Food and Fibre Great South Coast acknowledges that our region is on the traditional lands, waterways and skies of the Peek Whurrong, Kirrae Whurrung, Gunditjmara, Eastern Maar Nations, Jardwadjali, Boandik, Djab Wurrun and Buandig people.
We recognise the important ongoing role that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people have in our community and pay our respects to their Elders, past, present and emerging.
Wednesday 1 September 2021
MEDIA RELEASE
FOOD AND FIBRE ANNOUNCES APPOINTMENT OF TWO NEW BOARD MEMBERS
Food and Fibre Great South Coast today announced the appointment of two new Directors to our Board – highly experienced agribusiness banker Rhonda Henry and Camperdown organic dairy farmer Carlie Barry. The vacancies were created by the departure of foundational board members Basil Ryan and Liz Duncan.
Food and Fibre Great South Coast Chair, Georgina Gubbins, said “The vast experience, networks and skills that Rhonda and Carlie each bring to our organisation is really exciting, and I warmly welcome them to the Board. I have no doubt they will strengthen our impact as we work together to deliver our vision for food and fibre in the Great South Coast.”
Rhonda Henry will join the organisation as Treasurer with a wealth of experience in the banking and agricultural sector. Rhonda was Head of Dairy – South West Victoria at the Commonwealth Bank for 44 years and is now a Senior Relationship Manager at Westpac for the Agribusiness sector across Victoria and Tasmania. Rhonda also has strong Board experience as Deputy Chair of Leadership Great South Coast and Treasurer of WestVic Dairy.
Rhonda Henry said “With over 40 years in agribusiness banking in the region, I can confidently say that Food and Fibre Great South Coast is a critically important organisation to the advancement of our region’s prosperity. FFGSC has identified a clear set of relevant and strategic priorities and I look forward to contributing to this work.”
Carlie Barry is an organic dairy farmer in Camperdown, Victoria with a strong command of sustainable production in the food and fibre industry. Carlie believes in the power of advocacy and education to bring new life to agriculture, especially as the industry adapts to climate variability and integrates sustainable agricultural practise.
Carlie Barry said “Food and Fibre Great South Coast is truly representative of today’s agricultural industry – diverse, vibrant and alive to the need for broad implementation of clean technology and sustainable practice. I’m excited to bring my passion for organic, sustainable farming to this strong, purpose-driven organisation.”
Chair, Georgina Gubbins thanked outgoing Directors for their contribution to Food and Fibre Great South Coast.
“Basil Ryan has been a steadfast advocate for the food and fibre sector, particularly in the strategic water management space. As Chair of the Realising the Water Opportunity committee, Basil has overseen significant advancements in the way our region manages water resources. Basil’s committee work has resulted in meaningful explorations of opportunities to increase groundwater use, formal partnerships with key water stakeholders and commitments from government to prioritise water resource management in the Great South Coast.
“I also thank Basil for his early commitment and determination to creating Food and Fibre Great South Coast – without him we would not exist today. The organisation and our region’s food and fibre sector are better positioned for the future because of his vision and steadfast efforts.”
“Liz Duncan’s dedication to FFGSC and her role as Treasurer has been greatly appreciated. As Treasurer Liz played a key role in creating a best-practice governance culture with respect to overseeing the creation of financial policies, governance charters and risk management protocols means we are much better placed now than twelve months ago.”
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Media enquires:
Natalie Collard
Executive Officer
Ph: 0413 009 373
