Scott is the founder and "imagineer" of arguably the largest suite of boutique regional agencies - Jack in the box, EUSO Digital, bureau42 and Clever Octopus - in Western Australia. He has enjoyed remarkable success gaining a number of awards and is the first three-time winner of the Business News '40 Under 40' group which recognises talented and emerging entrepreneurs. With connections throughout the creative industries as well as a history across a number of community and philanthropic activities, Scott is also a Board Member of the ECU South West Campus Advisory Board.

Kate is currently working in Circular Economy planning with the Australian Government, having previously worked for the Bunbury Harvey Regional Council. She is passionate about progressing the circular economy, having a background as a Waste Education Coordinator and having worked as Landcare Facilitator and Natural Resource Management Officer. She has experience in community engagement, delivering government programs, grant writing, events and project management. Kate has a Master of Science in Environment and Development from the University of Edinburgh.

With more than 19 years’ experience in the tourism industry, Catrin is the Chief Executive Officer of Australia’s South West, one of Western Australia’s five Regional Tourism Organisations. Catrin’s industry representation includes Board Member of the South West Development Commission, and significant involvement in key industry project areas such as product development, aviation and trails marketing as well as various collaborations with industry stakeholders in developing partnerships to increase co-operation and reduce duplication in destination management. Catrin holds a Bachelor of Arts (Hons) in International Management and Business Administration and a Masters in Planning and Environment. Catrin has also recently achieved Graduate Australian Institute of Company Directors.

Brant is the current CEO of Bunbury Geographe Economic Alliance, a for-purpose Organisation which works with its industry and local Government members to promote and attract economic development to the Region. Prior to this role he spent more than 20 years in the mining and mineral processing industries within the Region and overseas. This included a range of senior roles managing teams in the areas of environment, safety, community and Government relations, new mine development, and technical services. Outside of work he is an active member of several local sporting clubs. He has built a considerable business and community network in the South West, and has a passion for seeing the region grow sustainably to be the region of choice for business and liveability.

Ben is CEO at the Shire of Manjimup after serving in two other South West councils – the Shire of Harvey and Shire of Donnybrook-Balingup where he was CEO. Ben has also worked in Perth and in a council in England. His extensive local government experience extends to being a Board member of the Local Government Indemnity Scheme WA, Board member of Advocacy WA and inaugural Chair of the Bunbury Geographe Tourism Partnership. Ben’s current role involves engagement with the Warren Blackwood Alliance of Councils. He has a Bachelor of Applied Science and Masters degree in Urban and Regional Planning. Ben has accreditation as an Australian Certified Economic Developer.

Tony Nottle leads more than 400 staff as CEO of the City of Busselton, the region’s largest council by population. His background is in finance and corporate services before talking the CEO’s position at the City. Tony previously served as CEO at the shires of Dandaragan, Coolgardie, Carnamah and Menzies, marking 21 years leading Local Government bodies. He was previously a member of RDA Wheatbelt and member of the Wheatbelt Development Commission. Tony has completed a range of short courses through the Australian Institute of Company Directors while his education has focused on business and management leadership.

Lee is Regional Manager Bunbury as part of the Southern Ports Authority which has a key economic development role in facilitating trade. He oversees port throughput of more than 17mtpa of trade and has enjoyed record-breaking years at the port which operates as a Government Trading Enterprise. Lee has built his career on the back of work in the maritime logistics sector and mining industry with BHP and South32. He has a proven track record in fostering collaboration and communication among board members, stakeholders, community and executive teams. Lee also serves on the ECU South West Advisory Board and has a keen interest in realising opportunities for youth in new industry technology where updated skills are required for the future.

Cassandra is a business communications, operations and public relations specialist. She began life in the private sector and is now Manager of Executive Services returning to the South West Aboriginal Medical Service after a spell a Community Development Manager at the Shire of Dardanup. Cassandra has undertaken project management roles and secured funding for a number of major projects. She has been recognised in the National Local Government Awards, and was involved in an award-winning project for the Shire of Dardanup, which received the Excellence in Environment and Sustainability Award for IPWEA WA Best Public Works Projects Greater than $5m. Cassandra is qualified in HR, Marketing and Operations, and is currently studying for her MBA.

Julie is Executive Assistant with the Gnaala Karla Booja Aboriginal Corporation and is deeply committed to Indigenous community development, aiming to foster the economic advancement of Aboriginal people. Julie is an Associate Member of Indigenous Allied Health Australia and is also a member of the City of Bunbury’s Heritage Advisory Committee. Her academic qualifications include a Bachelor Degree in Social Science in Indigenous Services, post graduate degree in Aboriginal Health Promotions, and she is a qualified in Neuro Linguistics. Julie’s career journey has included work in Aboriginal health, work with the City of Bunbury, Southwest Women’s Refuge and BHP. Julie is a Yamtji Yorga (woman) with her roots in Carnarvon but grew up in the South West.

Director of Regional Development

Charles is the organisation's Director of Regional Development and holds a non-voting position on the committee as Secretary. He read for an honours degree in applied social science at Leicester University, and gained qualifications in regional development from UWA. He has worked in the field since 2006, taking a new direction after 21 years as a journalist, print editor and managing editor when he was nominated for a Premier's Award for Services to Indigenous people. A JP, Charles has completed a post graduate Masters degree in Planning and Environment through RMIT. He sits on various economic development groups and is an Associate Fellow in the Australian Institute of Management. He is a Director of the SEGRA Foundation, and was formerly Chair of the South West Academy of Sport, Chair of Manea Senior College and sat on the SW Aboriginal Workforce Development Centre Advisory Board.

Projects Officer

Vickie’s current focus is a project assisting local governments in transitioning to net zero, as well as managing RDASW’s events, communications and finance. In her spare time, she is a partner in a small viticultural business and runs her own small business consultancy. Vickie has a keen interest in sustainability, circular economy and renewable energy, and is passionate about change and opportunity in our regions. Vickie has a Bachelor of Commerce, a Post Grad Diploma in Human Resources and a certificate in OH&S. Vickie has also recently obtained her qualification as a Certified Economic Developer from Economic Development Australia.

Data and Special Projects Analyst

Carol holds the position as the Data and Special Projects Analyst for RDASW. In this role, she provides RDASW stakeholders with current economic data to facilitate efficient and timely decision-making. With her background in commercial real estate, specifically in accommodation assets, Carol holds a particular passion for the tourism industry. Additionally, she has gained recent experience in both local government and international student education. Carol earned her Bachelor of Science degree from Cornell University in Ithaca, New York.