Wayne Thomson

Seasoned and motivated General Manager with a proven track record in cultivating strong connections within and outside organisations. Recognised for assembling high-performing teams and adept storytelling skills that create vivid mental images. Achieved significant success in securing substantial financial support through effective engagement with personnel, leadership, and boards of companies throughout Australia. Known for unwavering integrity, sound judgment, and a trustworthy reputation.

Formulated and executed successful fundraising strategic plans. Diversified income streams from community, consumers, government, businesses, corporates, philanthropists, trusts and foundations. Developed donor retention, donor journey, and recognition programs. Orchestrated national, local, and strategic events., Managed teams with collaborative leadership for optimal growth. Created new programs to broaden support opportunities. Demonstrated impact and outcomes to build and sustain partnerships. Oversaw extensive growth, expanding staff from 6 to 45, donors from 1,200 to 140,000, and corporate donors from zero to 300., Developed team members for optimal outcomes. Demonstrated accountability and recognised achievements. Constantly sought improvement in internal and external relationships, processes, procedures, and team dynamics.

• Woolworths Group, Forged a multi-year partnership, securing an inaugural donation exceeding $8,000,000, the highest ever from the group. Sustained ongoing support through impactful in-store brand activations, contributing over $500,000 annually.
• Hay Mate Telethon Concerts, Orchestrated two events, amassing over $11,000,000 in funds, accompanied by national television exposure, benefiting charity and partners.
• COVID Impact Initiatives, Collaborated with philanthropists and corporate partners to provide 300 laptops and internet services to outback communities, amounting to $350,000+. Teamed up with Glencore to distribute $400 gift cards to 8,500 families in rural areas, totalling $3,400,000.
• Domino’s Pizza, Achieved the highest amount ever raised—$174,000—in a four-hour campaign, prompting ongoing annual support of $150,000.
• National Workplace Giving Award, Secured the "One Million Donors" award in partnership with Australia Post.
• Big Dry Friday, Mobilised the staff and networks of Morgans Financial, resulting in a generous contribution of $1,300,000.
• Qantas Collaboration, Coordinated multiple consumer events, raising over $3,000,000.
• Dettol Donation, Facilitated a donation of $500,000 worth of Dettol hand sanitiser, branded under our charity, for distribution to schools, churches, community groups, and businesses.
• Developed and delivered the Gift of Music program, To support rural children and young people; providing an avenue of hope and empowerment in the face of the rigours and mental hardship that too often affect rural and indigenous children. Sort and obtained funding of over $6,000,000 to provide musical instruments, scholarships and engagement programs.

Established corporate partnerships with: Woolworths Group, Qantas, Domino’s, Australia Post, Morgans Financial, Evolution Mining, Glencore, Toyota, BP, NRL, ARU, Goodman, Workwear Group, Transgrid, QR, Lion, Meriton, Cricket Australia, RFG, Honda, Charter Hall, P&O, Aurizon, CBA, Telstra, HP, Aldi, News Corp, ABC, GOA, Reckitt Benckiser (Finish), Dettol, and many more.