We are pleased to announce Christopher McGimpsey as the newest member of our People and Place team. Having moved from Tasmania to the South West eight years ago, Christopher has emersed himself in the local community through mountain biking, rugby union, pickleball and volunteering. His experience spans working in the Family Offices of a UHNWI, post graduate education in Regional Innovation and leading teams in tourism enterprises.
What is the focus of your work and a typical day for you at SWDC?
Christopher’s current focus at the South West Development Commission is centred on housing supply challenges, urban renewal and community infrastructure within the five Shires of Warren Blackwood and the Shire of Augusta Maragaret River. Christopher is focused on listening, understanding and balancing priorities which provide sustainable outcomes to the community.
What sort of clients contact you and what sort of support can you provide?
A range of clients contact the People and Place team; from community groups, project proponents, business owners, Shire officers navigating complex projects which require a multi-Government agency approach to realise their outcome. The support that Christopher, and the People and Place team provide is support in accessing funding opportunities, connecting and leading stakeholder engagement in the community, and cross-Government advocacy.
What do you like best about living and working in the South West?
The South West is a unique region, with its natural landscapes and assets being second to none, with each subregion providing a point of difference. I enjoy the lifestyle that the South West provides through the outdoors and sense of community.
Working in the South West allows me to engage with people from diverse backgrounds and experience, including innovators, thought leaders, and people that genuinely want to assist the region reach its full potential.