OUR TEAM
Lauren Oxlade
Chief Executive Officer
With more than 25 years experience in State and Local Government, Lauren has extensive networks across the Limestone Coast and a demonstrated connection to the region. She has a strong delivery focus and is committed to open communication, both with the RDALC Board and our stakeholders. Lauren has a background in natural resources management, formal study in forestry and experience running a family business, combined with 17 years experience leading teams and managing projects. She is passionate about the work that RDALC does and looks forward to sharing that story more broadly.
Loretta DeDonatis
Manager, Corporate Operations
Loretta has worked in a not-for-profit setting for 19 years, specialising in payroll, accounts, and finance. With a love and interest in numbers, she brings a range of skills and knowledge to RDALC. Growing up in Mount Gambier, and raising a family here, she has a great understanding of the region and the opportunities it has to offer. Loretta looks forward to making a valuable contribution to RDALC and the community.
Charmaine Legaspi
Administration Coordinator
Charmaine joined the RDALC team in May 2023. Having moved to Mount Gambier from Geelong where she worked as an Account Manager in Hospitality for 5 years, Charmaine has a depth of experience in accounts and administration management. Planning to plant her roots in Mount Gambier with the recent purchase of a house, Charmaine is excited to be part of the team and her future in Mount Gambier.
Mary Irwin
Project Coordinator
Mary made the move across the border from Portland in 2020 and has seamlessly integrated into the community. As National Chair of the Sustainability and Resilience in Asset Management special interest group, Mary has demonstrated exceptional leadership and vision in driving initiatives that make an impact on an international scale.
With a background spanning over two decades in public relations and ten years in asset management, Mary brings a unique perspective to the table. Her diverse skill set, coupled with a passion for securing grants for local initiatives, makes her the perfect fit as the organisations go-to grant expert.
Beyond her professional achievements, Mary is also an avid photographer, capturing the beauty of our region through her lens. Mary is excited about making a difference with the RDALC.
With a background spanning over two decades in public relations and ten years in asset management, Mary brings a unique perspective to the table. Her diverse skill set, coupled with a passion for securing grants for local initiatives, makes her the perfect fit as the organisations go-to grant expert.
Beyond her professional achievements, Mary is also an avid photographer, capturing the beauty of our region through her lens. Mary is excited about making a difference with the RDALC.
Melissa Liddle
Project Coordinator
Melissa holds experience across Human Resources, Communications, and Learning and Development, having navigated various corporate and manufacturing landscapes over the past two decades. She also brings a unique perspective as a small business owner, successfully managing her family farm alongside her professional pursuits.
Melissa's dedicated to supporting ALL leaders, at every level and connecting them with the right opportunities to develop and grow their skills. With her love for rural living and a knack for getting things done, she's excited to collaborate on initiatives that shape a brighter future for our community.
Melissa's dedicated to supporting ALL leaders, at every level and connecting them with the right opportunities to develop and grow their skills. With her love for rural living and a knack for getting things done, she's excited to collaborate on initiatives that shape a brighter future for our community.
Natalie Rowsell
Project Coordinator
Nat has been a resident of the region for the past 13 years and joins the Business Support team with a wealth of diverse life and work experience. She has worked across various sectors, including Government, Not-for-Profit, and Private Enterprises in both South Australia and the Northern Territory, providing her with a unique skill set tailored to support Small and Family Business operators across all industries and challenges.
As a local of Pt MacDonnell, Nat is deeply passionate about community development and is dedicated to fostering sustainable and innovative businesses in our region. Her commitment to growth and her extensive background make her an invaluable asset to our team.
As a local of Pt MacDonnell, Nat is deeply passionate about community development and is dedicated to fostering sustainable and innovative businesses in our region. Her commitment to growth and her extensive background make her an invaluable asset to our team.
Simone Noronha
Project Coordinator
Simone's journey from Sydney to Mount Gambier two years ago reflects her commitment to embracing new challenges and experiences. With a Master of Commerce and three years of experience in sales, marketing, and project coordination, Simone brings a unique blend of skills and expertise to our organisation.
Having made Mount Gambier her home, Simone is excited about the opportunity to work closely with local businesses and provide valuable support to local businesses and the community. Her passion for collaboration and her dedication to making a positive impact make her a valuable asset to our team.
Having made Mount Gambier her home, Simone is excited about the opportunity to work closely with local businesses and provide valuable support to local businesses and the community. Her passion for collaboration and her dedication to making a positive impact make her a valuable asset to our team.
Victoria Milne
Communications Officer
With over 15 years of experience in marketing and communications, Victoria brings a wealth of expertise to the RDALC team. She holds a marketing degree and has served as a lecturer in Tourism and Events at TAFE SA. Throughout her career, she has successfully managed marketing and events for a wide range of industries, including the healthcare sector, where she significantly enhanced the online presence and engagement of medical practices through effective social media management.
Victoria is excited to leverage her creative skills and vast experience to elevate RDALC's digital communications and strengthen its brand.
Victoria is excited to leverage her creative skills and vast experience to elevate RDALC's digital communications and strengthen its brand.
OUR BOARD
Evan Flint
Chair
RDALC's Chair, Evan Flint comes from the Kingston SE area. He has been Chair of the Board since 2021. Evan has over 19 years experience on Council in numerous roles, including Deputy Chairman, Chairman, and Mayor.
Having spent his whole working life in primary production and being active in local government and sporting groups, Evan is utilises his role as Chair to continue his contribution to the Limestone Coast and to support businesses and organisations to thrive.
Having spent his whole working life in primary production and being active in local government and sporting groups, Evan is utilises his role as Chair to continue his contribution to the Limestone Coast and to support businesses and organisations to thrive.
Erika Vickery OAM
Deputy Chair
Erika received an Order of Australia Medal for services to Local Government and the community in 2017 and has over 20 years' experience in local government.
A key community contributor, Erika is a board member of the Australian Migrant Resource Centre and Country Arts SA, and Chair of the Naracoorte Community Care Network. Erika has also been appointed as a Commissioner on the SA Local Government Grants Commission and Boundary Commission.
A key community contributor, Erika is a board member of the Australian Migrant Resource Centre and Country Arts SA, and Chair of the Naracoorte Community Care Network. Erika has also been appointed as a Commissioner on the SA Local Government Grants Commission and Boundary Commission.
Lew Parsons
Treasurer
Lew has vast experience within the forestry industry over many years and is currently self employed as a forestry consultant for local logging contractors, wood producers and forest owners.
Lew has been a member of several Boards including the Institute of Foresters Australia and the Logging Investigation and Training Association. Lew has been on RDALC's Board for 10 years.
Lew has been a member of several Boards including the Institute of Foresters Australia and the Logging Investigation and Training Association. Lew has been on RDALC's Board for 10 years.
Darren Turner
Darren has over 35 years’ experience in leading one of Australia’s premium branded wool bedding companies, Mini Jumbuk, and has undertaken numerous business and management courses throughout his career including the Global CEO Program completed in 2016.
Darren has over 20 years community service as an Apexian, has served eight years on the Naracoorte Golf Club Board with four years as President, and also sits on the Board of the Industry Leaders Fund Scholars Network in Adelaide.
Darren has over 20 years community service as an Apexian, has served eight years on the Naracoorte Golf Club Board with four years as President, and also sits on the Board of the Industry Leaders Fund Scholars Network in Adelaide.
Lachlan Haynes
Lachlan is from a 4th generation farming family in the Naracoorte region, with an extensive background in mixed agriculture, agribusiness, and viticulture. He is passionate about improving regional business growth, employment, health, and effective policy development
Lachlan is very involved in the Naracoorte community. He is an active member of the Naracoorte Health Advisory Council and has recently been elected to Chair the Limestone Coast Radiation Therapy Working Group.
Lachlan is very involved in the Naracoorte community. He is an active member of the Naracoorte Health Advisory Council and has recently been elected to Chair the Limestone Coast Radiation Therapy Working Group.
Rebecca Weller
Rebecca is an entrepreneur and community leader, with over 17 years of board experience in tourism, economic growth, and Indigenous development across the NT and SA. She owns and operates the Padthaway Caravan Park. Rebecca is actively involved in the community, serving as a Lieutenant with the CFS and Vice Chairperson of the local Progress Committee.
Rebecca has been the recipient of several awards, including Australian Mother of the Year, finalist for Young Australian of the Year, Northern Territory Young Achiever Award, and was a youth planning group member for the Australian G20.
Rebecca has been the recipient of several awards, including Australian Mother of the Year, finalist for Young Australian of the Year, Northern Territory Young Achiever Award, and was a youth planning group member for the Australian G20.
Michael Millhouse
Michael is part of the leadership team at NHP Electrical Engineering where he is responsible for the delivery of small- and large-scale projects throughout the Limestone Coast Region.
He has worked with a broad range of businesses and industries and is a graduate of the Limestone Coast Leadership Program.
Michael’s roles have encompassed many duties including technical support, account management, project management and budget estimating.
Michael’s roles have encompassed many duties including technical support, account management, project management and budget estimating.
Abigail Goodman
New Board Member
Abigail
Emma Castine
New Board Member
Emma