I am pleased to announce the appointment of two new board members to the Regional Development Australia (RDA) Orana Board - both have strong ties within the communities they live in and are advocates for social and economic development in the region.
Brewarrina Shire Council General Manager, David Kirby and Bourke Administrative Services owner, Lisa Crothers have joined the team as we farewell outgoing board members Taronga Western Plains Zoo Director, Steve Hinks and Dubbo entrepreneur, Kerrieanne Nichols. Thank you to Steve and Kerrianne for the value and experience you brought to the Board.
Our new board members bring diverse skills and networks to our independent organisation, which has a strong history of advocating for projects to grow and diversify the Orana region.
David is the General Manager of Brewarrina Shire Council. He is a proud First Nation Ngemba and Maraurra traditional owner and grazier. Born and raised in Brewarrina, David’s life has revolved around water with a deep spiritual connection as a custodian of the oldest man-made structure on earth, Baiame Ngunnghu (Brewarrina Fishtraps). His professional memberships include being an Executive Member of the NSW Water Directorate, NSW Town Water Risk Reduction Panel Advisory Group, Water NSW Barwon Darling CAG and an active member of the Murray Darling Basin Authority's Border Rivers Community Forum. David was also named one of the Australian Water Association's NSW Legends of Water in 2021.
David has a passion for the community and the town of Brewarrina. In the community space he has led volunteer positions such as Chair and Board Member of the Brewarrina Local Aboriginal Land Council was named Reconciliation Australia's National Governance Award winner, President of Brewarrina Local Aboriginal Education Consultative Group, President of Brewarrina School Reference Group and is involved in many other sporting clubs and groups.
Lisa Crothers is the owner of Bourke Administrative Services, she is a fifth-generation Bourke resident. In 1996 Lisa established her own business providing financial/administrative and management support to a diverse group of local businesses, primary producers, trades and local government. During this time, Lisa has undertaken the management function of a residential aged care facility; a disability employment service and a number of indigenous NGOs – all based in western NSW.
Outside of her paid employment, Lisa has been actively involved with local organisations for the betterment of Bourke and the district including being part of Back O Bourke Ltd which instigated the building of the Back O Bourke Exhibition Centre, 20+ years on the Board of Bourke Rural Financial Counselling Service, Bourke Rotary Club and various sporting clubs such as the local race, rugby and pony clubs.
Welcome to the team David and Lisa - it is wonderful to have board members from across the region representing their communities.
Speaking of helping communities - this week is also National Volunteer Week – and I would like to thank our board for volunteering their time. Our board members are unpaid volunteers and like many in our rural and regional communities dedicate their time and efforts for the greater good.
These unsung heroes are members of your local CWA, SES and Rural Fire Service volunteers or those who help out in their local sporting groups or work in charities and clubs. In the challenging economic climate, volunteers are vital in supporting our communities and helping those in need. There is a diverse array of opportunities for people to volunteer within their community alongside something they’re already passionate about.
I encourage anyone thinking about becoming a volunteer to give it a go. Look at the work being undertaken by the men and women of the Isolated Children's Parents' Association as an example of what can be achieved.
