Barwon Coast
Management Team

Meet our Management Team

Gareth Smith
Chief Executive Officer

Qualifications

Graduate Diploma in Applied Science

Australian Institute of Company Directors

Experience

Gareth brings over 15 years of executive leadership experience in State and Local Government to his role as CEO of Barwon Coast. Prior to joining our team, he spent a decade supporting government-appointed committees as CEO. Gareth’s expertise spans a wide range of services, from operational and customer-focused functions to strategic and regulated services.

With a passion for making a positive impact on the community, Gareth is dedicated to leading Barwon Coast in safeguarding the environmental and cultural treasures of our stunning coast. He is committed to providing top-notch tourism and recreation facilities for all to enjoy.

Robbie Cullen
Corporate Services Manager

Qualifications

BCom, GradDipCA

Experience

Robbie trained as a Chartered Accountant at KPMG Melbourne. Robbie has held commercial leadership roles across Victoria and Auckland; supporting three multi-national retail/hospitality businesses through periods of significant growth. Robbie’s responsibilities include Finance, IT, Risk and Governance.

Paul Gangell General Manager Operations

Qualifications
AdvDip Management, Certificate in Horticulture, National Certificate in Parks Management and Prince 2 Project Management Certification.

Experience

Paul has over 30 years of experience in operations management, particularly in the development of coastal public reserves for state and local governments. With a strong background in horticulture, project management and asset management, Paul has delivered nationally award winning projects while also developing service delivery plans that have been internationally recognised. This includes the prestigious green flag award at the City of Greater Bendigo where he was recently Manager of Parks and Open Space.

Adrian Connan
Accommodation Services Manager

Qualifications

B.Bus (Administration)

Experience

Adrian has a hospitality, property management and financial management background and 20 years senior management experience in high quality resort and residential conference environments. Adrian has a deep understanding of hospitality service operations and the systems, frameworks and models that foster good performance and results. Adrian is an Ocean Grove resident and a frequent user of the tracks, trails and coastline Barwon Coast care for.

Nicola Hyde
Human Resources Manager

Qualifications

Bachelor of Business, Professional Certificate in Management, Graduate Diploma in Management

Experience

Nicola has extensive experience in guiding organisations in effective people and culture management; from strategic organisational design to recruitment and HR planning. Nicola is particularly passionate about harnessing and guiding Barwon Coast’s values, culture and shared mission.

Kevin Johnson
Projects Manager

Qualifications
BArch, MTeach

Experience

As a registered Architect for 35 years working both in the government and private sectors, and a recently registered teacher, Kevin brings an eclectic mix of skills to Barwon Coast. His 10 years of work (part-time) with Barwon Coast in coastal projects, together with his professional practice as an Architect in a Geelong based firm, has provided Barwon Coast with a broad knowledge and skill base in the delivery of coastal projects. He is also a practicing Teacher and assists in the delivery of the Barwon Coast Education Program.