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 leadership 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 operating family businesses, Rachael has firsthand knowledge of what it means to be small business operator. With recent experience with the Department of Home Affairs, Rachael can help unpack the migration program for employers in the Limestone Coast.

Lauren joins us after 7 years leading the Environment and Assets Team at Wattle Range Council where she was responsible for asset management plans, infrastructure projects, waste and sewer services and, coastal projects. Previously she worked in the environment department with the South Australian Government and South East Natural Resources Management Board in project management. She brings extensive experience in attracting and delivering grants, as well as managing contractors and consultants to ensure high quality and cost effective results. Lauren is looking forward to supporting local businesses and Councils to attract funding for infrastructure projects. 

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 Regional Development Australia Limestone Coast (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.

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. 

Rebecca joined the RDALC team in January 2023. Rebecca relocated to Mount Gambier from the UK in 2019 and has been discovering what Australia has to offer ever since. She has Diplomas in Project Management and Event Management, Marketing & Communications. Rebecca has experience in project and program management, operations, and strategic development. Rebecca is passionate about supporting local businesses and attracting more people to the Limestone Coast.

Emily commenced with RDALC in October 2022. Since relocating to Mount Gambier from Adelaide, she is beginning to explore what the Limestone Coast has to offer. Emily has completed a Bachelor of Arts and a Masters of Primary Teaching, both from Flinders University. With experience in administration, hospitality, and teaching, she brings her organisational skills to our team and projects. Emily looks after much of our social media and communications functions. 

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.

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.

Alan has been Deputy Chair of the Board since 2017. Alan has formal qualifications and many years of 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. Lew has been on RDALC's Board for 10 years.

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. 

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.

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. 

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.

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.