Driving business success with expert knowledge

We specialise in delivering tailored HR and employment law services. With expert knowledge and a commitment to your success, we provide the strategic support businesses need to thrive in today’s competitive environment.

Valued relationships

 

We deeply value the relationships we have with our clients. Unlike the typical ‘call centre’ experience, our clients are connected directly to a dedicated consultant who serves as their account manager. This relationship provides them with consistent, familiar and accessible support. They have direct access to their consultant’s mobile, office number, and email, ensuring they can get our assistance whenever needed. This leads to a seamless and stress-free client experience, even if their primary consultant is unavailable, as another team member will efficiently manage their requirements.

Community_HRLegal

Community

“Building stronger relationships. By supporting our clients and team, we create lasting connections that benefit everyone.”

Strive_HRLegal

Strive

“We go above and beyond, proactively supporting businesses, their teams, and their aspirations to ensure continuous growth & success.”

Integrity_HRLegal

Integrity

“Guided by ethics and mutual respect, we believe in doing what’s right for our clients, ourselves, and the community”

Sucess_HRLegal

Success

“It’s shared—we all grow and flourish together. Together we achieve meaningful results, so we all grow and benefit.”

Karen&Greg_EffectiveWorkplaceSolution

Experience you can rely on

At Effective Workplace Solutions, we have over 100 years of combined experience in human resources, employment law, and workplace relations, our seasoned team is dedicated to providing exceptional support. We have been achieving outcomes for our clients and building long terms relationships since 2013.

Our commitment to staying at the forefront of industry developments ensures that we deliver innovative, tailored solutions to meet the ever-changing needs of our clients. We’re passionate about helping businesses thrive by creating strong, compliant workplaces that foster growth and success for both employers and their teams.

The people powering your growth

Bringing expert knowledge and personalised support to every client.

Karen Arnold - Effective Workplace Solutions - HR Legal Services

Karen Arnold – Managing Director (‘Boss Lady’)

Expert in: Employee Relations, HR Advisory, Performance Management, Policies, Compliance, Grievance Resolution
Qualifications: Bachelor of Legal & Justice, Dip. Legal Services, Cert IV Training & Assessments

Greg Arnold - Effective Workplace Solutions - HR Legal Services

Greg Arnold – Senior Consultant

Expert in: Industrial Relations, Unfair Dismissals, Mediation, Training & Workshops, Investigations
Qualifications: Bachelor of Business (Industrial Relations), Mediation, Workplace Investigator

Jane Van Gulik - Effective Workplace Solutions - HR Legal Services

Jane Van Gulik – Consultant

Expert in: Employee Handbooks, HR Advisory, Policies, HR Systems
Qualifications: Cert IV Human Resource Management

Priscilla Van Den Broek - Effective Workplace Solutions - HR Legal Services

Priscilla Van Den Broek – Client Concierge

 

Peter Norrie - Effective Workplace Solutions - HR Legal Services

Peter Norrie – Senior Consultant

Expert in: Industrial Relations, Payroll Compliance, Enterprise Agreements, Change Management, Restructuring, HR Advisory, Terminations
Qualifications: Bachelor of Sc MAdmin (HR & Change Management)

Zoe Patterson - Effective Workplace Solutions - HR Legal Services

Zoe Patterson – Marketing Coordinator

Decades of Expertise, Proven Results

Scalability and Flexibility: Our business grows with our clients’ businesses. We offer unique retainer packages that grant clients the flexibility to choose and modify the services they need as their business evolves. This model offers both convenience and cost-efficiency, as clients use our services exactly as needed without unnecessary expenditure.

1,244

Employment
contracts

31

Enterprise
agreements

649

Training
workshops

11,189

General HR
advice

Customised services

We don’t believe in generic answers. Each client’s needs are unique, and our services are customised to match those individual requirements. Whether it’s crafting personalised employee handbooks, conducting payroll audits or advising on complex HR matters, every solution is tailor-made.

This bespoke service model addresses the client’s immediate needs and aligns with their long-term goals. Our popular HR training sessions are the only professional education of this type that are delivered locally.

Karen - EWS - HR Legal Soclutions
{EWS’ many years of experience and continuity of representation are one of their key strengths. Stress-free, great communication and, most importantly, great outcomes. I cannot endorse the team at EWS highly enough!
Craig Clark
General Manager,Cairns RSL Club
{Effective Workplace Solutions are a professional team of consultants with extensive experience. They have become our preferred provider for employment law and HR advice and support. They took the time to get to know how our business works and tailored their advice and services accordingly.
Mark Hamilton
HR Compliance Manager,Burleigh Bears Leagues Club
{We have used Effective Workplace Solutions for the past nine years and have been extremely pleased with the service. I would recommend Effective Workplace Solutions to any business that needs advice in the ever changing world of Industrial Relations, Employment Law, Human Resources and related legislation.
Dale Hansen
CEO,Austbrokers Coast to Coast
{Effective Workplace Solutions has been our workplace relations advisor for many years. They have always provided a personalised, professional service and made a point of getting to know our club and business operations. Their advice has always been sound and practical, which has meant that we can make sensible decisions and have avoided costly court cases, while still achieving desirable outcomes.
Phil Kelly
General Manager,Kingscliff Beach Bowls Club
{Our workforce throughout Qld, NSW, and the ACT encompasses many senior roles through to junior casual roles within various shopping centres. We have always received practical, pragmatic, and well-considered advice that has allowed us to manage the team effectively and professionally. The service has always been prompt with expert and empathetic advice in accordance with current relevant legislations applicable to the various circumstances at a very competitive fee. I highly recommend their services.
Peter Coroneo
Chief Operating Officer,Leda Retail
{Our club has used Effective Workplace Solutions for many years. We used them to put a human resources strategy in place, which changed the workplace culture at the Wests Entertainment Group and significantly reduced the levels of disputes. They have always provided us with sound, professional, and practical advice for any employee relations issue.
Therese Brodbeck
Employee Relations Manager,Wests Entertainment Group (Tamworth)
{Our club engaged Effective Workplace Solutions for an enterprise agreement of employment terms and conditions to attract and retain good quality staff. Thanks to them, we won awards from the Federal Government for 'Innovation in Agreement Making' as well as the Clubs NSW 'Club of the Year' and the 'Human Resources Award for Excellence', and we are now an employer of choice in the Tweed and Northern NSW region. This could not have been achieved without their strategic advice, high level of professionalism, and innovative approach to workplace relations.
Guy Diven
General Manager,Murwillumbah Services Club
{We engaged EWS to assist us in establishing an enterprise agreement in response to successful tendering on the Gold Coast Light Rail Stage 3 Project. We are extremely appreciative of the expertise and assistance, including the navigation and dealings with the Fair Work Commission, unions, bargaining with staff, and development of the final approved enterprise agreement. The EWS team were very approachable, quick to respond, and very proactive, resulting in an approved enterprise agreement in a very short timeframe.
Simone Berryman
Financial Controller,SEEG Holdings Pty Ltd
{Whenever we need advice, support, or clarification on any human resources or industrial issue, Effective Workplace Solutions have provided prompt and practical advice.
Michael Young
Director,Tweed River Seafoods
{We are so grateful for the team from EWS, who delivered a comprehensive leadership program to our team. Our team gained the essential knowledge to understand and interpret the award, IR/HR-related topics, and ultimately sharpen their leadership skills. This workshop is highly recommended for any business aiming for strength and confidence in their leadership team, and to ensure continuity and accountability with their internal processes.
Peter Forsey
CEO,Redcliffe RSL
{I am highly impressed with Effective Workplace Solutions. Their team provide advice that is well-placed, diligent, and persistently excellent. They keep me informed every step of the way. They are easy to deal with, provide prompt replies and have very reasonable costs. EWS offer expert advice and I confidently recommend them.
Belinda Marrison
Marrison Hydraulics
{I have found Effective Workplace Solutions to be a great support and sounding board for all my industrial relations needs. It gives me confidence that I am looking after the needs of the business while ensuring employees get a fair go.
Rochelle Blakelock
Human Resources Manager,The Lion Richlands
{Effective Workplace Solutions has facilitated several training workshops for us including Anti Bullying & Harassment for all staff and Sexual Harassment Management & Mitigation for our management team. The easy access to an expert team has given us clarity around complicated HR issues and peace of mind that comes with knowing the club and our team are always on track with HR compliance.
Neale Genge
General Manager,Woodburn Evans Head RSL
{Effective Workplace Solutions ensure we are compliant and up to date with all of the latest policy and legislation changes while working towards the company’s requirements. They are an absolute pleasure to deal with and I would highly recommend them to any business.
Daniel Annand
Managing Director,Annand Electrical
{We have been a client of Effective Workplace Solutions for over eight years. The service, support, and attention to detail they provide to our business has been excellent. We know any advice we receive will be thorough, up to date, and delivered with the highest professionalism. The HR and IR support has allowed us to focus on growing our business with the assurance that this area of our business is in great hands.
Neil Shaw
Group General Manager,City Golf Club
{I would like to acknowledge and thank the team at EWS for the prompt and professional service provided to our workplace over recent months. The knowledge and delivery of information was of huge significance and assistance in navigating the services and support we required to update and align our employee documentation with current workplace legislation.
Sue Drefke
Crokers Fuel and Oils Pty Ltd
{Effective Workplace Solutions are a professional team of consultants with extensive experience. They have become our preferred provider for employment law and HR advice and support. They took the time to get to know how our business works and tailored their advice and services accordingly.
Daniel Hearn
Burleigh Bears Leagues Club
{As a bookkeeper and registered BAS agent, I take a great deal of comfort knowing that Effective Workplace Solutions (EWS) is on my side. Workplace law is an area which requires specialist advice, and I know that whenever I send clients over to EWS they are in the best possible hands. For my clients, this means peace of mind in the knowledge that their workplace relations obligations are being met, and they have experts on their team in the event of a workplace dispute. Thanks, EWS, for all that you do for us.
Brad Ferguson
Bookeze
{I am highly impressed with Effective Workplace Solutions. Their team provide advice that is well-placed, diligent, and persistently excellent. They keep me informed every step of the way. They are easy to deal with, provide prompt replies and have very reasonable costs. EWS offer expert advice and I confidently recommend them.
Belinda Marrison
Marrison Hydraulics
{HR has always been a daunting aspect of operating our business. Outsourcing our HR to Effective Workplace Solutions is one of the best business decisions we have made! Initially assisting us with an employee redundancy, they have been extremely knowledgeable, professional, and efficient in all aspects. They supported us every step of the way throughout the employee termination process, ensuring we were compliant with employment law. Working with them minimised the stress throughout the process, allowing us to focus on work.
Tweed Sheetmetal Pty Ltd
{I would highly recommend the Effective Workplace Solutions team to any business that needs any type of HR / IR / ER support and advice; they have great flexibility to meet your individual needs.
Carolyn Dorfield
Director of HR,Intercontinental Hayman Island Resort
{Effective Workplace Solutions (EWS) has been a lifesaver for our hospitality venues. Whenever we faced performance or employee issues, they came to our rescue with expert assistance. The team have been professional, reliable, and efficient in handling every situation. Their training solutions have also been top-notch, providing us with valuable knowledge. We couldn't be happier with their continued support. EWS is the go-to for all our employment law needs.
Lisa Traynor
Group Operations Manager,SOPO

Awards & Memberships

We are proud to be recognised for excellence in HR and employment law, with accolades such as finalists in the Tweed Regional Business Awards for 7 years, winners of the 2024 ‘Excellence in Small Business’ and ‘Excellence in Professional Services’ awards, and highly commended in the Northern Rivers Regional Business Awards.

Director Karen Arnold was a 2024 finalist in the National Australian Women in Small Business Champion Awards and has been recognised as an Outstanding Business Leader at local and regional levels.

Our leadership extends beyond our business, serving on various boards to contribute expertise, shape policies, and drive positive change. This involvement ensures our practices remain innovative and aligned with industry standards and community needs.

Karen & Greg - Effective Workplace Solutions

Trust is earned

Local Focus and Community Engagement: Our business is deeply embedded in the community. While we focus on serving local clients in the Tweed Shire, Northern Rivers and Southern Gold Coast, we also have clients from the Daintree to Victoria, South Australia, Western Australia and New Zealand. Both Greg and Karen actively participate in local business chambers and BNI, and we support local charities with their HR, either pro-bono or at significant discounts. This embeds our business within the community and enhances our local engagement.