RDA Appointments
July 2023
RDA Moreton Bay is thrilled to announce the appointment of Sorita McGrane as its new Chief Executive Officer.
With a wealth of experience in regional and economic development, Sorita brings a fresh perspective and boundless enthusiasm to her role.
Learn more: Introducing Sorita McGrane: RDA Moreton Bay's New CEO
May 2023
Following a rigorous and merit-based selection process, Ms Farzian Zainal (pictured) has been appointed Administrator of Christmas Island and the Cocos (Keeling) Islands for a period of 3 years, commencing June 2023. In her new role of Administrator, Ms Zainal will also be the Chair of the Indian Ocean Territories (IOT) Regional Development Organisation (RDO), which delivers RDA program services in the IOT.
She was sworn in by the as Administrator by the Governor-General, General the Honourable David Hurley AC DSC (Retd) at a ceremony at Government House, Canberra (pictured).
Ms Zainal brings extensive experience in public and private sector leadership, most recently serving as a Councillor of the Shire of Christmas Island and as the Deputy Chair of the IOT RDO.
As a fourth generation Christmas Islander, Ms Zainal also brings valuable local expertise and lived experience, which will underpin her contribution to the current and long-term interests of the IOT.
April 2023
Kalgoorlie-Boulder local Sharon Henderson (pictured with chair Lee Jacobsen) has been appointed Director of the Regional Development for RDA Goldfields Esperance.
Photo credit: Madeleine Clark/Kalgoorlie Miner
Two new members have joined RDA Limestone Coast - Rebecca Weller and Lachlan Haynes.
Rebecca is an entrepreneur and community leader, with a wealth of board experience in tourism, economic growth and aboriginal development across the Northern Territory and South Australia. Lachlan is a fourth-generation farmer from the Naracoorte region, with an extensive background in mixed agriculture, agribusiness, and viticulture.
March 2023
Professor Hurriyet Babacan AM has been appointed as the new chair of RDA Tropical North, in Queensland. She brings extensive experience in government, higher education and research, including working with the Department of Premier and Cabinet in Queensland and the Tablelands Regional Council.
Professor Babacan is currently employed at James Cook University and the University of Queensland at the Rural Economies Centre of Excellence. In addition, she serves as Vice Chair of the Cape York Natural Resource Management Board.
Read more: Chair RDA Tropical North.
Adelaide Hills, Fleurieu and Kangaroo Island welcomes 3 new board members: Nigel Morris and Brett Miller and Tom Cosetino. The 3 members will bring a range of skills and experience to their new roles including: oral health, primary industry, law, local government and agribusiness. Read more
February 2023
Professor Sue Kilpatrick has been appointed as the Chair of RDA Tasmania. She is a Professor of Education in the Faculty of Education at the University of Tasmania (UTAS), was a Pro Vice Chancellor for UTAS and at Deakin University, and a Director on the Northern Tasmania Development Corporation board.
Read more: Chair RDA Tasmania
