Roses in the Ocean: Leading With Lived Experience, Grounded in Cultural Inclusion
Roses in the Ocean is a national not-for-profit transforming suicide prevention in Australia by placing lived experience at the heart of everything it does.
Every person employed at Roses in the Ocean brings their own lived experience of suicide—whether through personal crisis, bereavement, caring for someone through suicidal distress, or surviving an attempt. This deep, collective insight is not only a professional requirement—it’s a fundamental driver of how the organisation delivers impact, system reform, and hope.
What makes Roses in the Ocean especially noteworthy is its growing and genuine commitment to cultural inclusion, equity, and healing for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
“As a Torres Strait Islander man with lived experience of health and social adversity, I see Roses in the Ocean walking the talk,” says Edward Solien, Founder of Indigenous Job Match.
“They’re not just recruiting for diversity—they’re actively building systems and culture to support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff to thrive, feel safe, and lead.”
Cultural Safety in Action: DEIB Strategy with Intention
Roses in the Ocean has set in motion a long-term Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging (DEIB) Action Plan that spans to 2030. This plan identifies a whole-of-organisation responsibility to support diverse communities—including First Nations peoples—with actions designed to transform internal culture and external service delivery.
Key features of their DEIB journey include:
Monthly team meetings that embed DEIB reflection and cultural yarning as part of everyday practice.
Regular DEIB resource sharing and staff engagement initiatives, including a tailored DEIB landing page on their website (launching 2025).
Cultural Awareness Training planned to upskill all staff in culturally appropriate and trauma-informed care.
An upcoming organisational audit, delivered by Educaid, to map capability gaps and opportunities for inclusive practice.
“We’ve worked with many organisations across the country, and what stands out about Roses in the Ocean is their honesty about being on a learning journey,” Edward shares.
“They’re not pretending to have it all figured out, but they’re inviting First Nations communities into the process—consulting, listening, and acting with integrity.”
Representation That Matters
At present, Roses in the Ocean employs two known Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff, including one in a senior leadership role. This representation is a strong signal of their willingness to not only hire, but elevate Indigenous voices within their structure.
This commitment is also reflected in their DEIB strategy, which notes the importance of building career pathways and ensuring professional development opportunities are accessible for people with lived experience, particularly from marginalised communities.
Their broader workforce strategy acknowledges national workforce shortages in suicide prevention and frames lived experience—including culturally grounded lived experience—as a powerful enabler in reform.
Now Hiring: Instructional Design Specialist
Roses in the Ocean is currently recruiting for a full-time Instructional Design Specialist.
This role involves developing inclusive, trauma-informed learning programs, both in-person and online, in partnership with subject matter experts and lived experience communities. Candidates must have a lived experience of suicide, as well as a background in instructional design, learning systems, and program evaluation.
The position offers:
A salary of $100,000 plus super and salary packaging
Hybrid work options from their Newstead QLD office, or remote flexibility for regional/interstate applicants
Access to additional wellness leave, portable long service leave, counselling support, and an inclusive, values-led team environment
“This is a rare opportunity to be part of a team where your lived experience is not just welcomed—it’s valued as a professional asset,” Edward says.
“We strongly encourage Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander job seekers to consider this role. Your cultural knowledge, your resilience, and your community perspective are exactly what this organisation is ready to honour.”
Our Endorsement
At Indigenous Job Match, we proudly stand behind Roses in the Ocean as a culturally safe and purpose-driven employer. This is an organisation that values learning over perfection, and inclusion over tokenism.
If you’re seeking a role where your full self—your story, your culture, your experience—can help shape national conversations about suicide prevention and healing, Roses in the Ocean may be the right place for you.
Visit rosesintheocean.com.au to learn more or apply now on Indigenous Job Match.
