s GUMURRII Student Success Unit.
Where you'll study and work
- Southport on the Gold Coast
- Murwillumbah in the Tweed
Griffith University’s Bachelor of Urban Planning (Honours) involves 4 years of full-time study (or up to 8 years part-time) at the Southport campus.
For up to 4 years during your studies, Tweed Shire Council will employ you the equivalent of one day a week at Murwillumbah. You could, for example, work one day a week throughout the year or work only during your university breaks.
You will work in different roles within Council’s Planning and Regulation Unit, giving you experience with development assessments, strategic planning, urban design, and building and environmental health.
Who we are looking for
We’re looking for someone who:
- identifies as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander
- wants to be a town planner
- is prepared to study at Southport and work in Murwillumbah
- is keen to learn and can meet Griffith University’s entrance requirements for the Bachelor of Urban Planning (Honours)
- is ready to commit to undertake the program.
To be eligible to apply, you will need to confirm your:
- Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander heritage (through a letter from a First Nations organisation or Community Elder, or a statutory declaration)
- Australian citizenship.
If you are an existing Griffith University student who meets the criteria, you are welcome to apply.
The application process
Applications for this program have closed.