Open To Work
Michelle Evans
Coolangatta,Australia
Summary
Strategic sport and recreation leader with over 7 years of government experience in managing high-risk aquatic and outdoor programs across multiple sites. Proven expertise in workforce leadership, compliance governance, procurement, contractor management, and WHS systems. Recognized for fostering strong team culture, enhancing safety frameworks, and delivering inclusive, high-quality programs aligned with departmental goals. Experienced trainer skilled in developing effective training plans and support materials to advance student learning while operating efficiently under tight deadlines.
Overview
27
27
years of professional experience
Work History
Acting Trainer Officer
Department of Sport, Racing and Olympic and Paralympic Games
Gold Coast, Australia
10.2025 - Current
- Deliver accredited compliance and emergency management training across precincts (Public Safety, Lifeguard, CPR, First Aid, Aquatic Rescue).
- Designed structured training frameworks enhancing workforce capability and ensuring quality assurance.
- Conducted skills gap analysis to develop targeted pathways aligned with workforce planning needs.
- Managed LMS systems, scheduling, equipment, and validation processes to ensure RTO audit compliance.
- Provide external training to partner organisations, enhancing regional capability and collaboration.
Acting Program Coordinator (Multiple Periods)
Department of Sport, Racing and Olympic and Paralympic Games
01.2024 - Current
- Directed operational delivery in HR, training, procurement, budgeting, and resource allocation to enhance program efficiency.
- Led end-to-end contractor procurement (scope, evaluation, negotiation, contract management).
- Oversaw compliance, duty of care and risk management frameworks.
- Managed stakeholder engagement and governance systems to facilitate effective program delivery.
Team Leader (Substantive)
Department of Sport, Racing and Olympic and Paralympic Games
Gold Coast, Australia
01.2020 - Current
- Lead and performance manage 25+ Program Leaders across mid- to high-risk aquatic and outdoor programs.
- Oversaw rostering, SOP compliance, risk registers, audits, and program maintenance schedules to ensure operational integrity.
- Analysed LMS and maintenance data to optimise workforce allocation and reduce downtime.
- Design mentoring pathways to strengthen leadership capability and succession readiness.
- Championed inclusive participation initiatives and fostered community partnerships to enhance engagement.
Teacher Aide
01.2017 - Current
- Support students aged 4–18 with diverse intellectual, physical, sensory and behavioural needs.
- Collaborate with teachers and therapists to implement learning plans and maintain safe, inclusive environments.
Program Leader & Gym Officer
Department of Tourism, Innovation and Sport
01.2018 - 01.2020
- Delivered frontline sport and recreation programs prioritizing safety, inclusion, and participant experience to enhance engagement.
- Supported gym operations by ensuring visiting groups adhered to compliance and safety standards, contributing to a secure environment.
- Led program development for tourism initiatives and community engagement projects.
- Collaborated with stakeholders to create strategic plans for tourism growth.
- Facilitated workshops and training sessions for staff and community partners.
Health & Fitness Specialist / Operations Leader
01.2005 - 01.2017
- Developed and implemented strength & conditioning, rehabilitation, and wellness programs for corporate, school, and athletic clients, enhancing participant well-being and performance.
- Oversaw staff, budgets, and program expansion; cultivated strong partnerships with allied health professionals to ensure program effectiveness and business sustainability.
- Developed personalized fitness programs for diverse client needs.
- Conducted health assessments to evaluate client fitness levels.
- Educated clients on nutrition and wellness strategies for better health.
Early Career – Administration & Executive Support
01.1999 - 01.2008
- Held progressive roles in legal, corporate, and administrative environments, developing capabilities in reporting, financial administration, stakeholder liaison, and executive support to enhance operational effectiveness.
- Led strategic initiatives to enhance organizational efficiency and effectiveness.
- Developed and implemented policies to guide operational performance across teams.
- Collaborated with stakeholders to align project goals with corporate objectives.
Education
Certificate IV -
Training and Assessment
Certificate III -
Outdoor Recreation
Certificate II - Aquatic Rescue
Public Safety
Pool Lifeguard -
Intermediate Surf Coach -
Strength & Conditioning Coach Level 1 -
Personal Training Cert III & IV -
CPR / First Aid / Oxygen - Current
Queensland Blue Card -
C-Class Licence -
Skills
- Operational leadership
- Workforce management
- Compliance and WHS
- Risk governance
- Training and capability development
- Procurement and contractor management
- Budget and resource oversight
- Stakeholder and community engagement
- Program delivery
- Data-driven planning
- Continuous improvement
Accomplishments
- Led procurement and contractor onboarding processes delivering projects on time and within budget.
- Designed and implemented LMS-based induction ensuring 100% mandatory safety compliance prior to site access.
- Contributed to new gym project rollout including procurement and process redesign.
- Mentored multiple casual Program Leaders into higher duty roles through structured development pathways.
- Increased participation from underrepresented groups through targeted inclusive programming initiatives.
- Maintained strong WHS and child protection compliance; served as Site First Aid Officer.
References
- Symeko Jochinke, Coordinator - Outdoor Education, Somerset College, sjochinke@somerset.qld.edu.au, (07) 5559 7170
- Matthew Morgan, Engagement Officer, Department of Sport, Racing, Olympic and Paralympic Games, Matthew.morgan@sport.qld.gov.au, 0410 550 558
Community Service
- Surfwitches & Kirra Boardriders
- Queensland & Australian Touch Football Representative
- Junior Coach – Deadly Choices & All Nations Indigenous Teams
- Deliver inclusive Touch Football & Oztag community workshops
Education And Certifications
- Certificate IV in Training and Assessment
- Certificate III in Outdoor Recreation
- Certificate II in Public Safety (Aquatic Rescue)
- Pool Lifeguard | Intermediate Surf Coach
- Strength & Conditioning Coach Level 1
- Personal Training Cert III & IV
- CPR / First Aid / Oxygen (Current)
- Queensland Blue Card | C-Class Licence
Core Leadership Capabilities
- Operational & Workforce Leadership (30 staff)
- Compliance, WHS & Risk Governance
- Training & Capability Development
- Procurement & Contractor Management
- Budget & Resource Oversight
- Stakeholder & Community Engagement
- Inclusive Program Delivery
- Data-Driven Planning & Continuous Improvement
Work Preference
Job Search Status
Open to workWork Type
Part TimeFull TimeLocation Preference
On-SiteHybridSalary Range
$110000/yr - $200000/yrTimeline
Acting Trainer Officer
Department of Sport, Racing and Olympic and Paralympic Games
10.2025 - Current
Acting Program Coordinator (Multiple Periods)
Department of Sport, Racing and Olympic and Paralympic Games
01.2024 - Current
Team Leader (Substantive)
Department of Sport, Racing and Olympic and Paralympic Games
01.2020 - Current
Program Leader & Gym Officer
Department of Tourism, Innovation and Sport
01.2018 - 01.2020
Teacher Aide
01.2017 - Current
Health & Fitness Specialist / Operations Leader
01.2005 - 01.2017
Early Career – Administration & Executive Support
01.1999 - 01.2008
Certificate IV -
Training and Assessment
Certificate III -
Outdoor Recreation
Certificate II - Aquatic Rescue
Public Safety