Social enterprise leader joins to drive community benefits from within
For nearly a decade, Mark MacManus helped create meaningful employment opportunities for people living with disability through his work at Latrobe Valley Enterprises (LVE) in Morwell.
When he saw an opportunity to create lasting benefits for communities on a broader scale, Mark chose to pursue it inside one of Gippsland’s major infrastructure projects.
Today, as Marinus Link’s Social Impact Lead, he works across Victoria and Tasmania to help ensure the benefits of the project extend well beyond construction.
“Success is not just delivering the project, but leaving a lasting legacy through employment, skills, local and social procurement, First Nations participation and stronger, more resilient communities.”
Inspired by genuine partnerships
Through LVE’s engagement with the project, Mark saw firsthand how Marinus Link approached social procurement and community partnerships.
As the relationship grew, LVE produced site signage for Marinus Link’s Sandy Point preparatory works in South Gippsland and provided recycling services for the project.
“It became evident very early on that this wasn’t tokenism. Marinus Link genuinely wanted to work with and support organisations like LVE.”
“During my time at LVE, I often saw organisations engaging with us to meet a procurement requirement rather than genuinely seeking to create a meaningful partnership.”
“The opportunity to join an organisation whose values align with my own, and that genuinely wants to create meaningful social outcomes, was something I couldn’t pass up.”
Mark chats with a community member at the Marinus Link Community Grants and Sponsorships Presentation Evening in Burnie, North West Tasmania.
Creating benefits beyond construction
Through Marinus Link’s Community Benefits Sharing Framework, he works with businesses, community organisations, First Nations groups, contractors and project teams to help turn project opportunities into meaningful outcomes on both sides of Bass Strait.
“What excites me most is the opportunity to connect these areas rather than looking at them in isolation. A local business might win work on the project while building capability for future opportunities; a community organisation might partner with us to address a local need; and an individual might gain the skills, confidence and experience to create a long-term career pathway.”
“It’s not just that we come in, build the project and then leave. It’s really important that we continue to invest in the community after that.”
A vision for Gippsland and North West Tasmania
Having worked closely with communities across Gippsland, Mark has seen both the challenges they face and the enormous potential they hold.
“What I’ve come to appreciate about Gippsland is the strength of the connections between people and the genuine desire to see the region succeed.”
Mark believes many of the same opportunities and challenges exist across North West Tasmania, reinforcing the importance of creating local pathways into employment, skills development and long-term careers.
“Employment can provide much more than an income. It can provide purpose, confidence, stability and a sense of belonging.”
For Mark, that vision is also deeply personal.
“As a father of two beautiful girls, I want them to grow up in a Gippsland where young people have the opportunity to build meaningful careers and a future without having to leave the region to find it. For me, that’s an important part of the legacy Marinus Link can leave behind.”
Life outside work
When he’s not focused on social impact, you’ll find Mark at home with his family on their property in Toongabbie alongside three dogs, one cat, four sheep, 20 chooks and seven Highland cows.
Stormy and Goldy, proudly named by Mark’s daughters.
Mark has also dedicated significant time to mentoring young people.
“I’m passionate about helping young people build confidence, recognise their potential and become the best version of themselves.”
As a self-described introvert, spending time with the animals is one of his favourite ways to unwind.
“They don’t ask too many questions and, to be honest, they speak about as much as I do!”
Learn more about the Draft Community Benefits Sharing Framework here.