Fiona Ainsworth
Before joining WARC, Fiona worked as the Business Development and Project Manager for the Aboriginal Investment Group (AIG) where she was responsible for a number of major projects, with the investment in and successful implementation of Remote Laundries in Barunga and Groote Eylandt being a particular highlight.
Her time spent as the Trade Marketing and State Business Executive for a Fortune 500 business, honed her community engagement and relationship building skills, her understanding of customer needs and nuanced marketing and service delivery. The opportunity to learn from and build contemporary business skills in a global organisation is invaluable in her current role delivering outcomes for the people and communities of West Arnhem.
Having built a strong connection with West Arnhem region through her role at AIG Fiona was attracted to the local government sector and was delighted to join West Arnhem Regional Council in 2020 in the newly created role as Manager Business Development. She moved into the role of General Manager Technical Services soon after where she has overseen the implementation of major roads and infrastructure projects across the region and instigated service delivery improvements for postal services in Gunbalanya and Jabiru.
As the Acting Chief Operating Officer since 2022 and now Director of Community and Council Services, Fiona leads six teams across Darwin, Jabiru, Gunbalanya, Maningrida, Minjilang and Warruwi, supporting 190 staff and delivering against a budget of around $20m.
She is passionate about helping to shape the future of the West Arnhem region and particularly working with her colleagues in the West Arnhem Regional Council to find creative ways to improve services and infrastructure in this unique and significant service delivery landscape.
Fiona is an experienced executive leader with an extensive track record in business development, operational management, major project management, sponsorship generation and marketing in local, national and multinational organisations.
As Director Community and Council Services and previously Acting Chief Operating Officer for West Arnhem Regional Council (WARC), Fiona also draws almost 10 years of experience working across the Northern Territory towards improving remote Aboriginal communities and creating sustainable employment opportunities for Aboriginal people.
She has a wide range of experience across different industries including tourism, agriculture, entertainment and indigenous social enterprise with a focus on creating and supporting community and business development opportunities and driving growth.Fiona is an experienced executive leader with an extensive track record in business development, operational management, major project management, sponsorship generation and marketing in local, national and multinational organisations.
As Director Community and Council Services and previously Acting Chief Operating Officer for West Arnhem Regional Council (WARC), Fiona also draws almost 10 years of experience working across the Northern Territory towards improving remote Aboriginal communities and creating sustainable employment opportunities for Aboriginal people.
She has a wide range of experience across different industries including tourism, agriculture, entertainment and indigenous social enterprise with a focus on creating and supporting community and business development opportunities and driving growth.