People & Culture Partner - Engagement, Equity & Inclusion

People & Culture Partner - Engagement, Equity & Inclusion

PC0035 | Temporary parental leave coverage | November 2026 commencement | 14-month opportunity | Mackay based

Classification: Stream A Salaried Level 4 | Base hourly rate: $50.80

Make a meaningful impact through inclusive people strategies

We are seeking a confident, proactive and values-driven HR professional to provide temporary parental leave coverage for a 14-month period, commencing November 2026. This Mackay-based, project-focused role will partner across the organisation to deliver employee engagement, inclusion and equity initiatives, including key events, recognition programs and internal campaigns that strengthen workplace culture and connection.

About the role

As a Strategic People Partner, you will scope, plan, manage and deliver people-focused projects across engagement, equity and inclusion. This may include initiatives such as employee engagement survey and initiatives such as employee awards and recognition programs and events, inclusion campaigns, internal communications and organisational development projects such as mentoring and toastmasters. You will work closely with senior leaders, stakeholders and staff across Mackay Regional Council to translate ideas into practical, well-managed outcomes.

Key responsibilities

• Scope, plan and manage project-based initiatives across employee engagement, inclusion, equity, organisational development and internal culture priorities.
• Coordinate and support the delivery of key organisational events and recognition activities, including employee awards and staff engagement initiatives.
• Partner with leaders and stakeholders to develop and implement practical engagement, equity and inclusion initiatives that align with organisational priorities.
• Prepare, deliver and present project updates, recommendations and outcomes to the Executive Leadership Team, leaders and MRC staff.
• Develop clear internal communications, engagement materials and campaign content to support participation, awareness and understanding.
• Manage competing priorities, timelines and stakeholder expectations while maintaining a proactive and solutions-focused approach.
• Contribute to policy, process and program improvements that support equitable, inclusive and positive employee experiences.

About you

You will be an enthusiastic, hands-on professional who enjoys bringing people-focused projects to life. You will have strong communication skills, confidence engaging with senior stakeholders and the ability to influence, coordinate and deliver outcomes across diverse teams. You will be proactive, organised and comfortable managing conflicting priorities in a busy environment. Generalist HR experience is preferred, particularly where it has included organisational development, project management, marketing, internal communications, employee engagement, equity or inclusion activities.

What you will bring

• Relevant hands-on experience in HR, organisational development, employee engagement, inclusion, equity, project management, marketing, internal communications or a related people-focused discipline.
• Generalist HR experience is preferred, with exposure to organisational development or engagement-related initiatives highly regarded.
• A bachelor's qualification in human resources, business, organisational development, communications or a related discipline would be highly regarded, in line with the position description.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to prepare clear advice, reports, presentations and staff engagement materials.
• Confidence presenting to and engaging with senior leaders, the Executive Leadership Team, stakeholders and staff across MRC.
• A proactive, enthusiastic and "go-getter" attitude, with the ability to reach out, build relationships and keep projects moving.
• Strong organisation skills and the ability to manage competing priorities, deadlines and stakeholder expectations.
• Commitment to respectful, inclusive and equitable workplace practices.

Employment details

• Position number: PC0035
• Position title: Strategic People Partner - Engagement, Equity & Inclusion
• Employment type: Temporary parental leave coverage
• Expected commencement: November 2026
• Duration: 14 months
• Classification: Stream A Salaried Level 4
• Location requirement: Mackay based
• Base hourly rate: $50.80 + superannuation
• Choice of 4 or 5 weeks' annual leave with 17.5% leave loading.
• Flexible work arrangements with a 9 day fortnight roster.
• Employee Assistance Program.
• Employee health and wellbeing initiatives.

Additional Information

To be considered for this position, all candidates must have the appropriate working rights for Australia. Your Australian work rights will be verified during the recruitment process.

Applicants who progress beyond the interview stage will be required to undergo a pre-employment process, which includes comprehensive Pre-Employment Medical Assessments (inclusive of Drug and Alcohol testing) and a Criminal History Check.

We are an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) employer, where all applicants are treated fairly and respectfully and have equal access to all available opportunities. At Mackay Regional Council, diversity is about creating a respectful and inclusive workplace that recognises our employees' unique contributions and perspectives, working together to deliver extraordinary results.

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