WE’RE WORKWAYS AUSTRALIA, WE GET PEOPLE CONNECTED. 

WE’RE WORKWAYS AUSTRALIA, WE GET PEOPLE CONNECTED. 

WE’RE WORKWAYS AUSTRALIA, WE GET PEOPLE CONNECTED. 

WORKWAYS AUSTRALIA LTD IS A HIGH PERFORMING, NOT FOR PROFIT ORGANISATION THAT HAS SUCCESSFULLY DELIVERED EMPLOYMENT, ENVIRONMENT, YOUTH AND COMMUNITY SERVICES ACROSS EASTERN AUSTRALIA SINCE 1989. 

MISSION

TO DELIVER POSITIVE ECONOMIC, SOCIAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL BENEFITS TO THE COMMUNITY BY ENABLING PEOPLE TO PARTICIPATE IN THE WORKFORCE, DEVELOP THEIR POTENTIAL AND CONTRIBUTE TO SOCIETY.

TO DELIVER POSITIVE ECONOMIC, SOCIAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL BENEFITS TO THE COMMUNITY BY ENABLING PEOPLE TO PARTICIPATE IN THE WORKFORCE, DEVELOP THEIR POTENTIAL AND CONTRIBUTE TO SOCIETY.

VISION

ENGAGED COMMUNITIES; CONNECTING PEOPLE TO OPPORTUNITIES.

ENGAGED COMMUNITIES; CONNECTING PEOPLE TO OPPORTUNITIES.

VALUES

RESPECTFUL

We value and consider the opinions of others. We embrace diversity and provide an inclusive workplace. We treat others the way we wish to be treated. We listen and we care.

ETHICAL

We act in the best interests of our, customers, staff and community. We act with honesty and transparency. We’re proved a safe and supportive workplace for all.

Engaged

We work as a team to achieve the best results. We build connections and share our success. We are persistent and passionate and determined.

Accountable

We deliver on our promises. We take ownership of our decisions and our actions. We demonstrate the behaviours we wish to see in others. We seek feedback so we can improve.

Sustainable

We are invested in a sustainable future for our community and our planet. We seek ways to minimise our impact on the environment. We invest in our people, our systems and our capabilities.

RECONCILIATION

OUR COMMITMENT TO RECONCILIATION

Workways Australia Ltd is committed to advancing reconciliation and building an inclusive and diverse workplace that recognises the rights and culture of our indigenous community. In our vision for reconciliation, we are focused on providing the following opportunities for Aboriginal, South Sea and Torres Strait Islander people including:    • Increased employment opportunities within our business; • Encouraging professional development and contribution to the organisation; Increasing the level of understanding, awareness, acknowledgement and respect for indigenous cultures across the organisation; • Building meaningful and mutually respectful relationships with our indigenous community; • Acknowledging the rights of indigenous people to self-determination and culturally competent practice; • Promoting the importance of cultural connections in building resilience and wellbeing acknowledging kinship, community and culture; • Ensuring our services are culturally appropriate and accessible to all.

DIVERSITY & INCLUSION

OUR COMMITMENT TO AN INCLUSIVE COMMUNITY

Workways Australia Ltd is committed to building and supporting a diverse and inclusive community that reflects the principles of equal opportunity and social justice. We are committed to ensuring that all Workways offices and sites are accessible to people with a disability; and that all services are designed to ensure equal access. WE: • Build relationships with Disability Services organisations, communities and individuals to better understand their needs and expectations. • Build respect for people living with a disability into the culture of Workways. • Ensure employment and participation opportunities exist for people with a disability within Workways and in our local communities. • Create connections to local employment and training opportunities for people with a disability.

Meet our Executive Management Team

Workways Australia is led by an experienced Executive Management team who have extensive experience in the not-for-profit employment services sector, and who have a shared passion for achieving the mission and vision of our organisation.

kieren kearney
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
FIEP, BASC, GAICD, MBA

With over 20 years’ experience in the Employment Services industry, Kieren has worked in senior leadership roles across both private and not-for-profit sectors. Commencing in the CEO role at Workways in 2019, Kieren bring extensive experience and qualifications in project and change management. Kieren is focussed on delivering high quality employment and environmental programs designed to support communities across Workways’ entire footprint.   Kieren has a Bachelor of Applied Science, Masters of Business Administration, is Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors and is a Fellow of the Institute of Employability Professionals.

Executive Management Team member pro shot smiling with white background
Alison Lisle
Chief Financial Officer
MBA, CPA, BComm

Ali is an accomplished professional with a wealth of experience in financial management, governance, and compliance across local and state government. Ali holds a Masters of Business Administration, a Bachelor of Commerce and is a Certified Public Accountant (CPA).  Her educational achievements provide her with a strong foundation to navigate the complexities of financial management and drive organisational success. She has successfully led and instigated key initiatives in business process improvement, particularly in financial management and systems, streamlining operations and enhancing efficiency. Beyond her technical expertise, Ali is a collaborative and engaging leader who values teamwork and believes in fostering a culture of transparency and accountability, working closely with teams to achieve shared goals.  Driven by her commitment to excellence, Ali is passionate about driving the fiscal sustainability of Workways, ensuring that we can continue to make a positive impact in the lives of our customers.

Tracey Crowell
CHIEF PEOPLE OFFICER
MBUS, BA (PSYCH), & ADV CERT STRAT HRM

With a career in human resources and learning spanning over 20 years, including 15 years at an executive/senior management level, Tracey has worked in numerous industries including community and social assistance services, aged care, retail, construction, manufacturing, distribution and consultancy.  Tracey enjoys working for organisations that align with her values, making positive impacts for individuals, families and communities. Tracey possesses a Master of Business (QUT), Bachelor of Arts (Psychology) (UQ), Advanced Certificate in Strategic Human Resource Management (Cornell University) and is a Certified Professional with the Australian Human Resources Institute. With a leadership style that inspires and motivates, an ability to influence change and a focus on the customer, Tracey leads the delivery of the optimum employee experience, driving high employee engagement and performance. With a passion for supporting and developing others, Tracey mentors a number of HR practitioners that hold varying levels of seniority, and provides voluntary HR consultancy services to local small businesses.   

Karly McCaskill
General Manager, BRAND & Strategy
BBus, MBA, GAICD

With extensive experience in marketing and communications, Karly has worked in the not-for-profit sector for over 15 years across diverse industries including regional and economic development, public healthcare and employment services. Karly enjoys working for an organisation that is driven by purpose, guided by values and strategic in its approach to ensure it achieves its goals. Karly is passionate about increasing opportunities for regional Australians, and developing thriving communities. She is a current Director of Bairnsdale Regional Health Service, and previously served on the Board of the Committee for Gippsland.       

MEET OUR BOARD OF MANAGEMENT

Workways Australia is governed by a skills and values based Board of Management, who bring significant experience, knowledge and strategic insight to the business.

Russell Needham
Chairperson

Russell is a qualified accountant having graduated with a Diploma of Business Studies from Gippsland Institute of Advanced Education (now Federation University) in 1976. For over 35 years Russell was a practising accountant and member of the Australian Society of CPA’s. During that time he was a partner in several Accounting Practices specialising in Audit, Taxation and Management Consultancy providing these services to a vast array of clients in many different industries. These included Health, transport, agriculture and indigenous affairs. Since retiring from his Accounting practice in 2010, Russell has maintained business interests through the joint ownership of the Caravan Dealership; Jayco Gippsland, based in Bairnsdale, East Gippsland. Over many years, Russell has been involved in industry, community and sporting organisations. This involvement includes holding executive positions on the Boards and committees of a number of these associations and community groups. Russell resides in Townsville, northern Queensland, and enjoys travel, family, hiking and cycling. Russell is keen to be part of the continued growth and success of the Workways group.     

mARLENE Elliott
Deputy Chairperson

Marlene has worked in professional services for 15 years, specialising in client insights, stakeholder management, strategy governance and marketing. She is an experienced Executive who successfully leads and motivates team to enable organisational change, increase performance and embed a client centric culture. She is the General Manager & Associate Director at VUCA Trusted Advisors, consulting NFP sector. Marlene is a Non-Executive Director of Commonwealth Games Australia, Triathlon Australia and Peninsula Leisure, and has significant experience in the business, sporting and community sectors. She is the Chair of Workways Governance Committee. Marlene is a graduate of the Australia Institute of Company Directors. Marlene has extensive experience working closely with CEOs, Executives and Boards to drive organisational change, improve business performance and achieve strategic objectives. Marlene has strong strategy, governance, marketing skill and capabilities. Currently Chair of Commonwealth Games Australia Heritage & Awards Committee and Chair of Peninsula Leisure People & Culture Committee.

Angela Hutson
Non-Executive Director

Angela is a Management and Education Consultant with over 20 years’ experience in the VET/TAFE sector and is a member of various Government Boards and regional economic development forums. Previously, Angela was the Chief Executive Officer of East Gippsland Institute of TAFE for 7 years. Her professional life has been committed to the maxim that “education changes lives”. Angela specialises in organisational development, human resources management and workforce development, strategic planning and stakeholder engagement. She has a passion for exploring and implementing ways to align social and economic development and using her networks and experience to “join the dots”. She is a fellow of the AICD. Angela lives in Paynesville, and enjoys walking with her Labrador, playing bridge and reading. She is currently a Member of the Gunai Kurnai Traditional Owner Land Management Board, Member of the Regional Development Australia Gippsland Committee, Board Director at East Gippsland Water, Board Director at TAFE Gippsland. 

Jenny Semple
Non-executive Director

Jenny was previously the CEO at the Southern Migrant and Refugee Centre for 20 years, with extensive experience in the settlement, aged care, youth, and employment areas in the non-profit sector. Prior to that she worked for the state government in public housing and aged care. Jenny has held Board positions on the Refugee Council of Australia, Settlement Council of Australia, Chisholm TAFE and Darebin Community Health Centre, and is the current deputy Chair on the Ethnic Communities Council of Victoria (ECCV) Board.  Jenny’s qualifications include a Bachelor of Social Science, Graduate Diploma in Management, and she successfully completed the Folio Community Leadership program through Leadership Victoria. Jenny received an award for Meritorious Service to the Community, as part of Victoria’s Multicultural Awards for Excellence 2016. Jenny is a qualified auditor in QIC, NDIS and ARVAS standards. Jenny brings skills and expertise in strategic thinking and planning, quality and risk, human resources and partnerships. She also has expertise and extensive experience in working with multicultural communities.   

John Websdale
Non-executive Director

John Websdale has extensive local government experience and has held a range of senior management and executive positions in the Gippsland region.  John’s experience and expertise has been in corporate services, business development and strategic planning functions. John has also held board positions with Bairnsdale Regional Health Service, Gippsland East Local Learning and Employment Network and is the current Chair of Gippsland Ports Audit and Risk Committee.  John holds a Diploma of Business Management from Monash University, has completed the Australian Company Directors program and is a member of Local Government Professionals.

melanie woodward
Non-executive Director

Melanie is an experienced Chief Financial Officer, Board Director, and Board Committee Chair. Spanning a 28-year career, Melanie has held leadership and non-executive director roles across the building and construction, financial services, consulting, charity, and association industries. Melanie’s qualifications include a Bachelor of Business (Accounting), a Graduate Diploma in Corporate Governance and she is a Graduate of the AICD Company Directors Course.     Melanie is a Fellow Member of the Governance Institute of Australia, a Fellow Member of CPA Australia and a Graduate Member of the AICD. Melanie is a Non-Executive Director of Rugby League Brisbane as well as being the CFO for Master Electricians Australia. She brings with her a passion for finance, governance, and risk management along with a genuine interest in supporting diversity, inclusion and equal opportunity.    

ross morgan
Non-executive Director

Ross is a Non-Executive Director with experience in the mental health, disability, aged care services, family services, membership, charity, tourism and legal services sectors. Ross’ previous Senior Executive experience included over 25 years in the Food and Beverage industry leading large teams in both corporate and family business environments.  He is a qualified CPA (Certified Practising Accountant), a Member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors and a Fellow of the Governance Institute of Australia. Ross was appointed to the Workways Board in 2022 and is based in Brisbane.  He is passionate about the services that Workways provides to the community.