Hunter candidate information

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

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

Farthing, Louisa - Dairy Arm

Candidate employment or volunteer experience

Throughout my career, I've honed my leadership and strategic planning skills across diverse sectors, including veterinary operations, education, and corporate management. Currently as a Wellness Plan Change Lead at VetPartners, I facilitate successful organizational transformations by engaging stakeholders and driving change initiatives. I have experience as a Non-Executive Director at Allington Associates and am an Advisory Committee Member at VfCA; continuing to enhance and refine my skills in strategic planning and organizational improvement. Exceptional communication skills allow me to foster and maintain productive relationships with stakeholders at all levels, ensuring effective collaboration and successful project delivery.

Candidate qualifications or professional memberships

A Graduate and member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors Course (GAICD), I bring extensive knowledge in corporate governance. I am also engaged in Director Professional Development through the Climate Governance Forum and hold a Neuro Linguistic Programming Certificate. My professional memberships include certification as a Disc Trainer; proficient in understanding and applying behavioral styles. I hold a BSc (Hons) in Zoology from Royal Holloway University of London, a Diploma in Management from Open University and the Certificate IV in Workplace Training and Assessment. I have Statement of Attainments in Leadership Skills, Critical Thinking and Accidental Counselling.

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
• Emergency management, especially biosecurity and natural disaster emergencies

Additional information

I bring a diverse skill set encompassing strategic planning, project management, and stakeholder engagement. My experience with natural resource management and primary production includes overseeing our 100-acre farm and first-hand encounters with natural disasters like the fires and recurrent floods in the Lower Hunter. My commitment to environmental conservation is shown through volunteer work with Laguna RFS and Hunter Wildlife Rescue. With experience in leadership training and facilitation roles, I contribute effectively to board discussions and decision-making processes. I am dedicated to leveraging my expertise and experiences to make a positive impact as a local board member.

Schutte, Karen - Burrell Creek

Candidate employment or volunteer experience

Karen is a dynamic and experienced lawyer who, together with her husband, Barry, decided in 2017 to make a tree change and moved to the beautiful Manning Valley. Karen and Barry farms with Polled Wagyu in Burrell Creek. Karen is community focussed and enthusiastic about farming.

Candidate qualifications or professional memberships

In addition to her master's degree in law, Karen is a Graduate Member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.

The candidate has experience in:

• Leadership, strategic planning and management
• 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

Additional information

Karen is passionate about productive and sustainable land use and would be honoured to advocate for landholders and communities in the Hunter LLS region.

Williamson, Adam - Scone

Candidate employment or volunteer experience

I have a diverse background, with 12 years of experience managing large horse stud farms. This covers managing staff, farming operations and a large amount of infrastructure. I’m acutely aware of budgetary constraints and strategic planning for the future. I believe in giving my staff the most effective tools and support for their positions and try to guide them into mainly autonomous positions that they can best thrive in, having pride in their work, creativity and productivity. Previously I spent 10 years in the feedlot industry and also have a substantial background in irrigation, haymaking, broad acre farming and cattle breeding. I have young children and spend substantial time helping community sporting organisations

Candidate qualifications or professional memberships

I believe in foundational learning in field with a mind to understanding real world problems. With this in mind I try to maintain continuous learning. I have a Bachelor of Business and have done further studies with UNE, achieving a graduate Certificate of Precision Agriculture. These tertiary studies have helped me in my managerial roles and kept me up to date. In 2022 I was selected for a Nuffield scholarship, researching soil health issues arising from compaction in pastures. I am nearing the end of these studies but am extremely grateful for the opportunity I have been given for personal improvement and the chance to help my business and industry. I currently stand as a councillor on the Upper Hunter Shire Council, holding positions including chair of the corporate services. I have found this role, while demanding, very rewarding, as I help guide council and feel I can be valuable for the community in effective communication with the organisation.

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
• Local government

Additional information

Thank you if you have read to this point. In closing I believe I have the background, the curiosity and the passion to help guide the LLS through a board position in the Hunter region.

Clements, Sharyn - Brunkerville

Candidate employment or volunteer experience

I am a dedicated individual with a strong background in managing an Angus cattle property for a decade in the Hunter region. Alongside my work currently in local government as a Team Leader with Cessnock City Council and service to the community as a Justice of the Peace, I am deeply committed to supporting our local community. I recognise, understand and hear the challenges that farmers face everyday and the importance of collaboration, communication, and diversification to meet evolving consumer demands. To prioritise safe practices and environmental sustainability to ensure financial long-term viability. By fostering partnerships, staying adaptable, we can navigate the changing needs of farming while keeping the well-being of our farms and the environment at the forefront of our operations. Absolutely, believing in the power of knowledge, diversity, support and strategic planning will be key to the future success of our Hunter landholders and farms now and into the future.

Candidate qualifications or professional memberships

Certificate IV in Leadership and Management 2023, certification in business studies, Licenced to Coach and Mentor. Certified in Mental Health first aid and support. Justice of the Peace 228310. At Cessnock City Council I work and I’m on the group that assist the LEMA with emergency events attending meetings with emergency services locally. Recently I developed and had adopted the Customer Experience strategy and Customer Service Charter with Council. Presented and accepted for adoption. Provided risk management and managed team for Customer Relations to ensure safe operation. Working with weeds coordinator and local land services for customer support where required along with fire services and emergency services.

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

My experience in local government, combined with my role as a local landholder and leadership qualifications, along with my understanding of the current and historic challenges faced by farmers in the Hunter Valley has given me a valuable insight into the needs of our Hunter landholder community. With a passion and love of farming, I would like to assist by offering my services, expertise in shaping our farming region to ensure farms feel supported, informed and are given the opportunity to be prosperous and resilient into the future.

Smith, Andrew - Medowie

Candidate employment or volunteer experience

I have successfully owned and operated a civil construction company in the utilities sector for the past 10 years. I have been involved in that space for 25 years. We currently employee over 20 staff directly in both NSW and VIC. My business undertakes works in every state and territory bar WA. I feel this best positions me for a roll on this board.

Candidate qualifications or professional memberships

• I hold a diploma in project management and an advanced diploma in management.
• 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
• Emergency management, especially biosecurity and natural disaster emergencies
• Local government

Additional information

I feel with my combined business experience in working all over Australia in a variety of conditions and locations, combining interactions with first nations experience, coupled with my superior business acumen ideally suits me for this role.

Rhodes, Ian - Bucketty

Candidate employment or volunteer experience

I am a recently retired (December 2023) NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service Team Leader Rangers in the Wollemi Yengo Area. Prior to this role I had 20 years local government experience in leading open space and community development teams in Central Coast and Newcastle LGAs. I have led the development and delivery of a range of strategies and plans contributing to positive outcomes in land management and First Nations cultural heritage aligned with the NSW State priorities. I thrive on collaborating with communities to reach their full potential in economic social and environmental terms. I am a former volunteer member of the Norah Head Lighthouse Reserve Manager Board which is now managed by Reflections Holiday Parks (Crown Land NSW). As a land owner in the Hunter Region I seek to ensure that our diverse communities are provided with the skills and knowledge to continue to manage the land sustainably.

Candidate qualifications or professional memberships

University of New England Arts Degree with majors in geography planning and ecosystem management Flinders University Post Graduate Certificate in public sector management and policy

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

I am currently working part time as a part of a consultant team in the preparation of Tamworth Regional Council’s Water Security Plan.

Ryan, Patrick - Merriwa

Candidate employment or volunteer experience

Executive Director providing innovative technology solutions in Legal, Accounting, Merchant Banking. Also, Aerial Data Capture and Landscape Analytics. Proprietor of stud/beef cattle, prime lamb, and cereal cropping enterprise. Non-Executive Director of Australian Limousin Breeders Society: Vice Chair, Treasurer. Non Executive Director/Treasurer Genetic Hub Pty Ltd a national livestock registration and administration service provider. NSW Farmers Assoc - Merriwa Branch: Chair for eight years, Renewable Energy Transition Working Group 2021 - 2022. Merriwa PAH&I Association Inc: President for three years, Prime Cattle Committee, Biosecurity Officer. Merriwa - Sir Ivan Bushfire Appeal: Initiated / co-ordinated fundraising with NSW Farmers and Alexander Downs distributing $936,000.00. UHSC Merriwa Showground User Group: since 2013, Current Chair. UHSC Merriwa Community Advisory Committee: since 2022. UHSC Bill Rose Sports Complex Committee: since 2021. Goulburn River Wild Dog Association.

Candidate qualifications or professional memberships

Bachelor of Economics & Political Science from University of New England

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
• Local government

Bianchi, Elio - Glen Martin

Candidate employment or volunteer experience

I am President of the Clarence town Lions club

Candidate qualifications or professional memberships

Security officer plus ex bricklayer and steel workers BHP

The candidate has experience in:

• Leadership, strategic planning and management
• Primary industries or providing services to support this sector
• Local government

Additional information

To provide better environments for farmers and land holders

McPherson, Bradley - Lenaghan

Candidate employment or volunteer experience

As a dynamic individual, I wear many hats, each contributing to a rich tapestry of skills and experiences. As the Director and owner of an accounting firm, this demonstrates a keen acumen for financial management, guiding businesses and individuals towards fiscal success with precision and expertise. On the weekends & weeknights, I also get my hands dirty with our beef cattle business, leveraging agricultural insights and entrepreneurial prowess to cultivate a business that is rewarding for the whole family. Our hands-on approach and commitment to excellence serve as a testament to their dedication and resourcefulness in all endeavors. In addition to my professional pursuits, I volunteer my time and talents at the local Pony Club as treasurer and local church, where I engage with young adults, offering guidance, support, and mentorship. With a diverse portfolio spanning business ownership, agricultural stewardship, and community engagement, I am keen to get the job done!

Candidate qualifications or professional memberships

I currently hold a B.Commerce, a registered Tax Agent and Justice of the Peace in NSW. I am current member of the CPA.

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

Additional information

I have a wife and 2 young kids. We have enjoyed living on the land and is a wonderful opportunity for us to grow closer together.

Paton, Fred - Wallarobba

Candidate employment or volunteer experience

Fred Paton has owned and managed an Angus beef breeding enterprise at Wallarobba 10km south of Dungog since 2015. Prior to which as a senior executive for Transport for NSW he led the multi-billion dollar procurement of the Waratah trains for Sydney to replace its aging passenger train fleet. He is familiar with NSW government processes and board governance requirements and has reported to Boards, Ministers and Cabinet. He also for 15 years worked in the private sector for Lend Lease Corporation building high rise buildings, water treatment plants and providing project management services to NSW for rolling stock and rail infrastructure procurement. Prior to this he worked internationally on aid development projects in 3rd world countries on road, rail, dam and water treatment facilities.

Candidate qualifications or professional memberships

QUALIFICATIONS * Advanced Management Programme, Harvard Business School, Boston, USA * MBA, University of Cape Town, South Africa * BSc Engineering (Cum Laude), Durban, South Africa * Graduate Member, Australian Institute of Company Directors (GAICD) MEMBERSHIPS * Fellow of the Institute of Engineers, Australia * Member of the Institution of Civil Engineers, United Kingdom * Member of Harvard Alumni Association

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
• Local government

Additional information

Fred has strong leadership, strategic planning and program implementation expertise with extensive experience in working with government in significant leadership roles. He has undertaken and implemented risk management, budgeting planning and financial controls. As a land holder himself, Fred looks forward to working with land holders, local communities, industry and government (both local and state) to identify and facilitate delivery of local land services to drive strategic growth and sustainability in the Hunter’s agriculture economy. In this regard he is interested in smart technology applications and how organic fertiliser might synthetic replaced synthetic fertilisers to reduce agricultural production’s carbon footprint. Natural resource and bio security management along with invasive species management are important in this regard.

Jones, John - Wherrol Flat

Candidate employment or volunteer experience

In my younger years,I worked on cattle property ranging from Northern Western Australia, through central NT into the Eastern areas of Queensland. In the late 1970s I was given the opportunity to manage a 1500000 acre cattle property south of Mount Isa Queensland, we spent 38 years there. In these times I was responsible for the organisation of stock welfare, and health, property maintenance, as well as up to 30 staff members. I hadn't had any hands on experience as a farmer before coming down to live here, but have gained a little experience over the last 8 years. I have had a much practical experience caring for livestock and the land that we rely on to exist. My reason for putting my hat in the ring here is I would like to give a little back to the community, even as assisted advice.

Candidate qualifications or professional memberships

I hold a certificate 4 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

Macpherson, Grace - Speers Point

Candidate employment or volunteer experience

I currently work as the Executive Manager of Business Services and Assurance for Hunter Water, a State Owned Corporation who provide drinking water, wastewater, recycled water and some stormwater services to homes and businesses in the Lower Hunter. In this role I am responsible for Hunter Water’s environment team (including protection of the environment and biodiversity conservation), resilience (emergency and incident planning), audit and risk frameworks, management systems, and property. I continuously work to better contribute to the communities which we serve (and our neighbours) and I am passionate about the long term sustainability of our region.

Candidate qualifications or professional memberships

I am an ex-corporate and financial services lawyer and a Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors. I have an MBA (Executive), a Bachelor of Law, a Bachelor of Communications, a Graduate Diploma of Legal Practice, and I am RG146 qualified. I am currently the Executive responsible for the Audit, Risk and Compliance Committee within Hunter Water and I have an extensive background in risk and strategic planning as part of the Australian financial services sector (superannuation), where I led a risk transformation post the Royal Commission.

The candidate has experience in:

• Leadership, strategic planning and management
• Audit, financial control and reporting, and risk management
• Emergency management, especially biosecurity and natural disaster emergencies

Additional information

I was born and raised in the Singleton community and am proud to be a previous Singleton showgirl (2012), as well as a scholar through the Royal Agricultural Society of NSW (RAS) Foundation (2013). I now live in Lake Macquarie with my family (husband and two young sons) and have many ties to local community as well as the Singleton community.

Robertson, Trevor - Bindera

Candidate employment or volunteer experience

My family own and operate a small cattle grazing property near Gloucester. I am an experienced Company Director having served on several Government and commercial Boards including Sydney Ports Corporation, Yarra Trams and Anti Discrimination NSW. Roles include First Assistant Secretary (FAS) Federal Attorney Generals Department and MD/Group Executive positions in several top 200 Australian ASX listed service and infrastructure companies. In these enterprises I led significant strategic, business and cultural change. I am a veteran and continue to provide advice on Industry to the DoD in my capacity as a Reserve Officer and a member of the RFS.Candidate employment or volunteer experience.

Candidate qualifications or professional memberships

In my initial career I was an officer in the RAN, a graduate of the Royal Navy Submarine Command Course (Perisher), subsequently commanding 4 submarines and served on both RN, Dutch and Swedish submarines. Whilst an FAS in the Federal Public Service the organisation I led was recognised for its success in cultural and business change when compared to its peers by a Prime Minister of Australia Award. Qualifications include: MBA, MA (Business Research - Major in Corporate Governance), Graduate Diploma of Applied Science ( Technology Management) Diploma of Maritime Studies, Diploma of Company Directorship and NSW Real Estate Stock and Station license. Member of the AICD.

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

Given the opportunity, I feel I could make a balanced, astute, strategic and commercial savvy contribution working in collaboration with my fellow directors to achieve the objectives of the Local Land Service in our area. I have a specific interest in the LLS having an increased role in educating and influencing decisions made by Government and in particular local Government that adversely impact or places imposts on rural land holders. Experience at the executive level of Government and in industry delivering major services and infrastructure to rural and regional Australia, working with and listening to the needs of local land holders, I believe I am well placed to represent our rural community, its needs and influence positive change.

Steepe, Julie - Bulahdelah

Candidate employment or volunteer experience

I have been a merino farmer at Bulahdelah for over 11 years but I have also had experience with cattle, pigs, alpacas, chickens, ducks and guinea fowl. I have been a self employed bookkeeper for over 25 years and a registered BAS Agent since 2010. I have volunteered on the board of the Karuah Great Lakes Landcare and as the co-ordinator for Crawford River Landcare. I also volunteer for the Bulahdelah Rural Fire Service and the Bulahdelah and District Men's Shed. I was a founding member of the Great Lakes Food Trail and I am currently the President of the Mid North Coast Wild Dog Association.

Candidate qualifications or professional memberships

I have a Diploma in Holistic Management and Accounting plus I am trained in Permaculture, Argoforesty, Synotrophic and Natural Farming. I am a registered Wool Classer and a registered AWEX Sustainawool member plus a member of the Australian Fibre Collective.

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

As a merino farmer my primary focus is on wild dog control and better feral animal management programmes. I am also interested in linking primary producers with helpful services such as shearers, shooters, trappers, vets and advocacy groups.

Stacy, William - Singleton

Candidate employment or volunteer experience

Running our business with my wife Robyn, my family have resided in the Hunter region for nearly 200 years. Our property “Myrallie” is located in the Singleton Shire. We manage a breeding herd both stud and commercial, producing weaners and yearlings into the market place. I have experience working in our industry sector. I am currently on the NSW Farmers executive committee and Cattle Industry Committee. Also served on these committees back in the 1980’s to 1998. Also currently serving on the Cattle Australia Regional Representative Council and various working groups involved in sustainability, bio security, animal welfare. Currently I am on the NSW Government Meat Industry Consultative Council. Having past experience serving on the Hunter RLPB as a member and chairman I believe I could use my experience to achieve outcomes for the benefit of rate payers.

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 believe I have a sound knowledge of our Agricultural Industry and its issues faced today, and the ability to communicate with our ratepayers and to listen to their concerns. I am easily approachable and willing to help where I can. I look forward representing you on our Board.