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 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. 

Amena joined the RDALC in 2020 after completing her Masters in Applied Project Management from the University of Adelaide and a Bachelor of Commerce from Ryerson University (Canada). As a certified Project Management Professional (PMP), Amena brings a wealth of knowledge and skills when working and managing projects. She is an active volunteer with a wide range of community groups and organisations. Her interests include project, program and portfolio management, agile practices, operations and strategic development.

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.

Lee Morgan was previously Manager, South Eastern Water Conservation and Drainage Board (Department for Environment and Water).
Lee’s involvement in the South East extends back to the early 1990’s, as a Water Resource Officer, and later a Regional Officer for the Waste Management Commission.
Since then, Lee managed contaminated sites with the EPA, environmental management, Innovation and Business Development with SA Water, managing water and power supplies in the Anangu Pitjantjara Yankunytjatjara Lands with the Department of the Premier and Cabinet, and managing power, water and retail supplies with NT Power and Water Corporation based at Alice Springs.

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.

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. 

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 from previously working for a Mount Gambier based construction company. Rebecca is passionate about supporting local businesses and attracting more people to the Limestone Coast.

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. 

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.

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.