Safety and Wellbeing Coordinator - Southern Downs Regional Council - Located in Warwick

Southern Downs Region

Southern Downs offers a relaxed regional lifestyle with the services, facilities and connectivity needed for everyday living. Warwick and Stanthorpe are established communities with a strong local identity, supported by agriculture, tourism and a diverse regional economy.

The area is known for its natural scenery, national parks, wineries and outdoor attractions, while residents benefit from access to schools, healthcare, sport and recreation, shopping and dining. Its relative proximity to Brisbane and the Gold Coast also makes the region an appealing choice for professionals seeking more space, shorter commutes and a rewarding career within a strong regional community.

Role Overview

Reporting directly to the Director People Performance and Safety, the Safety and Wellbeing Coordinator will provide leadership across Council's work health, safety and wellbeing functions and lead the implementation of the Safe and Healthy Workforce Strategy 2027–2031.

Leading a small team of three, you will work closely with leaders, employees and key stakeholders to strengthen Council's safety culture, maintain contemporary WHS systems and ensure legislative and regulatory requirements are effectively managed. The position has responsibility across safety management systems, risk, training, compliance, incident management, workers' compensation, rehabilitation and return to work, reporting and broader wellbeing initiatives.

This is a hands-on leadership position suited to an experienced safety professional who can combine strategic thinking with practical operational advice and build strong relationships across a diverse Council workforce.

Job Offering

• Salary - Up to $123,000 based on experience
• 12% employer superannuation
• 72.5 hour fortnight (flexible with start and finish times)
• 9 day fortnight
• 1 RDO per fortnight
• 4 weeks annual leave
• 17.5% annual leave loading
• Relocation assistance available
• Leadership responsibility for Council's Safety and Wellbeing team
• Opportunity to influence organisation-wide safety and wellbeing strategy
• Ongoing professional development through relevant workshops and seminars

Key Responsibilities

• Lead, mentor and develop the Safety and Wellbeing team while providing specialist WHS and wellbeing advice to management, supervisors and employees across Council
• Work with the Director People Performance and Safety to develop and implement Council's WHS and wellbeing strategy, including contemporary safety management systems, policies, procedures and standards
• Maintain oversight of WHS legislation, Codes of Practice and compliance requirements while coordinating risk management frameworks, audits, inspections, investigations and corrective actions
• Lead the planning and coordination of WHS, technical, compliance and induction training, including associated procurement and contractor requirements
• Oversee incident and hazard reporting, analysis and investigation, and prepare regular safety and wellbeing reporting for Council, committees and external authorities
• Manage workers' compensation, rehabilitation, suitable duties and return to work programs in partnership with employees, medical professionals and relevant stakeholders
• Lead the Work Health and Safety Committee, manage the Safety and Wellbeing budget and build effective relationships with regulatory bodies and other external stakeholders
• Collaborate across Council on broader workforce safety priorities including psychosocial safety, sexual harassment, child safety, verification of competencies and compliance training

Qualifications and Experience

• Demonstrated senior experience developing, implementing and continuously improving WHS management systems, policies, standards and procedures
• Strong leadership and stakeholder engagement capability, with experience guiding teams and influencing a positive safety, health and wellbeing culture
• Comprehensive knowledge of WHS legislation, regulations and Codes of Practice, together with contemporary risk management and compliance experience
• Highly developed analytical, risk assessment and report writing skills, including the ability to use data to support recommendations and decision making
• Relevant qualification at Diploma level or higher, together with a current Class C driver's licence and White Construction Card, or the ability to obtain one
• Local Government experience, relevant tertiary qualifications and Certificate IV in Training and Assessment will be highly regarded

Learn More About Southern Downs Regional Council

"Please copy and paste the following into the search bar on the Southern Downs Regional Council website which is - https://www.sdrc.qld.gov.au/

2026 - 2031 Corporate Plan - SDRC - Adopted 24 June 2026.pdf

2026 - 2027 Budget and Operational Plan Summary - SDRC - Adopted 24 June 2026.pdf

Closing Date

Friday 23rd October 2026 - please let me know if you need more time

Applications for this position may be assessed as they are submitted.

How To Apply

If you are interested in being considered for this important leadership position with Southern Downs Regional Council, please click the Apply button or contact Brock O'Brien at Precruitment on 0468 566 532 to discuss the opportunity in more detail.

About Us

With Head Office in Cairns and offices in Townsville and Brisbane. We specialise in professional, administration, engineering and industrial recruitment, permanent and temporary placements for both commercial and government enterprise. We are proud to connect great people with meaningful careers.