Committee of Management

  • SHAUN MCDONAGH

    Shaun McDonagh

    Chair

    Qualifications

    ​B Bus(Mktg/Mgt), Assoc Deg Law, Grad Cert Adult Ed&Train, M Mktg Mgt. M Comm Law, GAICD FAMI CPM

    Shaun has held Chief Executive, Executive Director roles with University, TAFE and RTO organisations, most recently as Executive Director at the Australian Catholic University. His industry experience includes education, training, media, financial services, property development, health and community services. Shaun possesses skills in marketing, communications, media, business development, government engagement, strategy and analysis.

    He has experience with disability support, health, allied health and employment services through Executive roles at Endeavour Foundation and Non-Executive Director at Ostara Australia and Western NSW PHN.

    He holds degrees in Business and Law, Master of Marketing Management, Master of Commercial Law and completed the Executive Development Program at Kellogg School of Management – Northwestern University. Fellow of the Australian Marketing Institute, Certified Practising Marketer, Golden Key International Honour Society and Graduate Member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors. Shaun has spent decades working with regional communities across Australia to overcome disadvantage.

  • Annabel Cussen

    Vice-Chair

    Qualifications

    ​Bachelor Env. Sci.; Dip. Natural Resources; IAP2 Australasia

    Annabel comes to WDEA Works with experience in government and not-for-profit, with a foundational background in grants, funding and philanthropy, economic development, community engagement and education.

    A natural networker and communicator, Annabel has strong regional networks in the south-west region and strives for collaborative work and outcomes with genuine social impact.

    She is the Executive Officer of the Warrnambool-based Fletcher Jones Family Foundations, a Board Member of the Leadership Great South Coast program, and an enthusiastic advocate for inclusive communities that provide opportunities for business, individuals and families.

  • Cameron Power

    Treasurer

    Qualifications

    MBA, GAICD, CPA

    Cameron has held various Chief Financial Officer roles, including with Brotherhood of St. Laurence and with Australian Red Cross (Humanitarian Division).

    Whilst with Red Cross, Cameron was responsible for the development of strategic foundations around financial sustainability, property master plan, and risk management. Prior to his role as CFO at Red Cross Humanitarian division, Cameron was a senior manager at the Red Cross Blood Service (now Lifeblood) where he implemented multiple systems and processes to help enable the Blood Service to become a world class and leading edge organisation.

    Cameron is a fellow of the CPA, holds a Master of Business Administration, and is a graduate member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.  As a passionate humanitarian, Cameron is focused on helping WDEA achieve its vision to create strong communities that support individuals, families, and local businesses.

  • Michael Obst

    Secretary

    Qualifications

    ​LL.B (Hons), BE (Hons), GDLP

    Michael is a Warrnambool-raised lawyer whose involvement in the Committee of Management is driven by an interest in “giving back” to the community in which he grew up.  He particularly values the social connectedness and sense of purpose that work and employment provides to people with disabilities, and says he is proud to help grow an organisation which delivers these benefits for the local community.

  • Ian Burke

    Committee Member

    Qualifications

    ​B.Ec MBus(Mkt) PhD

    Ian is a professional leader with entrepreneurial drive, planning orientation and a record of success in establishing and growing businesses in private, public and not for profit  arenas.  Ian has sound financial, marketing, general management and change management skills with demonstrated experience in building, motivating and leading teams through the collaborative matching of resources and capabilities to marketplace opportunities.

    Ian will enhance the capability of the COM with broad experience in policy formulation and implementation, and a demonstrated commitment to regional and community engagement, and as a published researcher in strategy formulation, strategic alliances, marketing communications and relationship marketing.

  • BRAD DAFFY

    Brad Daffy

    Committee Member

    Qualifications

    ​B Bus. (Accounting), PMP

    Brad is an experienced digital and management consulting leader focused on emerging and disruptive technologies including intelligent automation and artificial intelligence. His work has taken him overseas living in both Canada and the United States, returning to Australia after twelve years.

    Brad has a vast breadth of community involvement, including an early stint as Warrnambool City Council Youth Mayor, as well as past voluntary advisory support to both Midsumma Festival and Toronto Pride, and support of the City of New York Homeless Outreach Population Survey initiative. ​​​​​​​

    Brad holds a Bachelor in Business, majoring in Accounting and a Diploma of Management, supporting his extensive management experience to help direct WDEA Works in delivering on its strategic direction.

  • Anita Craven

    Committee Member

    Qualifications

    MBA (Strategy and Planning)

    Anita brings to WDEA Works an extensive background in strategy and governance, having served in various Local Government Authorities in governance and strategy roles, most recently with Darebin City Council.  She uses her strength in HR and managing organisational culture and change within her own consulting firm, specialising in supporting teams to maximise their potential as individuals and within their teams and organisations.

    Anita holds an MBA (specialising in Planning and Strategy), is a Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors, and holds accreditation in coaching and as a Human Synergistic consultant. Her role on WDEA Works’ COM provides Anita an opportunity to use her skills to support and be involved in her local community.

  • Alison Toohey

    Company Secretary

    Qualifications

    GAICD; Adv. Dip Management; Adv. Dip Record Keeping, GCertBA

    Alison joined WDEA Works in 2019, bringing with her experience in policy development, board governance, and compliance from a history of work within the utilities industry.

    With a history in information governance and business analysis, she draws on this wide skillset to support the organisation in delivering on strategic objectives.

    As a graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors, she uses her insight into director duties to support and guide the Committee of Management in its operation and compliance requirements.

    Contact
    P 5561 2579
    wdeacom@wdeaworks.org.au