Michelle McFadyen Consulting

I worked with Michelle as part of the executive leadership team at Diamantina Shire Council. As the interim CEO, Michelle made a huge impact on me, a style that I will never forget. Michelle led the team, not only with a strategic and outcome-focussed approach, but with genuine community concern. Michelle was able to unite the council, community and workforce, something that few people can do. I felt privileged to work under Michelle. Michelle is 100% genuine and nothing short of inspirational to achieve all that she has achieved in such a short time.

Michelle was an outstanding leader through more than 4 years in the role of CEO of the newly formed Longreach Regional Council - bringing together the Shires of Ilfracombe, Longreach and Isisford as a result of forced amalgamations, It was the most challenging time for local government in Queensland for decades, yet Michelle was able to bring together three workforces, three communities and three operations in a way that was inclusive, authentic and effective. Her leadership, drive and initiative were a wonderful example to her team and her peers. WIth her strategic outlook and a close eye on the people both of the organisation, and in the community, she led Longreach Regional Council through its first 4 years and set up a platform for future growth and success. She truly is an exceptional leader with extensive experience and skills in the sector - John Palmer OAM - Longreach Regional Council Mayor 2008-2012.

Michelle is a consummate professional in the field of local government and was an incredible asset during her time in the Diamantina Shire. In her short time here, she has set Council in a positive direction and left an outstandingly positive impact on the community. Michelle has also been a mentor to staff throughout the organisation and we are very thankful to have had her here helming the ship so ably. I am confident that she would achieve the same high standard as a locum executive in any other local government organisation.

The content of the course and the online component was engaging and very informative. Although it was the person-to-person component presented by our trainer, Michelle, that brought the content to life. She was very skilled at guiding the group through the content in an organic way which felt like we were discovering and learning together as opposed to being lectured at. The combination of Michelle’s professional and life journey has made her a very skilled and relatable educator, mentor, and guide through the MHFA space.

Before Michelle came to our shire as Acting CEO, I was considering whether it was worth continuing as councillor , as I was feeling disheartened by my short experience in the role. Michelle brought clarity, confidence and most importantly stability to not only the CEO role but to we councillors and ultimately to our shire - our employees and our community at large. After her first few months, comments from the community were consistent, that there had been change and it was overwhelming positive. It is hard to imagine that anyone else could have walked in and turned us around so quickly. Grateful would be the word I would use, for what Michelle has done for us all.

I have had the pleasure of working with Michelle for close to 10 years. Michelle brings an authentic and nuanced approach to her work and combines insight and structure as she supports you to do your best work. She comes highly recommended!Steve Klipin – Councillor Bellingen Shire Council (2012 – 2021)