Peter Lowen
Chief Executive Officer
Joining the WBN team in 2024, Peter Lowen, based in Northam, has a rich background in web design and marketing, notably through his leadership at Constructive Visual. His expertise is complemented by his role as an Industry Training Consultant for Apprenticeship Support Australia (CCIWA) in the Wheatbelt, where he has significantly contributed to training and development initiatives, enhancing local workforce capabilities and supporting regional businesses.
He is committed to enhancing WBN’s presence in the region, refining strategic visions, and strengthening ties within the business community.
Lisa O'Neill
B. Agricultural Business Management
Corporate Services Manager
Lisa originates from Mukinbudin and now lives in Merredin. She joined the WBN team in 2015 and has had a number of roles over the years with the most current being the Business Administrator.
Lisa has a Bachelor degree in Agricultural Business Management which she completed at Muresk in 2008. She has a strong knowledge of the Wheatbelt region and agricultural practices.
Lisa’s main responsibility within the WBN is to look after our finances, adminstrations and members.
Rachael Thomas
B.Business
Contractor
Rachael (B. Business) successfully ran Pre-emptive Strike with her husband in Albany. An Information Technology and computer support business it was also complemented by their second business Strike Point, a graphic design and printing business.
Rachael has a vast experience in corporate branding, marketing and online promotion of businesses.
Workforce Australia Local Jobs
Great Southern Wheatbelt Region
Emma Everett
Employment Facilitator
With a background in small business and property, Emma first connected to the WBN as a micro business member and has since relocated to the Wheatbelt town of Williams with her husband and two school age children. Emma specialises in business development and stakeholder management, and joined the WBN in late 2021 as the Employment Facilitator for the Local Jobs Program, for which the WBN holds the government contract.
Emma enjoys connecting with a wide variety of business owners and professionals, sharing useful intelligence, and pulling together stakeholders who can create something valuable together. Her role supports our members in connecting business to government programs to support recruitment and training, and in accessing new streams of job applicants. She also provides feedback to government (Department of Employment and Workplace Relations) on the opportunities and challenges faced by our region’s employers and advocates on behalf of the region’s employers and stakeholders.
Michelle Holland
Support Officer
My name is Michelle Holland and I moved to Perth in 2009
from Wales in the UK. A mother of three beautiful children and Grandmother
(Mamgu) to two adorable Grandsons, I am privileged to call Albany my home and have met some amazing people here – though I’m not sure I have gained the title of “local” as yet.
Prior to working with the Wheatbelt Business Network / Local Jobs Program I owned a successful Mortgage Brokerage business in Albany and know first-hand how difficult and rewarding being a business owner can be.
The Wheatbelt's Leading Business Network
Our Mission
We aim to work proactively with members to grow their business and their communities while creating a positive atmosphere through professional development, one on one business support, networking events, and economic development initiatives.