Mark SOUTH

CAREER OVERVIEW & CAPABILITIES As an experienced senior executive, my strengths lie in crafting and executing strategic initiatives, guiding diverse teams, and establishing robust governance protocols. With a wealth of experience spanning over 25 years in economic and social development, incorporating 17 years of extensive engagement in Aboriginal business development, coupled with adept management and evaluation of service delivery, I have cultivated a deep expertise in my field.

My core competencies include proficiently dissecting and resolving complex issues, expertly conveying and implementing solutions with cultural sensitivity, and efficiently leading cross-functional teams. Throughout my career, I have nurtured strong relationships with colleagues, stakeholders, partners, customers, and suppliers, demonstrating proficiency in collaboration, conflict resolution, and establishing trust and mutual respect.

Currently, I am the Chief Operating Officer at Business Station, a non-profit organisation that provides support to small businesses. I have overseen Business Station's expansion from a small, Perth-centric entity to a nationally recognised organisation that has won prestigious awards such as the Telstra Business Award for WA and been named a national finalist. As COO, I ensure compliance with legislation, contracts, policy and procedures and maintain high staff engagement with our organisation’s values. I am also a Board member of Southern River College, providing strategic guidance, specifically regarding support mechanisms for their 10+% student population who are First Nations people.

Previously, I held various economic and social development positions as well as regulatory roles within the Western Australian Government, collaborating with community, business, and industry bodies, as well as liaising with other government, non-government, and ministerial offices. I possess extensive knowledge of regional issues and have experience with the pressures encountered by peri-urban communities as they manage population and development growth. Notable accomplishments include initiating a public-private partnership for the Lancelin CBD Sewerage Project and developing the business case and advocating for, the construction of Indian Ocean Drive between Lancelin and Cervantes.

My core skill set revolves around building stakeholder relationships, being politically aware, and effectively resolving complex issues.

• Provided strategic leadership for the successful delivery of the Digital Solutions program under a $15m Commonwealth contract by creating effective financial models and overseeing service delivery
• Lead the development of various strategies to attain the ambitious goal of supporting 10,000 businesses in one year
• Scaled up Business Station from a Perth-focused organisation to a national one, serving three jurisdictions, including establishing offices in Brisbane and Darwin
• Managed the procurement process to onboard strategic partners and independent contractors, including aboriginal business advisors and CALD advisors
• · Fostered strategic relationships with Noongar Chamber of Commerce and Industry and partnering with the Waalitj Hub to embed culturally appropriate services for Aboriginal entrepreneurs
• Board member of Southern River College (a high school with over 10% Aboriginal students), providing strategic guidance specifically regarding Aboriginal student support.
• Created a Registered Training Organisation (RTO) for Business Station and oversee its operations
• Negotiated partnership agreements with key strategic organisations to enhance our reach and delivery capacity
• Monitored the performance of contracted personnel and organisations to ensure service delivery excellence and exceeding KPIs by over 100% in the first three years of the contract
• Managed the procurement process for a significant online digital management platform
• Developed and nurturing strategic relationships with Government and non-government organisations, including Ministers and local members of parliament
• Lead the establishment of the State's only Allied Health Incubator in Wanneroo to provide support for small businesses operating within the allied health sector, enabling them to become resilient and financially viable.
• Undertaking the Step-Up Leader component of the Social Impact Leadership Australia (SILA) program, which includes connection webinars, individual coaching, Hogan 360 leadership survey, peer supported learning circles and sabbatical planning.
• Led the Aboriginal Business Unit within the agency and contributed to the creation of the Aboriginal Business Directory; refocused the capacity building program for Aboriginal business owners to a skills enhancement and transfer model; and instigated a strategic review of the National Indigenous Tourism Champions Program.
• Established an environment that facilitated the integration of Aboriginal business development across all agency services, including those provided by third-party service providers.
• Conducted a strategic review of the agency's use of third-party providers to deliver business advisory services, which involved initiating the review, defining its scope and terms of reference, identifying critical path items, leading the consultant engagement process, and providing strategic leadership to transition from the old Small Business Centres Program to the new Business Local service.
• Collaborated with alliance members to develop the Pilbara Workforce Development Plan and currently guide its implementation as part of the Pilbara Workforce Alliance.
• Served as a member of evaluation and steering groups for several State Government consultancies, including Technology and Industry Advisory Council's (TIAC) Innovation in the Regions and TIAC's Enhancing Opportunities for SMEs in Major Resource Projects in WA.
• Developed a strategic framework for the Regional Buy Local Initiative stage 3 (RBLI 3), participated in the associated Senior Officers Working Group, and provided strategic input and direction for the agency's participation in the development of the RBLI 3 business case, which included incorporating Aboriginal business engagement.
• Created and oversaw a regional buy-local pilot program that was funded under the Royalties for Regions program and linked to the existing SuperTowns program.
• Led a financial and governance investigation into a Small Business Centre in the South West Metro area, resulting in a strategic realignment of service delivery.
• Developed and implemented special circumstances assistance programs in response to the Margaret River fires and Carnarvon floods.
• Played a key role in driving the transformation agenda for the Small Business Development Corporation in anticipation of the creation of a Small Business Commissioner for WA.
• Negotiated sponsorship deals with Holden, Australia Post, Qantas, Woodside, and GWN7.
• Developed an innovative assistance package for the small business sector affected by the collapse of two timber Managed Investment Schemes in the Great Southern.
• Led the initial government response on the ground in Hopetoun and Ravensthorpe following the closure of the BHP Nickel mine.