Mission Manager – Kalumburu Mission, Western Australia

Lead operations and community support in one of Australia’s most remote and remarkable communities

The Diocese of Broome, through Palms International Volunteering, is seeking a Mission Manager to oversee the day to day operations of the Kalumburu Mission—an important community hub that includes cattle operations, essential infrastructure, and a functioning airstrip.

This hands on role is ideal for someone with strong practical skills, cultural sensitivity, and the resilience to live and work in a remote setting.

Your leadership will help maintain vital services, support the Assumption Sisters, strengthen community engagement, and ensure the Mission continues to operate safely and effectively.

What you’ll do

Community & Infrastructure Management

• Oversee and maintain essential infrastructure including housing, power, water, roads, and communications.
• Ensure community facilities are clean, safe, and functioning.
• Liaise with external service providers such as health services and government agencies.
• Support community events and social well being initiatives.
• Prioritise local residents when creating part time employment opportunities.

Fuel Distribution

• Pump fuel for the community two days per week.
• Maintain fuel bowsers and surrounding grounds.
• Manage bulk fuel deliveries.

Cattle Station Operations

• Coordinate cattle testing with the vet.
• Manage stock health and stock levels.
• Maintain fences, water points, and yards.
• Work alongside contractors and Aboriginal rangers.

Airstrip & Logistics Management

• Maintain the airstrip to meet CASA safety and regulatory standards.
• Ensure the strip is cleared, marked, and inspected regularly.
• Be available to illuminate the airstrip for emergency night landings.

What you’ll bring

• Current driver’s licence.
• Cultural competence and respect for Aboriginal communities.
• Experience in rural or remote community or station management.
• Knowledge of cattle handling—or willingness to learn.
• Familiarity with airstrip maintenance and aviation protocols—or willingness to learn.
• Strong problem solving skills and initiative.
• Ability to undertake routine maintenance and minor repairs.
• Effective communication skills.
• Capacity to live and work with limited supervision in a remote environment.
• Commitment to live and work in Kalumburu for at least 6 months.

Desirable

• Mechanical or trade skills (plumbing, electrical, fencing, machinery repairs).

Working conditions

• Residential role with accommodation and utilities provided.
• Remote location with limited services (supplied by plane or periodic road access).
• Requires resilience, self sufficiency, and adaptability.
• May include on call responsibilities and after hours problem solving.

About Kalumburu Mission The Mission is the most northern settlement in Western Australia. Kalumburu Mission has serviced the region since 1908 when the Benedictines first landed at Mission Bay on board the lugger San Salvador.

** About Palms International Volunteering** For 65 years, Palms International Volunteering has supported skilled Australians to live and work alongside communities in the Asia-Pacific. Our volunteers don’t ‘fix’ problem - they build relationships, strengthen local capacity, and walk with communities striving for dignity and opportunity. These are ‘solidarity placements’. Accommodation and a small stipend is provided, as well as preparation and ongoing support.

The focus is on living as a true neighbour to learn, and to establish an effective mentoring role. This is the basis for lasting capacity building in the community. It is also a chance for you to step out of the rush and reconnect with what matters through a deep cultural immersion and genuine community relationships.