NSW Local Land Services Region

2020 Local Board Member Election (3 to be Elected)

Candidate List and Profile Statements

WHITING, Rachel ...... 2 FUNNELL, Paul ...... 3 THOMSON, Vivien ...... 4 HAMILTON, Alison ...... 5 KINGWILL, Bill ...... 6 SPEIRS, Peter M ...... 7 BROWN, Philip ...... 8

NSW LLS Riverina - Election 2020 - Candidate List and Profile Statements Page 1 of 9

WHITING, Rachel

Address: 41 Spenlo Lane NSW 2652

Rachel Whiting of Spenlo Lane Uranquinty has lived regionally most of her life. Currently Rachel is the CEO and Director of Regional Development at Regional Development Australia Riverina. Previously Rachel worked in Business Development for not-for-profits and taught in high schools.

Rachel holds a Master of Communications, a Graduate Certificate in Animal Science and a Bachelor of Education as well as Certificate IV in TAE and Project Management. Rachel is the President of the CWA Uranquinty Evening Branch, Publicity Officer of the CWA Riverina Group and instructor and Vice-President at the Lake Albert Pony Club as well as an Equestrian Australia Dressage Steward. She breeds Hanoverian Warmblood Horses for the Olympic Disciplines with her husband on their small farm and was previously National Registrar for the Hanoverian Horse Society for 10 years.

Rachel is a Fellow of the Leadership WA program and has mentored new community leaders. Strategic planning, management, collaboration and service delivery in the region is part of Rachel’s day to day role. Recently Rachel has been coordinating with local government and other agencies in assisting with bushfire recovery. As a primary producer, drought, floods and Equine Influenza have all been lived through.

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NSW LLS Riverina - Election 2020 - Candidate List and Profile Statements Page 2 of 9 FUNNELL, Paul

Address: 590 Mundowey Lane NSW 2650

My name is Paul Funnell, I own and operate an irrigation, mixed farming property at Collingullie. I am seeking your support for re-election in the upcoming Local Land Services board elections for Riverina. With LLS Riverina stretching from Hay in the west to Harden in the east and extending to the hills, being at Collingullie, places me central within the electorate.

With recent amalgamations of multiple rural services and change in board structure, we have reached the point where it is critical we have elected members on the board that will represent landholders in the manner that they deserve, hold the state accountable, understand and fight for the issues that directly affect LLS ratepayers, and no0t be a token voice for the board.

There are still ongoing issues to be addressed, bio-security, noxious weeks, TSR management and animal welfare. Assessment of ongoing programmes such as wild dogs and pigs, insidious noxious weeds etc., this is not questioning the efforts, but is about measuring the effectiveness of the methodology. My reason for wanting to continue to represent ratepayers is to give landholders a voice that has been lost in ever increasing state government cost shifting. Whilst recognising much of the successful work and programmes having been conducted, plus the ongoing roll out of further programmes and services by LLS in an ever changing market, there is still much to be done. This is where I believe an independent elected director such as myself, is best placed and experienced, to continue to represent the best interests of you, the landholders.

With inclusion of CMA responsibilities, riparian landholders have similar issues, but needs someone that understands the challenges unique to them in this ever changing political/bureaucratic arena.

In a climate of shrinking Government support, increasing responsibilities of LLS services by Government, increasing costs to the landholder, it is critical we have a representative that understands the threat that this poses to individuals and the sector as a whole. This is why you need my voice as a conduit to push back against government institutionalisation, and see to it that finances are managed efficiently, resources allocated correctly, and receive more funding from the state.

A board member needs to show strong leadership and be capable of strategic planning and policy development. Have the ability to work with each level of government and industry, take the message of our industry to these sectors, demonstrate an understanding of our needs, and how this can be delivered. Experience in financial management, business enterprise and corporate governance is essential.

As a current LLS Board member, Wagga councillor and deputy chair of Riverina Water, former Chairman of the flood risk advisory board, member of the executive of region 9 murray darling assoc., committee member of the rural ratepayers assoc., written policy on biosecurity issues, and an MBA I have the knowledge, training and experience to successfully represent you, the ratepayers of the Riverina LLS, and seek your support for re-election.

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NSW LLS Riverina - Election 2020 - Candidate List and Profile Statements Page 3 of 9 THOMSON, Vivien

Address: Carinya 3125 Burra Road Muttama NSW 2722

My partner and I run a mixed farming operation at Muttama which includes 4 commodities, Prime Lambs, Beef Cattle, Fine Merino Wool and a Hay production enterprise. I am aware of the challenges we face in agriculture. It is important that your representative on the LLS Board comes from the grass roots and understand the issue that we face such as animal health, challenges of drought, bushfires and floods and TSR’s as an example.

I give a commitment that I will listen and consult with the people within the LLS Riverina district and take these concerns to the LLS board meetings. It is critical that the person that represents us on the board has a mix of experience, commitment to agriculture and understand the issues that we face both short and long term. I am a member of NSWFA and a graduate of the Australian Rural Leadership program course 18.

I have been involved in agriculture for many years and have represented our interests at a national and state level. I would be a valuable representative on the LLS Board in the Riverina. I currently work on our family farm and run the business.

Qualifications include: • Associate Diploma Emergency Management • Graduate Certificate Australian Rural Leadership, James Cook University • Company Directors Course, Australian Institute Company Directors • Diploma Agriculture • Associate Degree Applied Science, Charles Sturt University • Diploma Horticulture (Trade)

Board positions include: Local Land Service Riverina Highland’s Advisory Committee Southern Ranges NP&WS Board Former President Australian Women in Agriculture National Rural Women’s Coalition

Medals & Awards Emergency Medal Australian Fire Service Medal National Medal International Women’s Day Award Named in the Top 100 Women in Australia Agribusiness NSW RIRDC Rural Women’s Award Runner up

Work Experience Mixed farmer and Business Manager Project Officer EverGraze, Murrumbidgee CMA Team Manager ACT Emergency Services Authority. District Assistant NSW RFS, Captain Parks Brigade, President ACT Fire Controllers Group, Fire Management Officer, Horticulturalist.

I want to ensure that the ratepayers in the Riverina LLS have a strong voice and are listened to when it comes to our industries.

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NSW LLS Riverina - Election 2020 - Candidate List and Profile Statements Page 4 of 9 HAMILTON, Alison

Alison Hamilton is a beef cattle producer and consultant residing in the Ladysmith / Gregadoo area outside of

Alison has been operating her own agricultural consulting business AJM Livestock Solutions, for more than 10 years. From a strong beef cattle background Alison’s business has a focus on supporting beef cattle producers with data recording, management and use. Her support of producers makes their operations more efficient and better able to access additional markets which lead to greater profitability. See www.ajmlivestocksolutions.com.au

Alison’s employment history has included 3 years at Meat and Livestock Australia in both the research and member services teams. Alison was the field officer in NSW for the National Livestock Identification System (NLIS) for 3 years during the roll out of the system. Alison was instrumental with both MLA and NSW DPI at the time of the NLIS roll out and has since maintained involvement in this space; particularly in relation to electronic data management and animal and industry biosecurity and market access.

Alison is also passionate about education with part of her business supporting Registered Training Organisations with livestock training courses. Alison has been a part time teacher for TAFE both at Goulburn and Wagga Wagga campuses; teaching courses in the agriculture and livestock areas.

Alison has a Bachelor of Rural Business Administration from the University of , a Certificate IV in Workplace Training and Assessment and a Graduate Certificate in Australian Rural Leadership from James Cook University.

Alison was a finalist in the 2010 RIRDC Rural Women’s Awards, the inaugural NAB Agribusiness / Cattle Council Rising Beef Industry Champion in 2011 and is a Graduate of Course 18 of the Australian Rural Leadership Program.

Alison is currently a Councillor of the Royal Agricultural Society of NSW (RAS) serving in positions both on the Cattle and Youth Affairs committees; Alison is in her 10th year of service to this organisation. Alison spent 4 years (2011 – 2014) as an active member of Cattle Council of Australia’s Industry Systems committee.

In relation to criteria in clause 90 of the Local Land Services regulation; Alison has skills, training and experience in leadership and through this has been involved in strategic planning and management on several occasions. Alison has held the role of Chair of the inaugural Youth Affairs committee of the RAS; in this role she developed and implemented strategy for this new committee. As noted through her employment Alison has also worked with many levels of Government and Community and within these roles and other projects Alison can work with stakeholders on various levels. Alison has been involved firsthand in agriculture and the primary industries sector all of her life; through her family beef cattle background to the various roles of employment she has held.

As a Board member for the Local Land Service Alison can bring experience, enthusiasm and a strong commitment to helping fulfil the organisations four goals to achieve its vision of resilient communities in productive, healthy landscapes.

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NSW LLS Riverina - Election 2020 - Candidate List and Profile Statements Page 5 of 9 KINGWILL, Bill

Address: “Scrubbers Bedden” NSW 2727

Grazier 4th generation sheep fat lambs, wool super fine & beef cattle Managing director of family company’s Qualifications in sheep & wool & textiles Worked in shearing industry from Longreach Qld to Hay NSW. Saw the industry change from traditional classing lines to objective measurement. Adjungbilly bushfire brigade RFS Captain for past 32 year. Founding member of Adjungbilly cooperative wild dog and fox management plan Sat on NSW native hardwood industry council for NSW forest products association southern reprenstation. Was industary rep in negotiations in southern regional forestry agreement RFA. and reviews.

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NSW LLS Riverina - Election 2020 - Candidate List and Profile Statements Page 6 of 9 SPEIRS, Peter M

Address: 23 View St Temora NSW 2666

I am a current member of the Riverina LLS board with a lifetime of experience in dryland mixed farming and 40 years as an elected representative in Local Government.

As the Principal of a farming family partnership, our enterprise mix included oil seeds, cereal grains and pulses, as well as a self-replacing merino sheep flock and a self- replacing Wagyu/Angus cattle venture. Our involvement in the merino industry included conducting the Kal Kal merino stud for 25 until 1995. We also commenced breeding Wagyu cattle in 1988, initially exclusively for the Japanese market until 2006 and expanding into the wider market until 2012.

I have spent my working life on the land. My wife Helen and I raised our four children on our sheep, cropping and cattle farm at Reefton, in the . The farming enterprise is now in the process of an Intergenerational Transfer.

Like farming, Local Government has seen many changes, yet throughout all of these challenges and progressions, my strong sense of fairness and integrity has never wavered. My ability to lobby and negotiate effectively, my strong communication skills and a fierce determination has helped me to implement positive change with respect and dignity for all concerned.

It is my belief that my unique skill set, character traits and experience, in both farming and Local Government, stand me in good stead to effectively continue to serve the Riverina LLS as an elected board member.

LLS

RIVERINA LOCAL LAND SERVICES ELECTED BOARD MEMBER 2011 -CURRENT LHPA Director 2002 - 2010

LOCAL GOVERNMENT HISTORY

• COUNCILLOR NARRABURRA SHIRE COUNCIL 1977 – 1980 • DEPUTY PRESIDENT NARRABURRA SHIRE COUNCIL. 1978 – 1980 • COUNCILLOR TEMORA SHIRE COUNCIL 1980 – 2016 • DEPUTY PRESIDENT TEMORA SHIRE COUNCIL 1980 – 1985 • PRESIDENT TEMORA SHIRE COUNCIL 1985 – 1990 • MAYOR TEMORA SHIRE COUNCIL 1991 – 2000 • COUNCILLOR NRCC ELECTRICITY & WATER 1983 – 1995 • CHAIRMAN NRCC ELECTRICITY & WATER 1991 – 1995 • COUNCILLOR GOLDENFIELDS WATER CC 1997 – 2016 • CHAIRMAN GOLDENFIELDS WATER CC 1997 – 2003 2006 – 2016

1/7/02 – 2005 CHAIRMAN, NSW Southern Special Economic Zone, Temora 20/9/00 – 2016 DELEGATE, Riverina Eastern Regional Organization of Councils

AWARDS

• Presented with OAM in 2008, for service to the community through Local Government • Presented with Local Government Medal 5/7/2012 marking 35 years service • Presented with Rural Fire Service 35 Year Service Medal

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NSW LLS Riverina - Election 2020 - Candidate List and Profile Statements Page 7 of 9 BROWN, Philip

Address: 55 Yass Street, Young NSW 2594

Eligibility: Resident of Young district where I have lived and worked for the last 25 years.

Candidate Statement I have been nominated by a long standing farming friend and offer my services as an elected Board member to represent the Riverina LLS constituents and ratepayers, of which I have been one for many years.

My priorities as a Board Member will be to direct LLS services and funding to best meet the needs of the land managers within the Riverina LLS region, working with the LLS Strategic Plan.

Recent climatic conditions have been particularly challenging for rural managers and where possible LLS services and policies can assist in meeting some of those challenges. As a long term client of extension services offered by LLS and its predecessor organisations I am particularly keen to see these services maintained to meet the needs of rural managers.

Whilst coming to agriculture later in my career following 25 years in the financial business arena, I have gained knowledge and understanding of the agricultural world living and working in the country of r the past 25 year. I believe that both periods of experience have equipped me to make a meaningful contribution as an LLS Board member.

I am very aware of the importance of farm plant and animal biosecurity and will endeavour to strengthen the contribution LLS can make in this matter. In my own farming operations I have gained valuable experience in application of biosecurity measures.

As a member of the NSW Agriculture Minister’s Advisory Council representing the horticulture sector I have an understanding of working with Government and implementing policies to assist the broader agricultural sector. Having been a Board Director on public listed and private companies, and various industry bodies I have a strong understanding of corporate governance. In both my business dealings and in my community involvements I have always been committed to maintain fair and high ethical standards.

Relevant Qualifications: Degree: Bachelor of Commerce (Hons.) University of , Agriculture: Agricultural College, Orange (short course) Grazing for Profit (DPI)

Current Status: • Company Director • Retired Farmer

NSW LLS Riverina - Election 2020 - Candidate List and Profile Statements Page 8 of 9 Selected Previous Board and Community Positions: • Managing Director, Equitas Group Holdings – 25 years • Executive and non executive Director,- ASX listed Investment Bank – 12 years • Council Member, NSW Minster of Agriculture Advisory Council representing Horticulture – 6 years • Secretary, South West Slopes Merino Breeders Association – 10 years • Board member, Nashi Growers Association – 5 years

Employment Experience: Self employed since 1984 Recent: Operated agricultural enterprises within the Equitas Group commencing 1996 in range of industries including: • Horticulture – Cherry and Stonefruit orchards, Young and Coonabarabran Shires, Macadamia plantation, Kempsey Shire • Viticulture – commercial vineyards in Harden Shire • Broadacre – cropping and sheep, Young Shire

Previous: Career in financial and investment markets in UK, Australia and SE Asia. Established Licenced Securities Dealer business in 1984. Board member of ASX listed investment bank.

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