The Ngaanyatjarra Council Group is pleased to announce the appointment of Phil Nillsen as its new Chief Financial Officer, commencing January 2025. 

Phil brings extensive experience in finance, leadership, and organisational transformation across industries such as mining, aged care, and community services.

With a proven track record in simplifying complex systems and aligning processes with best practices, Phil has contributed to organisations like Bethanie, Perth Festival, and Visibility. His early career included roles at Price Waterhouse, Iluka, and Leighton Contractors.

The appointment comes at a pivotal moment for the Council as it embarks on modernising its financial operations and enhancing long-term capabilities. 

Phil’s expertise in driving efficiency and implementing change will play a key role in strengthening the Council’s financial foundations and supporting its broader strategic objectives.

“I’m attracted to community-based work,” said Phil, “it’s always resonated with me more strongly than highly commercial roles.”

The prospect of making a tangible difference, helping people, and transforming the management, planning and strategy of the Council, was a key driver for Phil’s move to the Council.

“It’s a large, complex, and diverse organisation with many moving parts—that makes the transformation process an exciting challenge for me,”

“Rather than being overwhelmed by the complexity, I seek to bring simplicity in understanding and process. That’s certainly my goal here,” Phil said.

Phil will work closely with Fanie Schoeman, leveraging his deep institutional knowledge to ensure a seamless transition while advancing financial modernisation.

“Phil’s leadership, combined with Fanie’s expertise, positions the Council for a stronger, more sustainable future for our communities,” said Thomas Williams, CEO of Ngaanyatjarra Council.