Interim Senior WHS Advisor

Interim Senior WHS Advisor | Flinders Shire Council

• Immediate Start | Hybrid Role so you can balance Work and Home Life
• Report to the CEO | Lead the safety agenda across a progressive regional Council
• Circa $70 per hour + Super + Car + Accommodation + Travel

Develop a Safety Framework | Influence leaders and employees to create a genuine safety-first culture.

The Region

The Flinders Shire is one of North Queensland’s most dynamic rural communities. After some initial time in Hughenden much of this Interim role could be completed via a Hybrid arrangement if this is your preference.

Hughenden is located above the Great Artesian Basin and is the business and commercial centre of the Flinders Shire. The region is also home to four National Parks with the famous Porcupine Gorge National Park, affectionately referred to as Australia’s ‘Little Grand Canyon,’ is another stunning natural landmark that showcases the Shire’s rugged landscape and geological significance.

Council and the Flinders community have invested significantly in community facilities to contribute to achieving the Shire's vision of being a 'place of discovery, opportunity, and lifestyle.' The Council manages the Flinders Discovery centre, Hughenden Memorial Swimming Pool, Hughenden Recreational Lake, Diggers Entertainment Centre, Flinders Shire Public Library, Hughenden Centre for the Aged, Hughenden Community Gym as well as a range of sport and recreation facilities, various parks, playgrounds and recreational areas.

Council managed infrastructure includes the water network, sewer network, roads, Hughenden Aerodrome and the regional waste recovery centre.

The Position

Council is seeking an experienced Senior WHS Advisor to play a pivotal role in shaping the wellbeing, safety, and performance of their workforce. This is more than a compliance position. It is an opportunity to influence organisational culture, partner with leaders across the business and make a genuine impact on the safety of employees, contractors, and the wider community. The role will carry responsibility for driving a proactive safety-first culture through the development, implementation and continuous improvement of Council's workplace health and safety systems, processes, and policies.

Reporting to the CEO, you will quickly become the trusted WHS specialist across the organisation, providing expert advice and practical support on all aspects of workplace health and safety. You will work closely with her to bring Council’s WHS up to standard. They have the Skytrust Safety App | QHSE Management System Software installed, and part of your remit will be to embed this into daily work practices. Just as importantly, you will coach and mentor leaders and teams to embed safe work practices and create lasting behavioural change.

About You

We are looking for a confident and approachable safety professional who combines strong technical expertise with exceptional communication and relationship-building skills. You will bring experience developing and implementing safety systems, undertaking audits, interpreting legislation, and delivering practical safety solutions. The ability to influence, educate and engage stakeholders across a diverse operational environment will be essential to your success. Experience within local government, civil construction or a similarly complex operational environment will be highly regarded.

This is a unique opportunity to experience living and working in a unique NW region while contributing to the future of this close-knit and community-focused organisation. You will join a collaborative leadership team committed to continuous improvement and be empowered to make meaningful change. If you are enthusiastic about creating safer workplaces, driving positive cultural outcomes, and helping people return home safely each day, we would love to hear from you. As mentioned above you could do the majority of work via an agreed hybrid arrangement or come out and be based in Hughenden for the duration. Council are open to either option. With an immediate start you would work up until the Christmas shutdown period which is 2 weeks and then potentially resume the work in early January.

To Apply

If you are an experienced WHS professional seeking a rewarding Interim opportunity in the lead up to Christmas where your expertise can create meaningful and lasting impact, we encourage you to apply.

For further information please contact Rona Horsfall on [0438 943854](tel:0438 943854).

Applications will close on Monday 12th October 2026 at 10pm or prior if a suitable applicant is chosen.