Ella Winnall
Associate
Ella is a strategic leader with almost two decades of experience working across government, community organisations, industry and purpose-led organisations. Having served in both executive and elected leadership roles, she brings a unique perspective of change-making through investment, public policy, stakeholder engagement and the delivery of meaningful community outcomes.
Throughout her career, Ella has secured and delivered significant state and Commonwealth investment, leading initiatives in community development, infrastructure, environmental sustainability, regional growth and organisational capability. Having been on 'both sides of the fence', her expertise spans the breadth of change making - from investment attraction, stakeholder engagement to program delivery.
Working across the political spectrum, Ella is recognised for navigating complex political and institutional environments, influencing policy, program design and investment across local, state and federal government ecosystems. She has worked across issues of national significance, particularly in water policy, food systems, environmental sustainability and regional economic development, bringing together governments, industry, researchers and communities to deliver practical, long-term results.
Currently serving as mayor of Berri Barmera Council, Ella provides strategic leadership across governance, financial sustainability and regional transition. She is widely respected for building trusted relationships across government and the community sector, helping organisations navigate complexity, attract investment and strengthen their impact.
Alongside her executive and elected leadership experience, Ella has governed, led and supported a diverse range of purpose-led organisations, including statutory authorities, local government subsidiaries, incorporated associations, cooperatives, public-private partnerships, and volunteer-led organisations. This breadth of governance experience enables her to work confidently across differing organisational structures, legislative environments and stakeholder interests.
Known for her collaborative leadership style and systems thinking, Ella brings a strategic and practical understanding of influencing change for the better.
