Four new Far North faces for RDA
Regional Development Australia
Four Far Northerners have been appointed to the Regional Development Australia (RDA) Tropical North Board to ensure cross-sector regional expertise in supporting the Federal Government’s Regional Investment Framework.
The new members are Centacare FNQ Executive Director Anita Veivers, Community Enterprise Queensland Executive Manager Melinda Eades, Yarrabah Aboriginal Shire Council Chief Executive Officer Mick Miller, and FNQ nbn Regional Development and Engagement Manager Nicole Carroll.
They join Chair Hurriyet Babacan, Deputy Chair Brett Moller and members Carolyn Eagle, Richie Bates, Stirling Taverner, Jaime Gane and Joe Moro.
Professor Babacan congratulated the new Directors on their volunteer role in supporting meaningful regional development outcomes across Tropical North Queensland.
“I am delighted at the diverse skillset we now have on our Board which will help in our engagement with various regional stakeholders and in building the evidence for economic development, including innovation and diversification strategies,” she said.
“Centacare FNQ Executive Director Anita Veivers brings strong board experience to RDA Tropical North having served with several boards including the Cairns and Hinterland Hospital and Health Service, and Catholic Services Australia and is a member of the FNQ Regional Jobs Committee and Cairns Regional Council Independent Rates Tribunal.
“Melinda Eades has been working in the Indigenous sector for the past seven years moving to the Queensland Government statutory body Community Enterprise Queensland, which is responsible for the provision of food and essential items to indigenous communities, from the Torres Strait Regional Authority after five years as the Chief Executive Officer of the Torres Cape Indigenous Council Alliance.
“With more than 25 years of leadership across local government, Indigenous organisations, health infrastructure and regional development, Mick Miller’s skills will help to build strong partnerships with government, community and industry stakeholders to deliver sustainable social, economic and infrastructure outcomes across regional and remote communities.
“FNQ nbn Regional Development and Engagement Manager Nicole Carroll has more than two decades of experience in public sector leadership, strategic communications, stakeholder engagement and governance reform through her roles at Tablelands Regional Council, her strategic communications consultancy, and previous communications roles.
CEO Lainie Poon acknowledged the contribution of past Board members who have helped shape RDA Tropical North’s work across the region during her time with the organisation.
“I now look forward to supporting our refreshed Board as we continue building a strong vision and direction for Tropical North Queensland,” she said.
Regional Development Australia Tropical North Inc is an independent organisation driven by community leaders to broker regional development solutions that will create jobs and grow the Far North Queensland economy.