Michael Wasley

Michael Wasley has committed the majority of his working life to not-for-profit and charitable organisations, including roles at senior management level and as Chief Executive Officer/Executive Director since 2008. Initially working within the disability and socio-economic disadvantage sectors, Michael led MatchWorks from a small western Victorian employment services provider to one of Australia’s largest and most respected disability and long-term unemployment specialists.

Michael commenced as Chief Executive Officer at Very Special Kids in 2016 applying his strategic and growth development experience, resulting in increased reach and service enhancement to vulnerable families supporting a child with a life-limiting condition. Having worked within surplus generating not-for-profit initiatives, Michael understands the important balance required to innovate services towards the key purpose, while maintaining accountability and long-term sustainability.

Michael initiated a review of the existing children’s hospice, the first of its kind in Australia, in late 2016.  The review resulted in the design of a new world-class facility, fully funded by 2022 and due for completion in mid 2023.

Michael also led Very Special Kids through the challenging COVID-19 impacted years of 2020-22 when, as a predominately self-funded charity, income generation coupled with a heighten need for support from families placed significant strain on the organisation.

Michael has completed a Bachelor of Science, Postgraduate Diploma in Rehabilitation Counselling and a Master of Business Administration. Michael is also a Graduate of the AICD Company Directors and recognises his time playing professional cricket in the low socio-economic communities of northern England as a significant influence on his intrinsic connection to supporting community and addressing disadvantage.

Michael is currently Vice President of the Werribee Football Club (Victorian Football League) and served as President of Carranballac College School Council (2010-2018) and Director of the National Employment Services Association (2012-2016).