Our Story
Effective HR was established in 2017 in response to a clear gap in the market.
Many businesses needed reliable, proactive HR support but were hesitant to engage traditional advisory services that required expensive long term lock in contracts. Our founders believed there was a better way, one that gave organisations access to experienced HR professionals when they needed it, without unnecessary commitments.
From the beginning, Effective HR adopted a flexible fee for service model. Clients could access support as much or as little as required, without being tied into rigid advisory arrangements.
Importantly, clients were not placed into a generic advisory pool. Instead, they were supported by a dedicated consultant and team who take the time to understand their business. This approach provides the continuity and insight of an in house HR professional, without the cost of employing one internally.
As the business has grown, so too has our client base. Today Effective HR supports more than 500 organisations across Australia, working with businesses of all sizes across a wide range of industries.
While our service offering has expanded, the principle that shaped Effective HR from the beginning remains the same: practical, commercially focused HR advice delivered by consultants who understand the real challenges businesses face.
Our Model
At Effective HR, our approach is built on flexibility and transparency.
We understand that every organisation’s HR needs are different. Some businesses require support with a specific project or workplace issue, while others prefer ongoing strategic guidance. Our model allows clients to access the level of support that works for them, without unnecessary complexity.
Clients work with dedicated consultants who take the time to understand their organisation, their people, and the context behind the questions they are asking. This ensures the advice we provide is practical, commercially grounded, and aligned with each client’s operating environment.
FLEXIBLE | PRACTICAL | CLIENT-FOCUSED
These principles guide how we work with every client engagement.
Our Team
Michelle Gabauer
Managing Director
Principal IR Consultant
Melissa Shaw
Division Head - HR Partner
Natalie Guirguis
Senior HR/IR Consultant
Amy Smith
HR/IR Consultant
Laura Cowling
HR/IR Consultant
Ben Burden
Business Development Manager
Jenny Richards
Principal HR Consultant
Renee Arthur
Lead Systems & Audit Consultant
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Renee Cahill
Senior HR/IR Consultant
Angela Mills
HR/IR Consultant
Jacqui Withers
HR/IR Consultant
Josh Vikis
Marketing Specialist
Corinne West
Lead HR/IR Consultant
Candice Brinton
Project Manager
HR/IR Consultant
Siobhan Griffiths
Senior HR/IR Consultant
Emma Dawson
HR/IR Consultant
Sophie Moore
HR & Systems Coordinator
Aimee West
Senior HR/IR Consultant
Our Philosophy
At Effective HR, we believe effective people management is the foundation of business success. Our approach is built on three core principles:
Strategic Alignment:
We take the time to understand each client’s business, objectives, and culture so that HR strategies support long term organisational success.
Compliance and Best Practice:
Our team helps organisations navigate Australia’s complex employment framework while implementing systems and practices that strengthen workforce management.
Proactive and Practical:
We go beyond surface level HR. Our consultants work with clients to identify underlying challenges and develop practical strategies that support better workplace outcomes.