David Wheaton has twenty years experience working with business, government and community leaders at a strategic level to foster economic development, business growth and the vitality of communities in rural and regional areas. He is fluent in boardroom speak and thrives on ideas, strategic thinking, and connecting people. David commenced with RDALC on 12 September 2016.

Rachael joined our team in May 2019 after working in management roles in London, Sydney and Melbourne both in a Government and private sector setting. Rachael has a depth of experience focusing on program delivery, workforce planning and people management. With experience in operating family businesses and in running her own micro-business, Rachael also has firsthand knowledge of what it means to be small business operator. Given Rachael’s recent experience with the Department of Home Affairs, she can help unpack the complicated migration program for employers in the Limestone Coast.

Over the past 19 years Glenda McInerney has developed extensive experience in complex financial administration positions. Her formal qualifications include a Bachelor of Business (currently completing) and an Associate Degree in Accounting, both through the University of South Australia. Glenda commenced at RDALC on 17th January 2018.

Lyn has spent the past 20 years working in Central Australia in a number of management roles with the public and private sectors. Her most recent role was as General Manager with Desert Knowledge Australia, a statutory body responsible for facilitating economic development in the desert in line with the NT Government’s International Engagement, Trade and Investment Plan. Lyn is a small business owner and has previously worked for RDA Northern Territory.

Jess commenced with RDALC in February 2020 and having grown up in the area, brings a local influence to the team. Since returning to Mount Gambier with her young family, Jess has worked for the de Bruin Group where she concentrated on a range of marketing activities for the award winning Mayura Station. Jess has experience in regional tourism, event management, marketing and communications. Jess is excited to be coordinating our new Leadership Program. 

Oscar joined the team at the beginning of 2022 as our Trainee.  He is also currently completing his Year 12 studies. Oscar is learning about all aspects of the organisation, taking on office processes and building experience speaking to clients. In his spare time Oscar enjoys socialising, getting out into nature and trying out the best local eateries. Oscar hopes to get into real estate one day. 

Hayley started with RDALC in May 2022 having spent the past 10 years working across community development and engagement roles in local government. Hayley has significant project management, strategic planning and grant writing experience and is participating in the Business SA SAYES 2022 program to launch her own small business side hustle and support local small businesses across the Limestone Coast.

Adrienna has developed extensive experience in Queensland’s independent schools over the past twenty years, providing generalist human resources and administrative support to Executive and staff. Returning to her home state, Adrienna contributes to the community through active membership of the Country Women’s Association Terra Rossa Group, and provides a welcoming experience to the region’s visitors at her bed and breakfast accommodation in Penola.

Amena has worked in the finance sector and has completed a Bachelor of Commerce from Ryerson University and a Masters of Applied Project Management from the University of Adelaide. Since relocating to Mount Gambier from Canada several years ago, Amena has been a very active volunteer with a wide range of community groups and organisations. Amena’s interests include project management, operations and administration.

RDALC's Chair, Evan Flint comes from the Kingston SE area. Having spent his whole working life in primary production and being active in local government and sporting groups, Evan is keen to utilise his role as Chair to continue his contribution to the Limestone Coast, and to support businesses and organisations to thrive.

Alan has been Deputy Chair of the Board since 2017. Alan has formal qualifications and many years' experience working in agriculture.

Alan is well known for his more than 30 year career working for ABC radio as a rural reporter in various postings around the Australia. Having lived back in the Limestone Coast since 1999, Alan was Regional Manager for ABC South East until mid-2012, when he retired.  Alan has an active role in the  community as a member of The Rotary Club of Mount Gambier.

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.

Erika is the current Mayor of the Naracoorte Lucindale Council and President of the Limestone Coast Local Government Association. She 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. She is Chair of SAROC (South Australian Organisation of Regional Councils), Local Government Research and Development Advisory Committee 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. 

Liz has extensive leadership experience having worked in the media and government sector for almost two decades, including a stint as a media advisor to former Victorian Premier Denis Napthine. Returning to live in Mount Gambier in 2018, Liz is currently employed as executive general manager of the Green Triangle Forest Industries Hub, a collective of nine forest companies. This role involves working closely with industry, analysing the constraints that affect the productivity and efficiency of the sector to help unlock growth and new business opportunities. Liz has previous work experience as a member of the management team at Glenelg Shire Council leading the economic development, tourism and communications units.

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.

Simone Kain is co-owner of creative agency Hello Friday and co-founder and author of award-winning educational brand, George the Farmer. She has extensive experience in website development, communications and business management, and has received a number of awards including the 2015 NAB Women’s Agenda Regional Entrepreneur of the Year and the Brand SA Flinders Education Award. Simone sits on the Ignite Advisory panel for AgriFutures Australia and the Rural R&D for Profit Expert Assessment Panel for the Department of Agriculture. A national runner up in the 2017 AgriFutures Rural Women’s Award, Simone is passionate about regional and rural Australia and her current family property situated near Penola, South Australia, specialises in beef-cattle trading and sheep for meat and wool. 

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.

Jane is a third-generation primary producer from Kalangadoo with over 27 years’ experience in Government and Private Enterprise. She has significant experience within the local government sector and was the Deputy Chief Executive Officer for the District Council of Grant for 12 years. Jane holds an MBA from Deakin University, along with qualifications in Local Government, Regional Development and is a graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors. Jane is also a member of the South Eastern Water Conservation and Drainage Board, Boandik Lodge Inc, Mount Gambier In-home Hospice Care and is an active member of her Kalangadoo community.