New board directors for RIRDC

Minister for Agriculture Barnaby Joyce has announced the appointment of six new non-executive directors to the board of the Rural Industries R&D Corporation (RIRDC). The corporation was established by the Australian Government to work with industry to invest in research and development for a more profitable, sustainable and dynamic rural sector.

The six new board directors, effective immediately, are:

• Kevin Goss (Western Australia)
• Dr Tony Hamilton (New South Wales)
• Dr Janet (Jan) Mahoney (Victoria)
• Dr William Ryan (Western Australia)
• Heather Stacy (Victoria)
• Dr Keith Steele (Queensland)

Dr Len Stephens was reappointed as an RIRDC non-executive board director and Professor Daniela Stehlik continues as chair. Managing director Craig Burns meanwhile continues as the sole executive board director.

Professor Stehlik welcomed the new directors and acknowledged the contribution of outgoing directors Sam Archer, Alex Campbell, Mike Guerin, Roseanne Healy, Alana Johnson and Dr Merilyn Sleigh. She said she is “confident the new board can guide the corporation through any future challenges and make the most of opportunities as they arise”.

“RIRDC has a strong team of talented and professional staff who already punch well above their weight and I’m sure all the new directors will significantly value-add to our ongoing commitment to all our national rural industries,” Professor Stehlik said.

The corporation separately announced that applications close soon for the 2015 RIRDC Rural Women’s Award. The award identifies and rewards women’s contribution to primary industries and rural communities by providing financial assistance, mentoring, resources and support via its nationwide network of business and community leaders for selected state winners.

State and territory winners receive a $10,000 financial bursary to implement their award vision and will have the opportunity to participate in the Company Directors Course run by the Australian Institute of Company Directors. A national winner and runner-up will be selected from the state winners, with a further $10,000 bursary awarded to the winner and $5000 to the runner-up to support their professional development and contribution to primary industries.

The award is open to all women involved in primary industries. Application forms can be found at www.rirdc.gov.au/rural-women’s-award.