Our Staff

Nathan Axelsson

Executive Director

Starting his career in banking and finance, both here and in the U.K and Europe, Nathan then commenced with Telstra as part of their highly-competitive graduate program in 2004, working predominantly on providing essential infrastructure to rural and remote Australians. This has engendered a lifelong affinity for the advancement of regional Australia and our equitable access to the opportunities and services those in the cities take for granted.

With a strong background in the private, government and not-for-profit sectors, Nathan is passionate about driving economic development and population growth in regional Australia. His specialties include business development, E-commerce, telecommunications, research and data analysis, project management, governance, stakeholder engagement and policy advocacy.

Nathan holds a Bachelor of Business in Marketing and International Business from the Queensland University of Technology and a Diploma in Languages (German) from the University of Queensland. Born and bred in SE Queensland, Nathan is a proud tree-changer who has lived in Armidale for the past 18 years.

Nathan has worked at RDA-NI for 15 years.

Rebecca Wright

Chief Financial Officer and Project Officer

Rebecca was raised in Warren, a small rural town in Western NSW. After completing her Bachelor Degrees in Business (Business Management) and Information Technology at Charles Sturt University in Wagga Wagga, she has lived in the New England area for the last 20 years, including Uralla, Guyra and Armidale. She continued her studies with a Graduate Certificate in Professional Accounting and a Master of Commerce (Marketing / Small Business Management) with a Postgraduate University Medal at CSU in 2022.

Her studies have provided her with a depth of knowledge and experience, including digital communications, survey design and analysis, marketing strategy and implementation, economics, and online system development. Her Masters study has provided the opportunity to apply academic theory and research to the issues being faced by regional communities and businesses.

Rebecca is enthusiastic about having the voices of our regional communities heard, utilising her training in survey design and analysis to connect with community members and gather critical data to inform decision-making. With her knowledge and experience in small business, marketing, information technology, and graphic design, Rebecca is keen to promote the benefits and reduce the divide between regional and metropolitan areas.

Rebecca has worked at RDA-NI for 15 years.

Gary Fry

Senior Project Officer

Gary is a long-term Armidale resident and has been active in communicating the achievements and connecting community groups and businesses in the region for over 20 years. Through working as a journalist and photographer for the Northern Inland region he has a vast array of connections and a wealth of knowledge about our region.

As part of the Skilled Migration project, Gary has assisted thousands of skilled workers to move to the Northern Inland. His individualised and tireless support for skilled migrants has had a positive effect on many individuals and businesses in the region. His development of the Skilled Migration Jobs Board that connects skilled migrants and employers with skills shortages in the region has created a unique asset for the economic growth of our region.

Gary is keen to see regional areas prosper, through the development of regional businesses and making our region a positive place to live for everyone.

Gary has worked at RDA-NI for 13 years.

Emma Grant

Local Connector - Tamworth Regional and Liverpool Plains Shire LGAs

Emma Grant was raised on a property in Bendemeer, NSW, where she developed a deep connection to rural life. In her late teens, she moved to Sydney to pursue a Bachelor of Health Science at the University of Sydney, followed by a Graduate Diploma of Safety Science at the University of Technology Sydney. Emma then spent several years traveling and working in regional communities across New South Wales and the Northern Territory, gaining valuable experience in diverse environments.

Driven by her passion for health and wellness, Emma pursued further studies and became a certified health and wellness coach and yoga instructor, living and working in various locations throughout NSW before choosing to settle in a regional community to raise her family.

In 2021, Emma returned to her hometown of Tamworth, drawn by the many advantages of a slower-paced lifestyle and strong social connections. Now serving as the Local Connector for Tamworth, Emma’s role allows her to engage with locals and support regional communities. Her education has equipped her with the communication skills necessary to understand the needs and concerns of community members. Emma thrives on hearing about local issues and is passionate about implementing changes that can improve life for those living in regional areas. Her dedication to health, wellness, and community development is evident in her work, where she seeks to make a meaningful impact in the lives of those she connects with.

Emma has been part of the RDA-NI team for two years and facilitates The Welcome Experience in the Tamworth Regional and Liverpool Plains Shire Local Government Areas.

Katrina George

Local Connector - Armidale Regional, Uralla Shire and Walcha LGAs

Originally from Newcastle, NSW, Katrina began her career in hospitality and tourism, working in five-star hotels and resorts in both Sydney and the Hunter Valley. In 2003, she made the move to Armidale to establish and manage Petersons Armidale Winery and Guesthouse. During her seven years there, Katrina and her family formed lasting friendships and connections within the Armidale community.

Before joining RDA-NI, Katrina served as the Communications Manager for the Agricultural Business Research Institute, where she oversaw stakeholder communications and branding initiatives while successfully managing global partnerships and business opportunities.

Katrina is well-known in the Armidale region for her role as the Principal Advisor for Tourism & Events at the Armidale Regional Council. In this position, she led a diverse range of marketing campaigns that revitalised the region after the challenges of drought, bushfires, and COVID-19. She also spearheaded significant events like the Big Chill Festival, Halloween festivities, and the Australia Day Picnic in the Park, all aimed at celebrating local culture and community spirit.

With her extensive background in communications, stakeholder engagement, and regional development, she is excited to contribute to the growth and development of the Northern Inland region.

Katrina has been part of the RDA-NI team for two years and facilitates The Welcome Experience in the Armidale Regional, Uralla Shire and Walcha Local Government Areas.

Emily Surman

Local Connector - Gunnedah Shire LGA

Emily grew up in the suburbs of South West Sydney before relocating to Gunnedah with her partner at the age of 21 in search of a new adventure and the opportunity to build a life together. What began as a move for new opportunities soon became the place they proudly call home.

Emily began her career at Gunnedah Shire Council while completing a Bachelor of Business Economics through the University of New England. After working in a variety of finance roles, she discovered her passion for community development as part of the Economic Development team. There, she contributed to initiatives that celebrated and promoted Gunnedah, including the Open New Horizons marketing campaign and the development of the New Residents Welcome Guide.

Outside of her professional career, Emily has pursued her passion for health and wellbeing, completing a Graduate Certificate in Human Nutrition through Charles Sturt University and qualifying as both a Personal Trainer and Pilates Instructor. She also established her own home-based Reformer Pilates studio, combining her love of wellness with supporting others in their health journeys.

In 2025, Emily, her partner and their young family spent eight months travelling around Australia in a caravan. While the experience offered unforgettable adventures and a deep appreciation for the country's diverse landscapes and communities, it also reinforced what they had always known—Gunnedah is a truly special place. Returning home, the opportunity to become a Local Connector with The Welcome Experience felt like perfect timing.

Drawing on her own experience of relocating to regional Australia, Emily understands both the excitement and the uncertainty that come with starting over in a new community. She is passionate about helping newcomers feel welcomed, supported and connected, believing that finding your people is what truly transforms a place into home. Through her role as Local Connector, Emily is committed to making every new resident's transition to Gunnedah a positive and rewarding experience.

Emily joined the RDA-NI team in July 2026 to facilitate The Welcome Experience in the Gunnedah Shire Local Government Area.

Kate Rice

Local Connector - Narrabri Shire LGA

Kate was raised on a mixed farming property near Narrabri and often says she has come full circle, having lived throughout regional Australia before returning home. Her upbringing gave her a deep connection to rural communities and a genuine appreciation for the values of resilience, hard work, and supporting one another.

After moving to Armidale in her early twenties, she studied Early Childhood Education at Armidale TAFE and went on to work across a range of early childhood services in New South Wales and the ACT. These experiences strengthened her commitment to creating welcoming, inclusive, and supportive environments for children, families, and the wider community.

Kate is passionate about the Narrabri region and committed to seeing her community continue to thrive. Over the years, she has been actively involved with a number of local organisations, including Narrabri Pony Club, 1st Narrabri West Scouts, Narrabri Show, and The Compassionate Friends NSW at both local and state levels.

Having lived and worked in the region, Kate has a strong understanding of the Narrabri community, its services, events, attractions, and support networks. She has also developed lasting connections with local sporting, social, and community organisations, enabling her to build meaningful relationships and support people from all walks of life.

Kate joined the RDA-NI team in July 2026 to facilitate The Welcome Experience in the Narrabri Shire Local Government Area.

David Thompson

Economist

David has a 30-year research and consulting background operating at the interface of economics, regional development and natural resource management. This has included assessing the economic feasibility of business proposals and other projects and conducting benefit-cost analysis.  His work covers issues relating to regional economic development, forestry, agriculture, renewable energy, and tourism.  

Recently he has worked on opportunities for businesses and councils to save on energy costs, including energy efficient street lighting, an overview of the economics of renewable energy options, drought business impacts survey and numerous business cases and benefit-cost analyses to support council funding applications.

David coordinated the rollout of the largest LED street lighting program in NSW and has developed business cases and investment prospectuses for local government on topics as diverse as protected horticulture, bioenergy and economic opportunities from irrigation water.
David holds degrees in Agricultural Science (Bachelor Rural Science Hons) and Economics (Master of Economics) from the University of New England.

David worked at RDA-NI for 13 years as our Senior Economist and Project Officer before retiring in 2024 and continues to assist with economic analysis.