Ulare is an Arrernte word meaning "for a reason". The name reflects the program's focus on intentional partnerships, shared learning and practical collaboration that deliver practical outcomes across sectors.
How Ulare came to be
The Ulare Secondment Program was developed by MTL Consulting Services in partnership with the Office of the Commissioner for Public Sector Employment (OCPSE), building on the success of an earlier secondment pilot.
Through the pilot, both organisations recognised the value that shared learning and practical collaboration could create between the South Australian public sector and Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations (ACCOs). These structured placements strengthened relationships, deepened cross-sector understanding and supported more culturally informed ways of working across both sectors.
Ulare grew from that experience and from MTL Consulting Services' broader work alongside ACCOs, government agencies and communities across South Australia. As a proud Arrernte man and former public sector employee with experience across both sectors, founder Marius Liddle recognised the need for structured opportunities aligned to organisational priorities that support shared learning, practical collaboration and stronger cross-sector relationships.
Grounded in policy, designed for people
The program responds directly to Action 2.06 of South Australia's Closing the Gap Implementation Plan 2024–2026. It brings together the experience and expertise of the South Australian public sector and the cultural knowledge, lived experience and community-informed expertise of ACCOs, recognising that both sectors contribute equally valuable perspectives.
Ulare was also intentionally designed to be accessible. The program is designed to support participation across metropolitan, regional and remote locations and is structured to minimise additional resourcing pressure on ACCOs, many of which already deliver significant community services within constrained operating environments.
Every placement is designed to support shared learning, practical collaboration and stronger cross-sector relationships across participating organisations and the communities they serve.
Strengthen reciprocal learning, practical collaboration and shared experience between South Australian Government agencies and ACCOs.
❋ Strengthen Culturally Informed Practice
Strengthen participant understanding of community, relationships and culturally informed approaches to policy, service delivery and decision-making.
❋ Build Stronger Relationships
Create opportunities for shared learning, practical collaboration and long-term cross-sector relationships.
Program Principles
What Guides Us.
The Ulare Secondment Program is guided by a shared commitment to reciprocal learning, cultural respect and practical collaboration. These principles shape how placements are designed, delivered and supported across participating organisations and sectors.
Reciprocal Learning
The program recognises that learning occurs in both directions, valuing diverse perspectives, lived experience and professional expertise across government and ACCOs.
Cultural Respect
Placements are grounded in culturally respectful engagement that recognises cultural authority, local context and safe ways of working.
Practical Collaboration
The program supports practical, project-based collaboration aligned to organisational priorities and practical outcomes.
Shared Learning & Growth
Placements create opportunities to strengthen shared learning, understanding and experience across participating organisations through reciprocal relationships and practical collaboration.
Stronger Relationships
The program supports long-term cross-sector relationships built through trust, shared experience and practical collaboration.
Closing the Gap Alignment
The program supports practical action aligned to South Australia's Closing the Gap priorities through stronger cross-sector relationships, reciprocal learning and collaboration between government agencies and ACCOs.