Three new members welcomed to Regional Development Australia

A new look Regional Development Australia Northern Inland committee has been announced.

It is a diverse mix of quality people from a range of backgrounds, ages, skills and experiences, coming from across the New England North West to support our region’s growth, according to chairman Russell Stewart, of Narrabri.

“I am delighted to announce three new outstanding members who put their hands up to serve their region; David Crough, of Tamworth, Melanie Squires, of Inverell, and Murray Amos, of Moree,” he said.

Minister for Regional Development, Local Government and Territories, Kristy McBain reappointed Mr Stewart earlier this year and his term will conclude on December 31, 2027.

“I congratulate continuing committee member James Pryor, of Armidale, for moving up into the deputy chairman position,” Mr Stewart said.

“With thanks to Les Knox, of Narrabri, and Charlotte Hoddle, of Gunnedah, for their continued terms.”

“Making it on to the RDANI committee does not yield a hefty payday.

“These are people who have put their hands up for all the right reasons. They are passionate about their region and want to help build the best possible path forwards.”

David Crough currently works as the NBN Co local manager – Hunter New England and has more than 20 years of leadership experience across the energy and telecommunications sectors. He brings to the table expertise in governance, performance, stakeholder engagement and outcome delivery.

Melanie Squires is CEO of Community College Northern Inland based in Inverell, a not-for-profit Registered Training Organisation operating across regional and remote communities in the Northern Inland region. With leadership and compliance expertise, Ms Squires has delivered regional wins in education, training and workforce development.

Murray Amos is the development manager for Regional Growth NSW Development Corporation. As acting director of planning and development at Moree Plains Shire Council he oversaw the council’s planning and building, environment and compliance, building maintenance, waste management, weeds and special projects sections. He has been responsible for major local government projects and efficiency improvements. Like his fellow RDANI committee members, he has strong community connections and public engagement experience.

Mr Stewart reiterated that RDA Northern Inland’s committee have deep roots in regional NSW and that they share an enthusiasm to support the growth of ‘our region’.

“Ours is one of the most respected RDAs in Australia,” he said. “We get things done. We don’t get bogged down in negativity and we are fortunate to have cohesive continuity from some of the most skilled, experienced and longest serving staff in the national RDA network.”

RDANI executive director Nathan Axelsson said the new committee members inspire optimism.

“We’ve had some great community contributors on our committee who gave years of dedicated services, people like Les Parsons and Mal Peters, of Inverell, or former Liverpool Plains Shire Mayor Ian Lobsey, Professor Neil Argent at UNE and Susannah Pearse, now mayor of Moree. Yet, I think we now have a broader range of contemporary expertise and backgrounds than ever before, which bodes well for the region.

“The next chapter for Northern Inland NSW is encouraging because they are all on the same page yet bring different perspectives to the table.”