Australian Government Reappoints RDANI Chairman

RDANI’s reappointed Chairman, Russell Stewart

Minister for Regional Development, Local Government and Territories, the Hon. Kristy McBain MP has reappointed Russell Stewart of Narrabri as Chairman of the Regional Development Australia Northern Inland (RDANI) Committee. Mr Stewart’s new term will conclude on 31 December, 2027.

“I congratulate new and returning RDA Chairs, who will work closely with their community, local businesses and all levels of government to drive growth and development in their regions,” Minister McBain said.

“With more than $117 million from the Australian Government set to flow across all of the RDA committees over the next five years, it is an exciting time for the new and returning chairs, as they’ll have the opportunity to work with their members to set the future agendas for their RDAs,” she added.

For Mr. Stewart, his reappointment reaffirms his position that RDANI has and continues to do great work. “Continuity has its own rewards. We have been fortunate to have a small team of staff who have stuck with us for the long haul. They have a lot of experience with our region of Northern Inland NSW and have won more than $100m for projects over the past ten years.

That the Government is maintaining the status quo is a pat on the back for our staff and Committee. They are saying keep up the good work and we will do just that!”

“I’m proud of the town and the region that I call home. We have strength in our diversity. Like anywhere, we have big challenges but sustainable growth can only be achieved by being positive and working together on genuine solutions. That’s why we’re one of the best RDA regions in Australia; we kick goals and don’t get bogged down in negativity,” Mr Stewart said.

“Russell is more than a solid Chairman,” said RDANI Executive Director Nathan Axelsson. “His connections in our region and beyond to decision-makers in government and business are extensive. He knows how to get things done.”

“Russell has lobbied hard for our region and will keep up the fight.”

The Reappointed RDANI Chairman, leads a regionally representative Committee comprised of Acting Deputy Chairman James Pryor (Armidale), Charlotte Hoddle (Gunnedah), Fiona Barden (Walcha), Les Knox (Narrabri) and Neil Argent (UNE). Applications are currently open for Deputy Chairman and three Committee Member positions, with the details available on the Join Our RDA Committee page.