Both women are well known to the region’s rural community, with Edwina currently serving as the CEO of Regional Development Australia (Murray), and media consultant Sarah currently serving as the Chair of Holbrook Landcare Network. Both are also involved in farming, Edwina at Mullengandra and Sarah near Holbrook.
Murray Local land Services Chair, David Wolfenden, welcomed the broad experience and many skills the new members brought to the organisation.
“New Board members bring new insight and knowledge into how we can improve the services we provide landholders,” he said.
“Murray Local Land Services needs to be continuously increasing the value we provide to customers, and Edwina and Sarah have the experience to contribute to this improvement.”
Edwina, a social worker, businesswoman and the former Murray Regional Landcare Facilitator, said she was excited by the new role.
“I’m looking forward to the opportunity to connect people across the region, to create relationships and share the information, advice and support Murray Local Land Services officers to bring the best about for our region’s natural resources, agribusinesses and associated industries,” she said.
Edwina’s experience areas also include mental health, executive health management and the development of economic, environmental and social outcomes in southern NSW.
Sarah, a former metropolitan journalist, echoed Edwina’s comments, saying she was looking forward to the opportunity to build on the work of Local Land Services in the region.
“I will use my extensive experience in communications, rural issues and government policy, as well as utilising good governance and strategies, to help ensure the services offered by Murray Local Land Services are relevant and effective,” she said.
Over a 40-year career in journalism and public relations, Sarah has worked with News Corporation, the Australian Wheat Board, Charles Sturt University, Albury City Council, Wodonga TAFE and State Forests/NSW Department of Primary Industries, the latter involving the management of game and feral animals.
Mr Wolfenden paid tribute to retiring Board members Jennie Hehir and Terry Gorman.
“I would like to thank Jennie and Terry for their invaluable input to Murray Local Land Services. Both were inaugural Board members and have guided the development of essential services the organisation delivers today,” he said.
Edwina and Sarah join Michelle Humphries (Jerilderie) and David Wolfenden (Rand) as the Minister-appointed Board members for Murray Local Land Services, with the elected representatives being Colin Bull (Conargo), Ken Crossley (Deniliquin) and Norm McAllister (Deniliquin).