Andrea Vickery
Allyson Maxwell
Annie Walsh
Elizabeth Hook
Greg Arnold
Greg has been involved in multi-sector workplace relations for over 35 years as both a consultant and an industry executive. He has had workplace relations and industrial relations experience in a broad range of industries ranging from the building and construction industry, engineering, newspapers and publishing, food processing and the hospitality sector.
In all of those sectors Greg has represented his clients in the Fair Work Commission (formerly the Australian Industrial Relations Commission), as well the Queensland, NSW, WA and Victorian Industrial Relations tribunals, as well as the State and Federal Anti-Discrimination tribunals. He has also successfully represented small retailers in trading hours cases in the State industrial tribunals. During this time he has also a represented employers and industry sectors on key workplace relations and WH&S advisory committees.
He has represented employers in hundreds of unfair dismissal matters, provided advice and negotiated many enterprise agreements across a broad range of industries.
Greg has a degree in Industrial Relations and has WH&S qualifications and is a trained Mediator and Workplace Investigator. His extensive experience in the industry has created his belief that the strategic approach to industrial relations is the best way to ensure that businesses reduce the risk and exposure to industrial disputation and prosecution.
In his spare time Greg enjoys spending time with his family, and has a passion for many water sports including surfing, dragon boat paddling and is a keen yachtsman, having competed in many off-shore races.
Karen Arnold
Karen is a consultant for Effective Workplace Solutions and manages the Business Development and HR Services. Karen’s drive, passion and clarity of vision has seen Effective Workplace Solutions flourish and grow significantly in the last few years.
Karen is a powerful force in the workplace. Her focus is on collaborative team-building, creativity, innovation and professional growth, alongside a commitment to meeting client and market demands. Karen does not just set out ambitious goals, she motivates people to deliver.
Karen has a law degree, majoring in Industrial Relations and qualifications in Training and Assessment, and Business Administration. Karen’s experience includes HR and employee relations, business development, advisory support, performance management, policy development, guidance and leadership, general compliance, grievance resolution, and implementing productivity-inducing practices.
Karen is inspired daily by her husband and two children. In her free time she enjoys walking, pottery and other creative activities and spending time with her family and friends.
Andrea Vickery
Andrea is a consultant for Effective Workplace Solutions with over 20 years professional experience working initially in employee relations in Australia and the UK and subsequently as a human rights/ corporate responsibility consultant on major infrastructure projects in Australia and overseas.
Andrea has always had a passion for employee relations. She has advised on employment matters from recruitment through to termination in various roles including as an industrial advocate, human resource adviser and employment lawyer. She has also worked in a number of industries including mining, construction, contract cleaning, traffic control, aged care, banking, local government and railways. Andrea’s wide range of experience has equipped her with the skills necessary to quickly identify the relevant issue and provide practical advice.
Andrea has a degree in law and economics, a graduate diploma in Industrial Relations and qualifications in Training and Assessment. Outside of work she leads a busy life with a young family of three children. When she can, she enjoys swimming laps and walking the family puppy ‘Louie’ at the beach. Andrea also loves travelling, having previously lived and worked overseas.
Allyson Maxwell
Allyson has a background in hospitality management and has spent the past 10 years working as an Events, Marketing, and Business Development Manager in the Clubs Industry. She has nurtured productive and profitable business relationships with large and small stakeholders across many industries including construction, F&B, automotive, media and government, and is passionate about genuine, client focussed marketing and communications strategies.
In her spare time you'll find Allyson out on the golf course, at her writing desk working on her first novel, or playing with her two granddaughters.
Annie Walsh
Annie is the HR Services Consultant for Effective Workplace Solutions. Annie has over 25 years’ experience in human resource development and administration. She has worked for large and medium sized businesses ranging from local government, tourism and hospitality, not-for profit and private enterprise to large construction and engineering companies both in Australia and South East Asia.
Annie has provided sound HR advice to a number of businesses including indigenous communities and remote mining sites assisting these organizations develop awareness amongst staff in the areas of anti-discrimination, work-based harassment, equal opportunity & diversity. She has encouraged necessary behaviours that have achieved successful outcomes for all stakeholders.
Annie has been instrumental in establishing a sustainable human resource framework of coherent personnel policies and practices geared towards effective organisational performance. Annie has introduced innovative HR programmes that have engaged teams, enhanced employee excellence and reduced staff turnover.
Annie enjoys entertaining family and friends, the antics of Angus, the family’s curly coated retriever and caravanning in the best beach spots the east coast has to offer.
Elizabeth Hook
Elizabeth comes to us from the health sector with many years experience in middle and senior management. During her time in these roles Elizabeth has been primarily responsible for the Human Resources function within the organisation. This has included managing end-to-end recruitment processes, staff training/onboarding/induction, drafting contracts, employee relations, performance management, maintaining policies, EBA interpretation, and driving a positive workplace culture.
Elizabeth is an enthusiastic and passionate HR Generalist who brings with her a wealth of knowledge, exceptional time management skills and an ability to remain calm under pressure which will certainly be an asset to this role.
Elizabeth is constantly striving for personal growth and has just successfully completed a triple diploma in Human Resources, Business Administration and Business.
Rebecca Buchanan
Rebecca has extensive experience in payroll, accounts payable and receivable as well as data base management and reporting and has worked in payroll/accounts for 15 years. She holds a Certificate IV in Accounting and is currently completing her Master’s in Business Administration at Southern Cross University.
Rebecca and her husband and two children are Tweed Shire locals who love to spend their family time camping and hiking.
Larnie Houston
Larnie joins the team with several years of Customer Service experience behind her. She has worked in administration roles, and her skills include general business administration, payroll, and accounts. Larnie is preparing to enrol and complete a Business Administration qualification to further expand and solidify her skill set.