Our EastCoast HR Group team of specialised recruitment consultants, HR consultants and Wagesmart outsource payroll administration support have many years of experience in the industry. We are here to assist business owners, managers and jobseekers alike.
Our dedicated professionals provide labour hire services (including international labour hire), IR/HR consultancy services, staff training and development services, as well as outsource payroll services. To learn more about our services, please view the About Us page.
For information regarding our management team and staff – their role in our company, experience, accreditations, certifications, and areas of specialisation – please keep reading.
Michalle Faulkner
EastCoast HR Group Managing Director
Michalle is the Managing Director of our labour recruitment agency, as well as a senior HR consultant with more than 26 years’ experience gained from partnering with a myriad of diverse industries nationally across Australia.
In addition to her business and HR Management experience, she has held dual qualifications as a Workplace Health and Safety Officer and as a practicing Safety Advisor.
Michalle’s expertise lies in her ability to coach emerging and executive leaders to fulfil their leadership potential through the lens of her extensive experience working with thriving businesses.
Michalle is also qualified as a Workplace Trainer and Assessor and Internal Auditor of Quality Systems including;
AS/NZS 9001 and AS/NZS 4801 – OHS Management Systems.
She is also an active Professional Member of the Australian Human Resources Institute (CAHRI).
Aside from providing clients with HR consulting services, Michalle is responsible for our labour recruitment agency’s delivery of specialist workforce solutions to a wide cross section of clients. She is also in charge of EastCoast’s general business development and delivery on strategic plans.
Michalle’s commitment to her profession was recognised in 2008 when she was awarded the Business Woman of the Year Award. She was also a 2008 Regional Finalist in the Institute of Managers and Leaders Awards.
A devoted wife, mother, and a published author, Michalle still finds time to volunteer her time and is a life-time member of the Sunshine Coast Business Women’s Network (SCBWN), a very active network with in excess of 200 members.
Mariya Shmandiy
Senior HR Consultant
With a strong background in Generalist HR Management, Mariya, has diverse industry experience across varied and reputable private and public sector organisations nationwide.
She brings with her more than 10 years’ experience, specialising in Industrial Relations, Recruitment, Operations Management, Conflict Resolution and more.
Mariya’s superpower is in bringing people together and applying a hands-on approach to ensure the people factor is always at the core of all that she does and by working towards finding win-win outcomes for all parties.
Mariya understands the complexities of working with all kinds of businesses and is passionate in finding solutions and creating cohesive and positive working environments for both the employees and employers where they can thrive to bring their absolute best professionally.
Penny Hill
WageSmart and Payroll Services Manager
Penny is our WageSmart and Payroll Services Manager.
Although originally based on the Sunshine Coast, Penny now works remotely from her home in South Australia.
She has over 20+ years’ experience in payroll services including award interpretations across all industries, superannuation, single touch payroll, as well as experience in the use of various payroll software programs.
Penny can offer you payroll support in managing your payroll or performing a payroll audit to ensure your business’ compliance.
She is supported at home by her partner and their two cats Leo and Kitty Kat. In her spare time she enjoys spending time with her family and friends. Penny returns to the Coast yearly for client visits and staff shenanigans.
Testimonial: “Penny is doing an absolutely wonderful job for me. She has given me her full attention as she does, but even more so during the Covid minefield. Penny has spent so much time trying to help me sort out Jobkeeper for each individual employee and she has gone way above the call of duty.
Penny, you are an absolute tower of strength and the epitome of a committed true professional” – Maria Faulder – Suite Three Hair.
Katrina Woods
Senior Permanent Recruitment Consultant/Manager
Katrina Woods is the Manager and Senior Recruitment Consultant for the Permanent Staffing Division of our labour recruitment agency.
Originally from Queensland, Katrina has brought her extensive job recruitment and executive search experience home after living in London, Hong Kong, and Sydney.
She thrives at addressing people and leadership needs, and displays a strong commitment to professional development and fostering successful relationships with clients.
Passionate about wellbeing, diversity, and sustainability, Katrina thrives on building trust and connections.
Outside of work, she enjoys walking on beaches or trails with friends and family, or volunteering for Bloomhill Cancer Care.
Jodie McCarthy
HR Outsourcing Services Support
Jodie brings to our labour recruitment agency extensive experience in administration, human resources and executive support.
Relocating to the Sunshine Coast over 3 years ago, Jodie has embraced the Sunshine Coast lifestyle and community and is passionate about supporting local businesses and candidates with their HR recruitment and employment needs.
A highly professional individual, Jodie easily builds rapport with individuals and is committed to supporting our recruitment firm in providing effective solutions and outcomes for our valued clients and candidates.
When not working, you will find Jodie at the beach, enjoying the company of friends and family.
