Six independent experts across regional and rural economics, primary industries, natural resources, and Aboriginal economic development have been appointed to help guide the NSW Government as it invests in new regional businesses and job creation projects throughout NSW.
The NSW Government's Regional Development Trust and its Advisory Council are part of the Minns Labor Government's long-term commitment to regional NSW, jobs creation and businesses development and a direct response to a decade of pork barrelling and poor decision making by the previous National Liberal Government.
The 2025 Regional Development Advisory Council has been appointed by the Minister for Regional NSW, Tara Moriarty, to ensure regional and rural communities continue to be placed at the centre of government investment decision making.
Through the Advisory Council the Minns Government has restored integrity to how government funds are used, ensuring they reflect the needs of regional communities and deliver real outcomes.
The Council provides independent and strategic advice to support investment decisions made from the Regional Development Trust, ensuring independent oversight and transparency for the allocation of public funds.
Since the Regional Development Trust was announced in September 2023 more than $37 million has been invested in strategic initiatives that are evidence-based, meet regional needs and achieve real outcomes for communities, including:
- $15 million to upgrade airstrips in Deniliquin, Bourke and White Cliffs to future proof access to essential services in these communities.
- $10 million to improve workforce participation in Western NSW by supporting increased childcare availability and service upgrades in Bourke, Broken Hill and Cobar.
- $5 million to support Aboriginal businesses and organisations in regional NSW to expand and reach their potential, delivering improved economic and employment outcomes.
- $5 million for alow interest loans pilot program to enable eligible small and medium enterprises in the food and beverage manufacturing sectors to increase productivity and create jobs in regional NSW.
- $2 million to support the continuation of subsidised commercial flights to Cobar, Bourke, Walgett and Lightning Ridge.
In addition, a further $50 million is currently being assessed to fund regional projects and programs. Successful applicants will be announced within the coming months following advice from the new Advisory Council.
The 2025 Advisory Council members have been appointed for a 12-month term following an extensive public expression of interest process.
Regional Development Advisory Council members
Professor Alison Sheridan - Chairperson
Professor Alison Sheridan is Emeritus Professor at the University of New England (UNE). Professor Sheridan holds a Bachelor of Agricultural Economics (Hons) from the University of Sydney and PhD in Management from the University of New England (UNE).
Professor Sheridan has been based in regional NSW for 35 years and was previously head of UNE's Business School. In this role, she led the establishment of the UNE Smart Region Incubator and co-led the development of the Master of Economic and Regional Development course.
Alison Stone - Member
Alison Stone is an executive leader with 40 years' experience working across rural and regional communities in the public sector, board and advisory roles. Ms Stone specialises in land and infrastructure management and development, fire and emergency management and primary industries at state and national levels. Ms Stone is also the first statutory Agriculture Commissioner for NSW.
David Harding - Member
David Harding is Executive Director at Business NSW. In this role, he provides leadership and a voice to businesses across metropolitan and regional NSW. Mr Harding is experienced in policy and major projects development working with all three levels of government.
Dianna Somerville - Ex-Officio member
Dianna Somerville is Chairperson of Regional Development Australia Riverina. She holds a Bachelor of Arts from the Australian Defence Force Academy University of New South Wales.
Mrs Somerville has extensive experience working across the public and not-for-profit sectors including with defence industries.
Phil Usher - Member
Phil Usher is a Wiradjuri man, born and raised on Gomeroi Country.
Mr Usher is the CEO of First Nations Foundation, which works to build capacity and financial prosperity of Aboriginal organisations, businesses and communities.
Thomas McKeon - Member
Thomas McKeon is an accomplished professional with over 40 years of experience in the agriculture, asset, and investment management industries.
Based in South East NSW, and having strong connections to regional areas and communities, Mr McKeon has an extensive background in senior and executive management roles both in Australia and internationally.
For more information visit the Regional Development Advisory Council webpage.
Minister for Regional NSW Tara Moriarty said:
"The Regional Development Advisory Council and the Regional Development Trust Fund ensure NSW Government investments are made where they are needed most in regional NSW."
"The 2025 Advisory Council members have been appointed following an extensive public expression of interest process. I congratulate all the members on their appointment and look forward to working with them for the next year."
"I'd also like to congratulate the Interim Council who helped steer the Trust investment decisions over the course of its 12-month term."
"The Regional Development Trust and its Advisory Council marks a completely new direction in the way the NSW Government supports rural and regional development in NSW."
"After a decade of waste and poor decision making by the former Government, the establishment of the Regional Development Advisory Council is an important step towards the provision of independent and expert advice on what projects and programs should be funded."
"Our intention is to ensure rural, remote and regional communities receive their fair share and money is spent on projects that are actually needed and will be delivered."
Advisory Council Chairperson Professor Alison Sheridan said:
"This is a wonderful opportunity to deliver robust and sustainable investment for regional and rural NSW, knowing how important strategic investment is for achieving real outcomes for our communities."
