About Work-Integrated Learning Australia
Work-Integrated Learning Australia LTD (WIL Australia) is the national professional association for practitioners and researchers from the tertiary education sector, industry, community and government representatives, involved in work integrated learning (WIL) and collaborative education in Australia.
Our Vision
Work-Integrated Learning Australia LTD (WIL Australia) is the national professional association for work-integrated learning (WIL) and collaborative education.
WIL Australia creates impact through:
- facilitating valuable networking, professional learning and scholarship
- promoting quality and inclusive WIL for all
- advocating for collaboration and partnership with educators, community, industry, and government
WIL Australia aspires to strategically influence how WIL is valued and enacted in Australia.
Our Mission
Work-Integrated Learning Australia LTD (WIL Australia) advances collaborative, quality and inclusive WIL through scholarship, partnerships, and professional learning.
Our Values
Connection and collaboration:
sharing, listening, and learning together
Quality, ethical practice:
scholarly WIL that supports inclusion for all
Passion, community and partnerships
Our People
Meet the 2026 Board
WIL Australia is run by a dedicated Board of Directors made up of passionate WIL practitioners who are based all across Australia.
The Board is governed by WIL Australia’s Constitution to provide financial stability and to deliver WIL Australia’s mission to advance collaborative, quality and inclusive WIL through scholarship, partnerships, and professional learning. The Directors are required to comply with the Code of Conduct and Executive Responsibilities.
The WIL Australia Board is composed of up to eleven Directors. Up to five are elected by the membership and one is elected from each of the five chapters. In addition, the Board may appoint one additional Director.
Michael O'Connor
President
Western Sydney University
Naomi Walsh
Chair of Finance and Audit
University of Tasmania
Caroline Rueckert
Griffith University
Daryl McMahon
Adelaide University
David Reid
Swinburne University of Technology
Faith Valencia-Forrester
Charles Sturt University
Hannes Herrmann
Curtin University
Heather Pate
Edith Cowan University
JENNIFER RUSKIN
Macquarie University
Lloyd Dolan
Charles Sturt University
Natalie Milic
Charles Darwin University
Nicola Fish
Swinburne University of Technology
Chapters
WIL Australia consists of five chapters, governed by the Chapter By Laws. The current chapters committees were elected in 2025.
Committees
Committees and Working Parties are appointed by the Board. At least one member of each Committee or working party must be a Director. The current WIL Australia Committees are: Finance, Audit & Risk, Conference & Awards, Research, Professional Learning, Engagement & Advocacy and Student Scholarships.