Aboriginal Economic Development - how we work

Page last updated: Tuesday, 26 September 2023 - 5:03pm

Please note: This content may be out of date and is currently under review.

Project delivery

AED Unit

Three men - AED Unit staff
AED Unit officers 

Officers within DPIRD’s AED Unit work from various locations across the State, across many different industries. They all play different roles because every AED project is bespoke, flexible and unique. No one size fits all.

AED Unit officers may have a direct role in project delivery - involving engagement and collaboration with Aboriginal people. They may also coordinate, facilitate and refer project delivery through Regional Development Commissions and external service providers, or broker partnerships through advocacy and leveraging.

The role of AED Unit officers can be influenced by many different factors, such as how Aboriginal people and entities want to be involved, their level of capacity, and the involvement of other organisations.

Irrespective of their role, AED officers will always prioritise spending time with Aboriginal people and their communities, getting to know each other and earning their trust. Strong relationships enable AED officers to bring to life the aspirations of Aboriginal people by identifying appropriate economic development opportunities, and putting in place the capacity building supports and partnerships needed to realise these opportunities.