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About Us
Our programs focus on assisting people make positive changes in their lives. We deliver employment, disability, youth and training programs.
We have an established network of community organisations, allied health services, employers, community groups and other businesses. Our network enables us to provide the most holistic approach possible to assist people to reach their goals.
Our Vision
Our Mission
Our Strategic Directions
Embrace
participants for who they are
Reach
more participants through greater presence
Connect
participants, place, services and partners
Realise
our aspirations through investing in strategic capabilities
Our Values
Relationships that embrace dignity, community and mutual respect
Optimism that is lived out in positive attitudes about people and expectations of success and growth
Innovation including creativity, responsiveness, risk taking and flexibility
Diversity that acknowledges differences and appreciates the diverse needs and skills of each person
Advocacy that makes us socially pro-active for the disadvantaged
Staff who are committed to the goals of the organisation and their own development
Community
It is through reconciliation that WCIG will work towards our mission of empowering people to achieve a meaningful role in society, especially for those who experience disadvantage, through the provision of employment assistance, training services and community development programs. The purpose of the WCIG Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) is to increase our organisations’ cultural awareness of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
In doing so we will be able to develop stronger relationships with our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander participants and local community. It is also through the organisation’s values of relationships, optimism, innovation, diversity, advocacy and staff that it will be able to further deepen individual and community awareness.
WCIG is committed to continuing to improve its relationships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in our community and to the various organisations who provide support. WCIG is are committed to building positive relationships between Indigenous and non-Indigenous people.
In establishing a RAP, it is our intention to put into place specific activities and practices that will ensure the ongoing recognition of the cultural sensitivities of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, and to support the ongoing development of relationships.
History
Since 1986, WCIG has a long and proud history as a not-for-profit community organisation.
Delivering innovative and community-centred programs to assist thousands of local people make positive changes in their lives. WCIG has constantly evolved throughout its lifetime to respond to the changing needs of vulnerable and marginalised groups.
WCIG is linked with international research efforts to strengthen the way services are delivered to communities, including a long-standing partnership with Melbourne University’s employment services policy research project since 1998. WCIG is committed to continual contribution to innovation in service delivery and community.
Our services include Employment, Disability, Youth, Training and Social Enterprises. We are a registered NDIS provider.
Team
Michael has extensive experience working with disadvantaged sections of Australian society. His career spans from working as a social researcher, whereby he evaluated national policies and program initiatives for government, tertiary and other education-based organisations, to working with progressive not-for-profit organisations around transformation, strategy, and implementation so that they can improve organisational performance and succeed in the digital economy.
It is not only Michael’s professional experience that holds him in good stead as WCIG’s Board Chair. Michael’s upbringing in a low socio-economic area provided him with a first-hand understanding of the transformational role employment opportunities can have on a person’s fortunes.
“Contributing to an organisation that helps people to improve the lives of themselves and their family motivates me to serve on the WCIG Board. WCIG is an organisation that sees its participants for who they are and walks with them on their journey to improve their lives. We know that progress toward these goals for the participants we serve is not linear, that there are ups and downs along the way. We focus on outcomes, but we also concentrate on the journey. We celebrate the little milestones with our participants along the way. We support them through the setbacks, and we believe in them”, says Michael.
Maria has over 12 years of board governance experience, is a graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors (AICD) and has a Bachelor of Business (Accounting). She also brings over 19 years’ experience working in senior management roles in the insurance and not-for-profit industries.
Since joining the WCIG Board in 2019, Maria has undertaken several roles including Chair of Governance, Renumeration and Organisational Development Committee, and member of Nominations Committee Member and Audit and Risk Committees. In 2023, Maria was elected to Deputy Chair.
With her understanding of financials, ability to identify and mitigate key business risks, experience in contributing to strategic deliberations and sound governance knowledge she is well equipped in guiding WCIG in relation to Quality Frameworks and National Standards.
Maria has a strong interest in employment, youth, and training. “I am in awe by how dynamic and progressive WCIG is. WCIG sets itself apart by making a real difference to the lives of people who need support”, says Maria.
Pier has over 20 years of senior executive experience in the Victorian Departments of Human Services and Health, overseeing programs such as public housing, primary health care, and mental health. He has over a decade of experience in the union movement, with expertise in human resource management, industrial relations advocacy, and governance of member-based organisations. He holds a Bachelor of Economics and a Post Graduate Diploma in Human Resource and Health Management.
Pier has served as a Board member and CEO of the Western Region Health Centre, and on the Boards of the Victorian Interpreting and Translating Service and the Melbourne Olympic Park Trust. His experience in managing not-for-profit organisations and delivering health services equips him to offer valuable insights into government policy, funding programs, and strategic planning to the WCIG Board.
Retired from public service, Pier joined the WCIG Board to contribute to the governance of a not-for-profit organisation focused on supporting the health and welfare of people in western Melbourne, an area with which he has strong personal connections.
He believes that “WCIG sets itself apart by its commitment and evidence-based practical solutions to supporting diverse individuals with barriers to employment, helping them achieve their goals and social inclusion through employment and community participation.”
David spent over 20 years in the Victorian public service as a senior executive, including as the Deputy Secretary of Employment and Inclusion, which included overseeing the Jobs Victoria employment program and Victoria’s social enterprise strategy. During this time, he was a member of various departmental senior executive boards and board committees. Prior to that David worked in a range of government departments leading the design of policies and programs across education and human services. David holds qualifications in business and public management. He is also a Graduate of Australian Institute of Company Directors (GAICD).
David brings his wealth of knowledge working with various stakeholders on the development of strategies and programs that have an impact to the WCIG Board.
While working within the employment services area, David learnt what a great organisation WCIG was and was keen to contribute to an organisation that is focused on making Victoria a better and fairer place to for everyone to live.
David believes that “WCIG sets itself apart from similar organisations as it does a great job in balancing excellent outcomes for its participants, while also ensuring an excellent culture and work environment for our staff. WCIG’s doesn’t just say we create an impact – we make sure we do what we say”.
Ivonne has extensive experience working within the logistics and supply chain industry, both overseas in China and Hong Kong, and in Australia, where she oversaw the warehousing operations of a large business. With her background in logistics and supply chain and a passion for diversity and inclusion she explored in her PHD thesis – ‘Women in maritime law – why there so few and what needs to be done to change this.’
Ivonne is driven by her passion for social impact and diversity and inclusion. She has a pivotal role within a groundbreaking social enterprise which focuses on employing adults on the autism spectrum into IT roles, thereby addressing the prevalent issue of unemployment and underemployment of autistic adults, fostering neurodiversity within the workplace, and overcoming the IT skills gaps within the corporate sector.
Ivonne’s experience in social enterprise and in the corporate world, particularly with regards to navigating a highly regulated industry, including with ensuring legal compliance, protecting consumer interests and mitigating risks with non-compliance are imperative, ensures that her contributions to the WCIG Board are invaluable.
As a community-based organisation, Ivonne believes that “WCIG has being delivering on the promise of improving lives through practical responses to unemployment and disadvantage for over 35 years. It is the consistency, solidarity, resiliency, and reliability that set WCIG apart from similar organisations”.
Akbar has extensive experience in financial management and strategic planning, with a proven track record of risk management, governance and leadership. His invaluable experience in resource allocation, budgeting and ensuring long term financial sustainability has addressed and enabled social and economic challenges to be overcome. While his experience in community engagement and stakeholder relations allows him to connect with a diverse array of stakeholders, including government agencies and community organisations. Akbar’s corporate governance acumen ensures that WCIG operates with high levels of accountability, transparency, and compliance.
Akbar was motivated to join the Board of WCIG by his passion for social impact and to make a difference in the lives of those facing hardship. He has witnessed firsthand the profound challenges that marginalised communities’ encounter.
Akbar believes that “WCIG’s broad scale approach to addressing unemployment and the disadvantaged sets it apart. WCIG’s emphasis on innovation and service excellence ensures that it aims to consistently deliver high-quality, effective services tailored to the needs of its clients. WCIG’s strong focus on strategic partnering is another distinguishing factor. By collaborating with community organisations, allied health services, employers, and other stakeholders, WCIG maximises its impact and resources, creating pathways to success for its participants.”
Shane is a CPA, with expertise in finance and governance, particularly in the not-for profit and commercial sectors. As an experienced Director he brings over 20 years’ experience at executive level. He is a strong advocate for the western suburbs and achieving employment outcomes to improve the lives of people from disadvantaged backgrounds.
Shane believes that WCIG’s key differentiator that it is very much a values-based organisation with a strong focus and track record on helping people achieve a better life within the communities we serve.
Ivonne has extensive experience working within the logistics and supply chain industry, both overseas in China and Hong Kong, and in Australia, where she oversaw the warehousing operations of a large business. With her background in logistics and supply chain and a passion for diversity and inclusion she explored in her PHD thesis – ‘Women in maritime law – why there so few and what needs to be done to change this.’
Ivonne is driven by her passion for social impact and diversity and inclusion. She has a pivotal role within a groundbreaking social enterprise which focuses on employing adults on the autism spectrum into IT roles, thereby addressing the prevalent issue of unemployment and underemployment of autistic adults, fostering neurodiversity within the workplace, and overcoming the IT skills gaps within the corporate sector.
Ivonne’s experience in social enterprise and in the corporate world, particularly with regards to navigating a highly regulated industry, including with ensuring legal compliance, protecting consumer interests and mitigating risks with non-compliance are imperative, ensures that her contributions to the WCIG Board are invaluable.
As a community-based organisation, Ivonne believes that “WCIG has being delivering on the promise of improving lives through practical responses to unemployment and disadvantage for over 35 years. It is the consistency, solidarity, resiliency, and reliability that set WCIG apart from similar organisations”.
Team
Ron has served as CEO of WCIG for more than 19 years. He holds a Bachelor in Theology and a Graduate Diploma of Applied Psychology.
Ron is particularly interested in community organisations: how they form and develop, and their management and governance. He has worked in and with community organisations in Melbourne’s western suburbs since 1983, in housing, youth, health, counselling, community development, employment, training and vocational education.
Mary Jankulovski (née Stojanovska) offers WCIG 20 years’ experience in the not-for-profit sector and her skill in strategic planning, collaboration and her knowledge of community needs sees her sit on a number of local boards, committees and networks, including the Maribyrnong Moonee Valley LLEN Executive Committee and the DHHS Statewide Leaving Care Reform Reference Group.
Mary holds a Bachelor of Arts (Psychology), Bachelor of Arts Community Development, a Diploma of Frontline Management, and AICD Company Directors Course.
George joined WCIG in 2018 and has over 25 years’ experience in the employment services industry, the last 10 in national and executive management roles.
Over the last 25 years George has been responsible for operations in urban, rural and remote areas.
Andrew has worked in Employment Services for more than 25 years, across open employment services and Disability Employment services. Andrew has also spent a number of years consulting to providers and showing them how to improve performance in their service contracts. His experience also includes 5 years as a Senior Policy advisor for NESA and 7 years serving as a Director on the NESA board.
Peter has been involved in business development and creation for 20 years with the last 10 in social enterprise. Peter is passionate about job creation and community development that social enterprise creates within a commercial landscape. He has started social enterprises in areas as diverse as hospitality, the arts, events and tourism.
With over 12 years’ experience in HR and Industrial Relations, Tristan has helped WCIG organisation further improve their HR processes and implement a large number of new and exciting initiatives. Tristan is also experienced in commercial recruitment as well as working within Disability Employment Services.
George joined WCIG in 2018 and has over 25 years’ experience in the employment services industry, the last 10 in national and executive management roles.
Over the last 25 years George has been responsible for operations in urban, rural and remote areas.
Andrew has worked in Employment Services for more than 25 years, across open employment services and Disability Employment services. Andrew has also spent a number of years consulting to providers and showing them how to improve performance in their service contracts. His experience also includes 5 years as a Senior Policy advisor for NESA and 7 years serving as a Director on the NESA board.
Vacancies
