A mix of fresh ideas, experience and valuable industry knowledge are on the table as four new members are appointed to the board of the NSW Rural Assistance Authority (RAA).
Chair of the NSW RAA board, Mr David Palmer, said in the face of ongoing drought and recovery from bushfires the RAA continues to play a crucial role in supporting rural and regional communities.
"I am pleased to announce the appointment of four new members to the RAA board to ensure the RAA stays on track to continue delivering important initiatives for NSW farmers," said Mr Palmer.
"All new members have outstanding individual skills, knowledge of current agricultural issues, and understanding of corporate and board governance issues.
"The appointment of these members will provide the Board with a mix of complementary skills, enable the Board to operate as a cohesive unit and provide sound governance and strategic oversight of the Authority's activities and functions."
The new independent committee members are:
- Ms Lisa Minogue, owner of a mixed farming enterprise from Barmedman, NSW, with experience as a Rural Financial Counsellor and current member of the Veterinary Practitioners Board of NSW and the board of the NSW Farmers Association. (Appointed from February 2020)
- Mr Derek Schoen, a mixed farming operator from Corowa, NSW, former President of NSW Farmers Association and former board member with Cattle Council of Australia and Southern Riverina Rural COOP. (Appointed from February 2020)
- Mr Charlie Blomfield, a primary producer, business owner and former farm management advisor from Canowindra, NSW with skills intersecting farming, finance and entrepreneurial development. (Appointed from July 2020)
- Ms Elizabeth Lyne, a qualified accountant from Cootamundra, NSW with extensive board and committee experience, including the board for NSW Responsible Gambling Fund, Marathon Health, and the Murrumbidgee Primary Health Network. (Appointed from July 2020)
"I'd like to thank the outgoing board members for their service to the RAA which has helped to strengthen the organisation and offer stability in times of change. The RAA Board makes a valuable contribution to supporting agriculture in NSW and I commend them for the fine work that has been undertaken," Mr Palmer said.
