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 14 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 19 years, including Uralla, Guyra and Armidale. She has 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.

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 to have the voice of our regional communities heard, utilising her training in survey design and analysis to connect with community members and gather critical data to make informed decisions. With her knowledge and experience in small business, marketing, information technology and graphic design, Rebecca is keen to promote the benefits of regional living and attract new residents to the region.

Rebecca has worked at RDA-NI for 14 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 11 years.

Emma Grant

Local Connector - Tamworth

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 joined the RDA-NI team in 2024 to facilitate The Welcome Experience in the Tamworth Regional Local Government Area.

Katrina George

Local Connector - Armidale and Uralla

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 joined the RDA-NI team in 2024 to facilitate The Welcome Experience in the Armidale Regional and Uralla Shire Local Government Areas.

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.