Workplace Health and Safety - Business Partner

Location: Gunnedah, NSW 

Contract Type: Full Time, 35 hours per week 

Salary Range: Grade 16 ($1880.90 - $2076.16 per week + 12% Superannuation and Access to Leaseback Vehicle)

Application Deadline: 5:00pm, Monday 18 May 2026

A council truly passionate about community!

Gunnedah Shire Council is an integral part of the Gunnedah community, a vibrant, warm and friendly town surrounded by the expansive Liverpool Plains and framed by the Nandewar Ranges. At Gunnedah Shire Council we are committed to providing a friendly and helpful service to all stakeholders. We are dedicated to Gunnedah being a liveable and accessible community for all ages and demographics. Additionally, as a council we are proud to promote economic and business development in the region.

We are not only invested in the people of Gunnedah, we are also heavily invested in its employees and their future careers.

Are you passionate about creating safe, healthy workplaces and partnering with business leaders to drive positive change?

Gunnedah Shire Council is seeking a motivated and collaborative professional to lead our WHS division.

• • Looking for a tree change? Enjoy a rural community lifestyle!
  • Fantastic opportunity to advance your career in a vibrant local community!
  • Receive an attractive salary up to $108,000/year (depending on experience/qualifications) PLUS super and salary packaging options! - Access to Leaseback Vehicle.
  • Additional benefits include relocation assistance for the right applicant, a paid rostered day off every three weeks, ongoing professional development opportunities and negotiable flexibility!

Our Next WHS Business Partner

Reporting to the Manager of People and Culture, this role is central to maintaining and enhancing workplace safety culture through strategic development, implementation, and review of WHS directives and procedures.

More specifically, your responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Leading the development and implementation of Council's WHS Management Plan and Procedures
• Conducting WHS audits, inspections, and training
• Collaborating with managers and supervisors on WHS responsibilities
• Managing incident investigations and legislative compliance updates
• Participating in and coordinating external audits
• Representing the council in relevant network groups

To read the full position description, please click here.

The position promises diversity in daily tasks, involving both on-site and in-office work, ensuring no two days are the same. You will collaborate closely with Managers, Team Leaders, Coordinators, People and Culture and the Injury Management Coordinator.

What You’ll Bring to the Team

To qualify, you will need a Diploma/Degree in WHS or a related field.  Additionally, a strong WHS background, ideally within local government, civil construction, mining, or similar industries is essential.

Key requirements for this position include:

• Demonstrated experience in documentation management, and control
• Experience in developing and implementing a WHS Management Plan
• Experience in ensuring legislative compliance
• Capability to mentor and develop staff
• Commitment to adhering to Council's policies and Code of Conduct
• Current valid Class C Driver’s Licence

* While not required, desirable characteristics of a successful candidate could include:

• Demonstrated ability to effectively plan and lead initiatives
• Previous experience in Local Government settings
• Understanding of continuous improvement systems
• Experience in Excel and generating toolbox reports

As our ideal candidate, you will possess strong leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills that will make you succeed in this role, as well as a high level of integrity and commitment to our values, making you a perfect cultural fit. You are someone who takes the initiative to champion WHS practices and drive continuous improvement within our organisation.

This is a role for a proactive and dedicated safety professional who is passionate about making a difference in workplace health and safety. We are looking for someone ready to take on the challenge of a diverse and dynamic role, driving safety excellence.

No candidate will meet every single desired qualification or skill. If your experience looks a little different from what we have identified and you think you can bring value to the role, we would love to learn more about you!

Why Join Gunnedah Shire Council?

Some of the benefits working for Gunnedah Shire Council include:

 - Work only 35 hours per week!

 - Accrue a Rostered Day Off (RDO) every 3 weeks, helping you manage the work-life balance

 - Flexible Working Arrangements Negotiable

 - Long Service Leave after 5 years!

 - Access to 2 Health and Wellbeing days annually, allowing you to get to those important appointments

 - Receive annual award salary increases with potential for further increases during performance appraisal cycles

 - Salary packaging and salary sacrificing options available - Salary Packaging Australia

 - Supportive and dynamic work environment.

 - Professional development and career growth opportunities.

 - 4 weeks annual leave

 - Opportunity to make a meaningful impact on the community.

 - Access to employee wellbeing programs

 - Active social club

For further information regarding this role please contact Dale Holmes, Manager People and Culture, on 02 6740 2100 or see the Position Description

How to Apply

Please read the Position Description by clicking on the link above. It is important to read this carefully to understand what the job involves.

No candidate will meet every single desired qualification or skill. If your experience looks a little different from what we have identified and you think you can bring value to the role, we would love to learn more about you!

If this sounds like you, click the Apply button below, complete the application form. Please ensure you answer all questions and upload a current resume and cover letter outlining your suitability for this role, as well as any copies of relevant qualifications that support your application.

Only candidates with current Australian work rights (Australian citizens, permanent residents, NZ citizens with a current passport, valid work visa) will be considered.

Further information

As part of the recruitment process, suitable applicants will be required to complete pre-employment screening which may include relevant background checks, functional capacity assessment and drug and alcohol screening. Our recruitment process is primarily via system generated emails.  Please ensure your email is correct before submitting your application to avoid missing crucial updates and outcomes.

Email notifications may include application confirmation, interview invitations, request for references, and application outcomes. Please check your email regularly, including your junk email.

Council is an equal opportunity employer is committed to a merit-based workforce that encompasses inclusiveness and diversity in an environment of mutual respect. We invite, encourage, welcome and value candidate of all ages and from all backgrounds.

For all enquiries regarding the application and recruitment process, please contact the People and Culture team on 02 6740 2100 or peopleandculture@gunnedah.nsw.gov.au