W&Co Search

W&Co Search is proud to be partnering with Merri-bek City Council to appoint a key leadership role, Unit Manager Property. This is an opportunity to set strategic direction, lead property operations, and maximise community benefit in one of Melbourne’s most dynamic municipalities. Reporting to the Branch Manager Property, Place & Design, you will oversee acquisitions, sales, leasing, and portfolio optimisation, ensuring compliance while driving strategic outcomes. A key focus will be delivering the best results for Merri-bek’s Park Close to Home strategy and shaping long-term property initiatives. A proven leader, you will lead a highly experienced team, engage senior stakeholders, and drive best-practice property management. Your ability to think strategically, influence decision making, and enhance community and financial outcomes will be critical to success. For more information, follow the links below or contact me directly for a confidential discussion. 📱 0448 007 653 📧 ashley@wcosearch.com 🌏 https://lnkd.in/gNaqenfy Position Description: https://shorturl.at/5anG8 #YourTrustedRecruitmentPartner Greg Rodwell Sunny Haynes Danni Jovanovic Pene Winslade Cathy Henderson

Shared services in local government are often discussed in the context of financial pressures, but they have the potential to significantly improve community outcomes. By focusing on efficiency, scalability, and service quality, councils can proactively adopt shared services as a strategic move rather than a reactive response during times of crisis. This approach allows councils to retain control over the process and align changes with the needs of their communities. A key enabler of this shift is fostering transparency and accountability. Independent performance reviews and benchmarking against similar councils can help identify opportunities for collaboration and innovation. Successful models from other regions demonstrate that such comparisons can lead to improved service delivery and greater public accountability. Councils that take the lead in exploring shared service opportunities on their own terms stand to benefit significantly. This proactive approach not only avoids externally imposed solutions but also ensures that shared services are implemented with a clear focus on delivering meaningful outcomes for communities. #wcosearch #YourTrustedRecruitmentPartner

W&Co Search is proud to be partnering with Melton City Council once again! This time, we are leading the search for a newly created and exciting role – Grant Attraction & Partnerships Lead. This is a unique opportunity to shape and lead Council’s funding strategy, build long-term relationships with government and philanthropic organisations, and drive best-practice grant management within a centralised function. Reporting to the Manager Advocacy and Government Relations within the Office of the CEO, this high-impact role offers visibility across the Executive and broader organisation. It presents the opportunity to contribute to and influence Council’s approach to funding and partnerships, ensuring long-term investment success for one of Victoria’s fastest-growing municipalities. For more information, follow the links below or contact me directly for a confidential discussion. 📱 0448 007 653 📧 ashley@wcosearch.com 🌏 https://lnkd.in/gZ2EfMZC Position Description: https://shorturl.at/NZb7q #YourTrustedRecruitmentPartner

Sustainable innovation is key to addressing the dual challenges of environmental responsibility and financial stability for councils. By embracing circular economy principles and utilising technologies like solar power, councils can lower costs while reducing their carbon footprint. Initiatives such as resource recovery programs and creative reuse of materials demonstrate how waste management can support both economic and environmental goals. For instance, repurposing materials like clothing and fabrics into building tiles, in partnership with universities and government grants, reduces landfill, creates jobs, and supports local industries. These initiatives show how thoughtful solutions can align environmental progress with economic benefits, all while preserving the natural assets that make communities special. Collaboration with other levels of government and private sectors amplifies the impact and potential of these efforts. To succeed, councils must balance social, environmental, economic, and infrastructure priorities. Clear strategies and community engagement are essential to making informed decisions that enhance liveability and sustainability. With a focused and collaborative approach, councils can turn today’s challenges into opportunities for long-term growth and resilience. #wcosearch #YourTrustedRecruitmentPartner

Balancing the everyday demands of running an organisation with the need to plan for the future is no small task. Leadership means addressing immediate challenges while staying focused on long-term goals. It’s this ability to adapt and prioritise that allows organisations to navigate complexity and find innovative solutions. Leadership gaps and talent shortages continue to be significant concerns for many organisations. While these challenges can feel daunting, they also create opportunities to rethink strategies, improve processes, and build resilience. Whether it’s restructuring services, exploring partnerships, or making bold decisions, a clear and collaborative approach is essential for driving meaningful outcomes. Ultimately, effective leadership is about making decisions that prioritise sustainability and community impact. By stepping back to assess the bigger picture and involving teams throughout the process, organisations can overcome challenges and set the stage for future success. Even the toughest transitions can lead to growth and lasting innovation. #wcosearch #YourTrustedRecruitmentPartner

Local governments are on the brink of an exciting shift, with new technologies set to boost community engagement and improve service delivery. While councils have been around for decades, the basics haven’t changed—being responsive, accessible, and transparent is still key to earning trust and keeping people satisfied. It’s great to see leaders making performance and community outcomes a top priority. Embracing digital tools like AI and data integration is a game-changer. These technologies help councils work smarter, not harder—automating routine tasks, predicting issues before they happen, and personalising communication. Things like online portals and mobile apps are already making it easier for people to connect, access info, and have their say. But it’s not just about the tech. Real impact comes from understanding what the community needs, listening to their feedback, and designing services with them in mind. There’s no one-size-fits-all solution, but by focusing on what matters most to the people we serve, councils can build stronger relationships, deliver better outcomes, and make a real difference. #wcosearch #YourTrustedRecruitmentPartner

W&Co Search is thrilled to announce the successful placement of Jo Wilson as the new Director Community, Planning & Growth at Golden Plains Shire Council. With over 20 years of leadership experience, Jo has demonstrated exceptional capability across local government, state government, and the not-for-profit sector. Her expertise spans growth area planning, strategic leadership, and fostering resilient communities. Jo's ability to navigate complex challenges, develop high-performing teams, and deliver impactful community outcomes uniquely positions her for success in this pivotal role. Please join us in congratulating Jo Wilson on this exciting career milestone! We can’t wait to see the incredible work she will accomplish in her new role. Shane Walden Ann McGrath Lynnere Gray Phil Josipovic Ashley Wilkes

W&Co Search is thrilled to congratulate Jordan McCollum on his appointment as the new Chief Executive Officer of Gas Energy Australia! Jordan brings nearly two decades of experience in the gas industry, with expertise in commercial, operational, and innovation management. He has played a key role in driving policy reforms to support Australia’s transition to a renewable gas future. As CEO of Gas Energy Australia, Jordan will focus on delivering member value, driving policy change, and leading the organisation toward a sustainable and dynamic future. We are proud to have partnered with Gas Energy Australia on this critical appointment and look forward to seeing Jordan lead the industry into an exciting new chapter. Congratulations, Jordan! Gareth O'Brien FCPA GAICD Amber Fennell Rohan Dangerfield

What a fantastic way to start the New Year — receiving positive feedback from a valued client! Some fantastic feedback below from a CEO following a recent Executive Search Assignment managed by W&Co Search. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Whether you are seeking support in your next hire or exploring executive, senior leadership or specialist recruitment solutions, feel free to connect with Ashley Wilkes — we’re here to help. 📱 0448 007 653 📧 ashley@wcosearch.com #YourTrustedRecruitmentPartner

Season’s Greetings from W&Co Search! We are grateful for the trust our clients and candidates place in us and wish you all a joyful holiday season and a successful new year. We look forward to partnering with you in 2025!