I founded ProjectsJSA to help leaders in government, business, and communities to make an impact for regional communities. I use my knowledge, experience, and networks to help leaders create transformational regional initiatives. I can help you move past the traditional strategy project or technical studies to create a distinctive initiative that combines good strategy and technical design, with strong stakeholder alignment and support.I prefer to work via ‘collaborative consulting’, integrating my work alongside you and your team. Superior to traditional outsourced consulting models, this approach leaves stronger ownership, new skills, and knowledge beyond the outputs of any project we do together. I can bring in analyst and others if needed.My clients include a mixture of large organisations (AGL, Australian, and NSW Government Departments, PWC, Murray-Darling Basin Authority, Settlement Services International) and smaller regional organisations (Committee for Shepparton, Hunter Joint Organisation, RDA Tasmania, Glen Innes Shire Council, Moyne Shire Council). Check out www.projectsjsa.com.au for more information.

Service as an expert on committees and reviews advising governments and industry.Advisory Panel – Rural Economies Centre of Excellence (2019-present)Providing advice to support the development and impact of this QLD regional research centre. https://www.ruraleconomies.org.au/ Strategic Regional Growth Expert Panel – Australian GovernmentAdvice on regional policy and initiatives to Minister for Regional AustraliaSee final report tabled in parliament: https://parlinfo.aph.gov.au/parlInfo/search/display/display.w3p;query=Id%3A%22publications%2Ftabledpapers%2F3c107901-b940-4dfb-b95a-1f3f6a9857a0%22 SME Export Hub Advisory Committee – Australian Government (2020, complete)Expert advice to government on program funding decision makinghttps://www.minister.industry.gov.au/ministers/karenandrews/media-releases/export-hub-grants-help-businesses-through-crisis Expert Panel for National Water Infrastructure Development Fund – Australian Government (2016-2018)Advice to the Australian Government on the merit of EOI submitted National Water Infrastructure Development Fund and the National Water Infrastructure Loan Facility Investment.Avocado Industry Advisory Committee – Horticulture Australia Ltd (2013-2014)Advice to Horticulture Australia Limited and the Avocado Industry on the investment of industry funds for research and marketing.

The Cairns Institute is a Research Centre for Tropical Societies based in Cairns, Queensland and part of James Cook University. As an Adjunct Research Fellow, I can collaborate with researchers in the Institute on regional development issues in northern Australia and other projects of interest. Adjunct is an honorary title to formally recognise a non-employment 'special relationship' with the university.

Work+Stay is a social impact-driven recruitment and settlement enterprise wholly focused on Regional Australia. In my role as Co-Founder with SSI I developed the concept and helped drive the start-up phase of the initiative. Work+Stay makes it easy for people from diverse backgrounds to access regional job opportunities, to make a successful move and settle for the long term in regions. The Work+Stay team has done an amazing job developing the enterprise into a genuine success, helping hundreds of people secure good jobs in regions, supporting communities and reducing skills shortages. I am proud to have played a role in the initial phases of the development of the enterprise.

Leadership of the Regional Australia Institute. Research and engagement in public debate on the future of regions. Bringing State and Territory and Australian Governments together with University partners to develop a Shared Inquiry Program for Regional Policy and forums for government collaboration.Weekly engagement in public debate through TV, newspaper, radio and online.A great role with incredible opportunities to travel Australia, understand and support regional communities to craft their futures.

Leading the development of research and policy for the Regional Australia Institute. Including:-development of a strategic information and policy agenda for regional issues-public presentation of RAI research and ideas to promote debate-development of research projects on a range of public policy issues affecting regional Australia-liaison and engagement of national and international research expertise-project management-conduct research into a range of policy issues-develop systems and processes for research and promotion of ideas by the Institute

Led the establishment of the organisation from registration of the company. This included:-development of corporate strategy-public launch of the organisation and media engagement-development of relationships and networks with stakeholders-establishment of complete corporate governance system-development of initial research priorities and decision making structures-fundraising strategy-reported to Board of eminent Australians-established company operations, systems and processes-negotiated funding agreements with the Australian Government

During my early career, I gained experience in government, natural resource management, indigenous affairs, and consulting. My roles included:► Principal Consultant, Inovact Consulting/ Consultant Garland Outcomes (2008-2011)At Inovact I provided advice to government and agricultural industry clients on strategy, stakeholder engagement, and program evaluation.► Welfare Reform Enabler, Cape York Partnerships (Cairns, 2006-2007)At CYP I assisted in the design of a $100m welfare reform initiative. My role involved liaison between Cape Communities (Aurukun, Coen, Hope Vale and Mossman Gorge), Cape York Institute, and governments on program design and development.► Acting Director/Assistant Director/Graduate, Australian Government Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (2004-06, 2007-08)Assisted in the development and implementation of policy and programs on climate change, natural resource management and agricultural industry issues.