Central Tablelands candidate information

Three (3) candidates are to be elected for the Central Tablelands local board.

Please note, candidate information is unedited and has been published as they were received.

Dellow, James - Orange

Candidate employment or volunteer experience

I am currently employed as a Grain Trader with CL Commodities based in Orange. Over the past 20 years I have worked in the Financial Agribusiness sector starting in the NAB Grad program followed by GrainCorp across a range of roles from logistics to risk management and trading. More recently I have worked in the central west at MSM Milling managing seed procurement and their stockfeed business. I also jointly run an angus breeding operation with my parents between properties at Oberon and Orange.

Candidate qualifications or professional memberships

I hold a Bachelor of Agriculture Economics from the University of Sydney and have subsequentially completed a Graduate Diploma of Applied Finance and my RG146 to provide financial product general advice through Kaplan (FINSIA). I have been a committee member of the Stock Feed Manufacturers’ Council (SFMCA) of Australia NSW committee and am a current member of Angus Australia. I am also compliant with Livestock Production Assurance (LPA).

The candidate has experience in:

• Leadership, strategic planning and management
• Community participation, regional service delivery and working with industry, government and other partners
• Audit, financial control and reporting, and risk management
• Primary industries or providing services to support this sector
• Contemporary biosecurity programs in animal and/or plant health, pest and weed management
• Emergency management, especially biosecurity and natural disaster emergencies

Additional information

Being both a practicing beef producer in the Central Tablelands and working in the grain supply chain across the eastern seaboard of Australia procuring grain and building relationships with domestic consumers through to exporting grain and oilseeds to Asia, I feel I bring the necessary skills and vision to help grow, protect, connect and support producers in this region with a fresh approach and eagerness.

Sullivan, Scott - Cumnock

Candidate employment or volunteer experience

I was employed as a secondary Science and Agriculture teacher at Bathurst as well as a lecturer in Farm Management at Orange. Both positions were highly relevant to the position of an LLS Board member. In the late 1990’s I was employed as a part time regional Landcare Coordinator. More recently I was employed for 15 years as a Biosecurity Officer with the Molong RLPB, Central Tablelands LHPA and Central Tablelands LLS. Since retiring as a Biosecurity Officer I have just completed a 4 year term as an elected Board Member of the Central Tablelands LLS.

Candidate qualifications or professional memberships

Bachelor of Science UNE ( Biological Sciences); Little River Landcare foundation member

The candidate has experience in:

• Leadership, strategic planning and management
• Community participation, regional service delivery and working with industry, government and other partners
• Primary industries or providing services to support this sector
• Contemporary biosecurity programs in animal and/or plant health, pest and weed management
• Emergency management, especially biosecurity and natural disaster emergencies
• Natural resource management and biodiversity conservation
• Working with Aboriginal groups and communities

Additional information

Since graduating from university and throughout my entire professional career I have owned and managed agricultural property. I currently operate a beef cattle enterprise on a property at Cumnock which I purchased in 1987. I have been an active member of the Cumnock Agricultural Show Society for over 30 years. I feel that my election to the current Board of the Central Tablelands LLS provided me with a wonderful opportunity to continue my excellent service to this organisation.

Middleton, Jeremy - Springside

Candidate employment or volunteer experience

I currently work for a farm management company working across numerous farm operations and large rural asset holdings. I have assisted in the coordination of some large scale weed and pest control programs and have a passion for efficient and effective control programs. I enjoy working with a wide range of stakeholders to achieve shared goals in regards to the protection of land and prevention of spread of weeds and pests. I have been involved in numerous committees and interagency networks over the past 20 years and value the opportunity to contribute to a shared goal in various contexts.

Candidate qualifications or professional memberships

Diploma of Community Services; Cert IV Agriculture; Diploma Agriculture (currently completing;) Cert IV Real Estate/Stock & Station (currently completing); Member of: NSW Farmers Sporting Shooters Association of Australia (SSAA)

The candidate has experience in:

• Community participation, regional service delivery and working with industry, government and other partners
• Primary industries or providing services to support this sector
• Contemporary biosecurity programs in animal and/or plant health, pest and weed management
• Natural resource management and biodiversity conservation
• Working with Aboriginal groups and communities

Additional information

I'm keen to be further involved in my community, particularly in relation to the agricultural sector. I very much enjoy the opportunity to work alongside others to collaborate and work towards productive goals. I'd like to have the opportunity to contribute to ongoing improvements to the rural industry and regional areas and I see the chance to join the local LLS board as a good way to do so.

Munro, Scott - Baldry

Candidate employment or volunteer experience

I have been a farmer and in retail business for the past 38 years. I was also an Orange City Councillor for 11 years and over that time have learnt how to be a team player, communicate cohesively and professionally and learn about the issues that affect the community. I have a deep love and understanding for this region and know what concerns local people

Candidate qualifications or professional memberships

I am a Member of Business Orange, hold a Class 1 Real Estate Licence and am owner and Licensee in Charge of PRD Orange. I also have a Diploma in Work, Health and Safety and am a qualified butcher and farrier. I am also a member of Baldry Fire Brigade.

The candidate has experience in:

• Leadership, strategic planning and management
• Community participation, regional service delivery and working with industry, government and other partners
• Audit, financial control and reporting, and risk management
• Primary industries or providing services to support this sector
• Contemporary biosecurity programs in animal and/or plant health, pest and weed management
• Natural resource management and biodiversity conservation
• Working with Aboriginal groups and communities
• Local government

Additional information

I feel very passionate about the local area and feel my rich experience in business, community, council and farming has given me skills and insight into working with others to continue to effect positive outcomes for our local area.

Clark, David - Nashdale

Candidate employment or volunteer experience

Own a cattle property at Nashdale, Orange. Managed pastoral properties in the Bathurst region that carried up to 20,000 DSE. Managed Cocoa and Copra plantations in the Solomon Islands and Vanuatu. Experience in: Strategic planning Financial management. Financial forecasting and planning. Business plans and budgets Project construction Maximising efficiency and production Performance monitoring. Whole farm management. Property development. Staff selection/training. Policy documentation e.g. WHS. Food Safety reporting e.g. HACCP. Reporting to investors. Shipping and export operations.

Candidate qualifications or professional memberships

Degree of Applied Science (Agriculture); Certificate of Motor Maintenance; Certificate of Welding; Heavy Vehicle Licence; Forklift Licence; OH&S Construction Training Course; Confined Space Entry Certificate; Working at Heights Certificate; Gas detection and Sampling Certificate (Oil rigs); Offshore Yacht Master Certificate

The candidate has experience in:

• Leadership, strategic planning and management
• Community participation, regional service delivery and working with industry, government and other partners
• Audit, financial control and reporting, and risk management
• Primary industries or providing services to support this sector
• Contemporary biosecurity programs in animal and/or plant health, pest and weed management
• Emergency management, especially biosecurity and natural disaster emergencies
• Natural resource management and biodiversity conservation
• Working with Aboriginal groups and communities
• Local government

Watts, Benjamin - Molong

Candidate employment or volunteer experience

Over the past 15 years I have worked with land manager groups facilitating training in Whole farm Planning, Weed management, Pest animal management and farm mapping programs through a range of training providers including TAFE NSW and DPI Tocal College. My business Bralca 2.0 based in Molong continues to provide land manager training programs across biosecurity and land management themes to support the local land holder community. Through this work I have demonstrated an ability to connect with land holders large or small, find common ground in challenging situations and to work as a conduit between government strategy guidelines and land holders to create beneficial long term alliances to improve outcomes on the ground. Over the past 12 years I have mapped tens of thousands of hectares of state park and national park land across eastern Australia for pest animal monitoring, weed monitoring, fire recovery and flood recovery programs.

Candidate qualifications or professional memberships

I hold a Masters in Sustainable Agriculture from Charles Sturt University. Since 2010 I have been an active Fellow of the Australian Rural Leadership Foundation. I am an active member of NSW Farmers. I am an active member of Business Orange. Active in Regional Development Australia Central West Branch. 2023 RDA 10 for 10 Mentor. Since 2018 I have delivered a Drone landscape mapping course to over 3,500 people involved in land management (Including LLS Staff) to increase the efficiency and accuracy of landscape mapping particularly in relation to weed and biosecurity response. Since 2008 I have led a hands on educational program that now delivers a six month program to over 70 regional schools across NSW reaching over 1,500 students to inspire them to consider an occupation in Agriculture.

The candidate has experience in:

• Leadership, strategic planning and management
• Community participation, regional service delivery and working with industry, government and other partners
• Audit, financial control and reporting, and risk management
• Primary industries or providing services to support this sector
• Contemporary biosecurity programs in animal and/or plant health, pest and weed management
• Emergency management, especially biosecurity and natural disaster emergencies
• Natural resource management and biodiversity conservation
• Working with Aboriginal groups and communities
• Local government

Additional information

Aged 48 with a full working life based in Agriculture and bio-security in the central west of NSW I have demonstrated my passion for sustainable land management through active participation in local, state and national programs. My continued education including change management, risk management, vertebrate pest control and bio-security response strengthens my ability to serve to support the key pillars of the LLS and what it strives to deliver in the central tablelands region. With over 10 years experience servicing similar rolls in Canada and the Himalayan region as a consultant I have developed a deep understanding of working with State Governments. I have been involved in ongoing programs with aboriginal land managers across central west, far west and the riverina, this has given me a balanced understanding of the importance of consultation when considering their response to changes in policy or land management requirements.

Meadley, Russell - Duramana

Candidate employment or volunteer experience

I would be an asset to the LLS Board as I have relevant skills and knowledge as listed below. Extensive experience in business financials, forecasting, strategic/business planning, growth, networking and HR. Over 10 years volunteering at Boundary Road Reserve landcare. A good understanding of Board Governance. Employed as a business advisor with 10 years of extensive experience, providing all facets of advice to a variety of businesses across the Central Tablelands. Involvement in disaster management for businesses affected by bushfires and floods. Currently studying Conservation/Ecological Management covering biosecurity and biodiversity issues. Regenerating our bush block whilst developing a business opportunity.

Candidate qualifications or professional memberships

I am not currently a member of any professional organisations but in the past I was a member of the Australian HR Institute. My qualifications and other non-accredited training is listed below. Currently studying Diploma Conservation and Ecological Management Mental Health First Aider * Cert IV in Small Business Management. Certificate IV in Workplace Safety. Diploma in Human Resource Management. 7 Steps to practical reconciliation – Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Cultural Awareness. Environmental Markets Leadership Course – Ethical Fields. Permaculture Course - Statement of Attainment. Chemical Users Course - Statement of Attainment.

The candidate has experience in:

• Leadership, strategic planning and management
• Community participation, regional service delivery and working with industry, government and other partners
• Audit, financial control and reporting, and risk management
• Contemporary biosecurity programs in animal and/or plant health, pest and weed management
• Natural resource management and biodiversity conservation
• Local government

Additional information

I am very keen to be a member on the LLS Board and to contribute to positive changes within the Central Tablelands through the local LLS Strategic Plan. My experience and knowledge from working with small to medium business across a wide range of professions throughout the Central Tablelands for 30 years in various roles, provides me with valuable insight into the numerous challenges that a business can face. I can use this expertise to provide positive input into the LLS Board’s Strategic Plan implementation and at Government and stakholder events

Reeves, Alana - Dunkeld

Candidate employment or volunteer experience

I have worked in local market gardens and on cattle farms for the past 18 years. I myself have a small acreage farm with cattle. i am currently studying Livestock Animal nutrition and i volunteer for a local Rodeo Commitee as well.

Candidate qualifications or professional memberships

I have gained majority of my knowledge and skill through labor work. I am currently studying livestock nutrition but haven't completed as yet I am actually a chef by trade and am a small business owner

Shaw, Anna - Cargo

Candidate employment or volunteer experience

Co-owner of mix farms in Bowan Park, focused on F1 Wagyu and prime lambs. I have worked the NSW government in land management, regional development and transport. I have been involved community committees including CWA, local football club and the school P&C

Candidate qualifications or professional memberships

Bachelor of Commerce - University of Sydney – 2000; Postgraduate Certificate in Environmental Economic Graduate School of the Environment -Macquarie University 2007; Masters of Environmental Management and Restoration - Charles Sturt University – 2009; Australian Institute of Company Directors – 2014

The candidate has experience in:

• Leadership, strategic planning and management
• Community participation, regional service delivery and working with industry, government and other partners
• Audit, financial control and reporting, and risk management
• Primary industries or providing services to support this sector
• Contemporary biosecurity programs in animal and/or plant health, pest and weed management
• Emergency management, especially biosecurity and natural disaster emergencies
• Natural resource management and biodiversity conservation

Additional information

I am interested in natural capital markets and how they can benefit landholders and communities.