About Us

Established in 2002, SmartWorker provides end-to-end people solutions to the foremost companies in the mining, resources and energy industries. SmartWorker has built a quality client base that includes half of the world’s top 10 global miners, quality mid-tier miners and leading energy companies. Our growth over the last eight years is testament to our ability to source specialist staff in these industries.

In 2008, SmartWorker was rated the fourth fastest growing recruitment company in Australia (Dunn & Bradstreet) and in 2009, was one of the few companies to achieve growth in excess of 50%. This was due to our flexible approach in the dynamic recruiting industry. In 2010 SmartWorker commenced the its "National Team" strategy to provide it large clients with access to the best talent in the market using a national talent pool approach.  

Our Team

John Cooling, CEO John is a seasoned executive with vast experience in sales, operations and support functions. His knowledge and experience includes 20 years experience in all aspects of staffing and delivering business systems and processes for capital intensive industries including mining, utilities and transportation. Before founding SmartWorker, John held senior roles at Australia's largest software company, Queensland's largest outsourcing company and boutique consulting companies. John is an active member of the Queensland business community and is regularly requested to participate in workshops and events run by state government, industry associations, project management and mining industry associations. As well as running the company John is still very active in the area of ERP project staffing. He has been busy helping his mining clients staff SAP, Ellipse, Oracle, Pronto and Movex projects
Tony Smith, Executive Director Tony has over 20 years experience in all aspects of resourcing and delivering business outcomes for capital intensive industries. He has held senior roles at prominent consulting and outsourcing companies and has vast experience in sales, operations and support functions in defence, technology and consulting companies. His expertise spans business financial turnaround, business transformation and change consulting, project and program management, business solutions and general management.
Katherine Slack, Recruiting Consultant    Katherine is currently running SmartWorker’s National Business Systems and IT team from the Brisbane office.  She has a strong network of key clients in the Brisbane IT Market and specialises in placing senior IT staff in both contract and permanent roles. She makes it a priority to get to know her clients so she can source the right candidate, technically and culturally, to help assist in creating long-lasting working relationships for all involved.
Ricky Thawani, Recruiting Consultant  Ricky is the national Accounting and HSE specialist recruiter for SmartWorker based in Brisbane. With Bachelor’s qualifications in Economics and Psychology, Master’s qualification in Accounting and a MBA, coupled with several years of Accounting industry experience Ricky really understands clients and candidates needs and wants. Ricky strives to provide quality candidates that add significant value to his clients.
Madeline Hart, Recruiting Consultant Madeline is a specialist recruiter in maintenance and asset management and supply chain and logistics industries on a national level. She has over 5 years experience in recruitment, and qualifications in Business Management and Psychology. Her aim is to match top candidates to positions that enable them to achieve their career ambitions and increase and strengthen their skills while helping clients source exceptional people that will assist them in accomplishing their business goals.
Julie Cooling, Manager Finance & Control Julie has been with SmartWorker since the beginning. She has worked hard on all accounting, administration and governance over the years. Her focus these days is overseeing the finance team and keeping up with our governance and compliance responsibilites across federal and state juristictions.
Joy Lebumfacil, Accountant Joy is the master of accounts and payroll. She loves to keep things flowing smoothly and ensure our contractors, clients and suppliers are all looked after.
Belinda Li, Administration Services Belinda will look after your every need and point you in the right direction. She is great at sorting out problems and is always their as your point of contact.

Paul Robson, SmartWorker Associate

With over 20 years international experience project managing ICT companies, Paul has worked across a range of industry sectors including energy, mining, utilities, government, banking, ICT and transport.

Paul is a specialist in business process improvement. His broad skill base comprises business, data and process analysis, data cleansing, process design and improvement, business proposal formulation, ICT design and implementation, business-technology consulting, ICT strategy and project implementation and management.

Paul holds a Bachelor of Applied Science with a major in computing and has been extensively involved in global process analysis and improvement projects. He thrives on business intelligence and finding solutions that contribute to realistic bottom line returns.