Articles by Stephen Fernando

A strategy and finance professional, Stephen counts significant experience with Strategy Formulation, Business Transformation, Technology Enabled System Improvements, and Data Analytics for Improved Decision Making.

Stephen also closely monitors socio-economic and geo-political trends and developments and follows commentary and research on these topics by authoritative sources from around the world.

At Mackay Regional Council, Stephen played a key role in implementing Australia’s first fleet wide roll-out of smart water meters, one of the earliest successful smart city initiatives in the country. As an extension of this project, Stephen was instrumental in developing a Meter Data Management (MDM) system, for managing smart water meters as well as smart sewer sensor data. The system, which was spun-off by Mackay, is currently the country’s leading MDM system for water utilities.

During his career, Stephen has also had the opportunity to undertake several significant cultural change programs. He is a strong believer in the power of collaboration and strives to create inclusive and safe team environments.

In addition to his management accounting and CPA qualifications, Stephen also holds a Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree from the USA and is also a Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors (GAICD).

Some of Stephen’s other claims to fame include, climbing up to Base Camp 1 on Mount Everest, being an Advanced Open Water SCUBA Diver and graduating from the American School of Bartenders.

At the time of writing, Stephen is the Director of Corporate Services at Swan Hill Rural City Council (in Victoria, Australia). He is the former Chair and current Treasurer of the Board of MADEC, a for-purpose organisation supporting persons with special abilities in Central Queensland.