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.
Charlie Matthews
Manager, Projects and Partnerships
Charlie has over 17 years of experience in the not-for-profit sector. A lifelong Limestone Coast resident, he understands the region’s unique needs and opportunities. He has worked with employers across industries, tackling workforce and skills challenges. Charlie thrives on building strong partnerships and delivering impactful projects that benefit the region. Passionate about community success, he is committed to creating opportunities that support local businesses and regional growth.
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.
Tamara North
Project Coordinator
Tamara has more than 15 years of experience in local and federal government. She has held various roles in marketing, communication, tourism, event management, project development, research, and community and business consultation. She has also been instrumental in helping businesses and community members navigate grant processes, identifying the most relevant opportunities to achieve optimal results.
Living and working in the Limestone Coast has provided Tamara with a deep understanding of the region's offerings. She looks forward to supporting the community through RDALC.
Living and working in the Limestone Coast has provided Tamara with a deep understanding of the region's offerings. She looks forward to supporting the community through RDALC.
Nicola Bowditch
Project Coordinator
Nicola has spent the past five years in the healthcare industry, delivering vital projects across the Limestone Coast region. In 2023, she participated in RDALC's Emerging Leaders Program, which she found incredibly valuable. Throughout her career, Nicola has actively contributed to various organisations and associations, taking on leadership roles.
As a lifelong resident of the Limestone Coast, Nicola has grown up in the region and has a deep understanding of its unique needs and opportunities. She is eager to continue collaborating with both emerging and established leaders to drive the region’s growth and development.
As a lifelong resident of the Limestone Coast, Nicola has grown up in the region and has a deep understanding of its unique needs and opportunities. She is eager to continue collaborating with both emerging and established leaders to drive the region’s growth and development.
Ashlee Kalantarian
Project Coordinator
With over a decade of experience in business management, brand development, and entrepreneurship, Ashlee brings a wealth of knowledge to support small businesses across the Limestone Coast.
Her career spans retail, e-commerce, marketing, and international operations, giving her valuable insight into the challenges local entrepreneurs face.
Having built and sold businesses, managed supply chains, and mentored fellow business owners, Ashlee takes a practical, hands-on approach to helping others succeed. She is passionate about supporting regional businesses to grow in a sustainable and achievable way.
Ashlee is excited to work with the Limestone Coast business community, offering tailored support that drives lasting impact across the region.
Ashlee is excited to work with the Limestone Coast business community, offering tailored support that drives lasting impact across the region.
Samara Steen
Administration Officer
Samara has a strong connection to the Limestone Coast, having grown up in the region and returned after time away to build her career.
She first helped launch her family’s business as a teenager, gaining valuable experience in small business operations. Her career then took her to Adelaide and Queensland, where she worked across the retail and hospitality sectors. Having resettled in the Limestone Coast several years ago, Samara is deeply embedded in the local community. With strong family ties and a passion for supporting others through training and education, she is committed to helping the region thrive.
Drawn to RDALC by its dedication to regional growth and opportunity, Samara is proud to support the team and contribute to its ongoing impact across the Limestone Coast.
Drawn to RDALC by its dedication to regional growth and opportunity, Samara is proud to support the team and contribute to its ongoing impact across the Limestone Coast.
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
Robyn Verrall
Robyn Verrall is a dynamic leader, farmer, business owner, and passionate advocate for regional Australia. She brings first-hand knowledge of rural life and its challenges. A champion for women in agriculture, Robyn is a strong voice for sustainable growth, economic diversification, and community empowerment.
Her leadership and advocacy have earned her national recognition, including the 2024 National Recalibrate Gender Equity Award and the Silver Women Changing the World Award. She is Chair of the South Australian Skills Commission for Agribusiness-related sectors and is a Fellow of the Governor’s Leadership Foundation. Recently joining KMD Books, Robyn will lead Stories that Speak, a platform spotlighting rural women’s stories, First Nations voices, and food traditions globally.
Her leadership and advocacy have earned her national recognition, including the 2024 National Recalibrate Gender Equity Award and the Silver Women Changing the World Award. She is Chair of the South Australian Skills Commission for Agribusiness-related sectors and is a Fellow of the Governor’s Leadership Foundation. Recently joining KMD Books, Robyn will lead Stories that Speak, a platform spotlighting rural women’s stories, First Nations voices, and food traditions globally.
Erika Vickery OAM
Deputy Chair
Erika received an Order of Australia Medal for services to Local Government and the community in 2017 and had over 20 years' experience in local government.
A key community contributor, Erika is a board member of the Australian Migrant Resource Centre, Longridge Aged Care, Limestone Coast Multicultural Network and Country Arts SA Foundation. She is the Chairperson of the Naracoorte Community Care Network. Erika has also been appointed as a Commissioner on the SA Local Government Grants Commission and Boundary Commission and one of three Administrators for the District Council of Coober Pedy.
A key community contributor, Erika is a board member of the Australian Migrant Resource Centre, Longridge Aged Care, Limestone Coast Multicultural Network and Country Arts SA Foundation. She is the Chairperson of the Naracoorte Community Care Network. Erika has also been appointed as a Commissioner on the SA Local Government Grants Commission and Boundary Commission and one of three Administrators for the District Council of Coober Pedy.
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.
Rebecca Weller MBA
Secretary
Rebecca is a business owner and community leader with over 19 years of experience on boards focused on tourism, economic development, and Indigenous initiatives across the Northern Territory and South Australia. She owns and operates the Padthaway Caravan Park and helps businesses with crafting business plans, writing grant applications, and developing websites.
A passionate community advocate, Rebecca serves as a Lieutenant with the Country Fire Service (CFS) and actively participates in numerous local organisations, which includes many hours dedicated to researching history and coordinating ANZAC days. Her contributions have earned her several accolades, including Australian Mother of the Year, a finalist spot for Young Australian of the Year, the Northern Territory Young Achiever Award, and a role as a youth planning group member for the Australian G20.
A passionate community advocate, Rebecca serves as a Lieutenant with the Country Fire Service (CFS) and actively participates in numerous local organisations, which includes many hours dedicated to researching history and coordinating ANZAC days. Her contributions have earned her several accolades, including Australian Mother of the Year, a finalist spot for Young Australian of the Year, the Northern Territory Young Achiever Award, and a role as a youth planning group member for the Australian G20.
Darren Turner
Board Member
Darren has over 40 years’ experience in leading one of Australia’s premium branded wool bedding companies, MiniJumbuk 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 is a councillor for the Naracoorte Lucindale Council.
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 is a councillor for the Naracoorte Lucindale Council.
Michael Millhouse
Board Member
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.
Lachlan Haynes
Board Member
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.
Abigail Goodman
New Board Member
Emma Castine
New Board Member
Emma has worked in agriculture and small business in the LSC for over 30 years. Mixed farming, viticulture and wine, forestry and shop face, with a focus on office administration, business management and serving on many community and industry groups.
Emma has a strong interest in what is going on in the region and is passionate about a sustainable and profitable future for the Limestone Coast.
Emma has a strong interest in what is going on in the region and is passionate about a sustainable and profitable future for the Limestone Coast.