The Canberra Region Food Advisory Panel
With an initial membership of around 12 people, this informal panel was convened in December 2020, and is advising on issues of concern to food enterprises across the food supply/value chain.
The panel will provide advice and insights that will assist the Leadership team in establishing the Steering Group and a range of Stakeholder Advisory Committees which are scheduled to be established during the fourth quarter of 2022 and the first quarter of 2023.
If you are interested in participating, please contact the leadership team.
The panel will provide advice and insights that will assist the Leadership team in establishing the Steering Group and a range of Stakeholder Advisory Committees which are scheduled to be established during the fourth quarter of 2022 and the first quarter of 2023.
If you are interested in participating, please contact the leadership team.
Food Advisory Panel
The Steering Group
In 2022 a diverse, experienced team will be selected to form a Steering Group that represents the full range of food stakeholders. They are tasked with creating a strong, sustainable model, and developing a sustainable future business plan. governance strategy and future business plan.
The Leadership Team
Michael Claessens CEO RDA ACT
With over 20 years’ experience in industry and investment, food/agribusiness, transport and advanced manufacturing, Michael has extensive involvement in rural and regional stakeholder engagement, the not for profit sector and government.
As CEO of RDA ACT, his focus is on optimising Regional Development Australia ACT’s connections with regional businesses, councils, government and industry to innovate, seize economic opportunities and attract investment.
Michael is passionate about the value of building collaborative networks as a vehicle for delivering profound, sustainable improvements in business competitiveness and believe that social responsibility and inclusion should go hand in hand with business success.
As CEO of RDA ACT, his focus is on optimising Regional Development Australia ACT’s connections with regional businesses, councils, government and industry to innovate, seize economic opportunities and attract investment.
Michael is passionate about the value of building collaborative networks as a vehicle for delivering profound, sustainable improvements in business competitiveness and believe that social responsibility and inclusion should go hand in hand with business success.
​Ross MacDiarmid
Chair RDA ACT
Ross MacDiarmid was previously Chief Executive Officer of the Royal Australian Mint. He has extensive private sector experience in manufacturing and marketing as well as a background in tourism and business development.
In many different leadership roles, in multiple contexts, across varying sectors, Ross has been instrumental in positively transforming cultures and processes to create high performing organisations. He brings to the Leadership Team executive level experience in Australian Capital Tourism, Ansett Australia, ACT government and Lockwood Australia.
Ross originally hails from Queanbeyan and is a passionate advocate not just for the ACT, but also the greater Capital region.
In many different leadership roles, in multiple contexts, across varying sectors, Ross has been instrumental in positively transforming cultures and processes to create high performing organisations. He brings to the Leadership Team executive level experience in Australian Capital Tourism, Ansett Australia, ACT government and Lockwood Australia.
Ross originally hails from Queanbeyan and is a passionate advocate not just for the ACT, but also the greater Capital region.
Suzanne Gearing
Strategy & Events RDA ACT
Passionate about rural Australia and building connected, resilient, sustainable regions, Suzanne's career has a strong focus on developing and implementing effective growth strategies, aligning and inspiring stakeholders to find common purpose, and helping businesses and organisations turn opportunities into success stories.
She is the founder and Chair of Wagging Tails Community, a charity that focuses on mental and phsysical wellbeing; founder of social enterprise bush farm Mongarlowe Gourmet; and Deputy Chair on the Board of RDA SI. Suzanne has played an active role on a number of committees, including founding Chair of the Braidwood & Villages Business Chamber.
She is the founder and Chair of Wagging Tails Community, a charity that focuses on mental and phsysical wellbeing; founder of social enterprise bush farm Mongarlowe Gourmet; and Deputy Chair on the Board of RDA SI. Suzanne has played an active role on a number of committees, including founding Chair of the Braidwood & Villages Business Chamber.
Carisa Wells
CEO RDA Southern Inland
Carisa has been successfully self-employed in most of her professional life and have worked in small to medium sized businesses. Being an entrepreneur for so many years means she has learnt to wear many hats. Marketing, finances, strategic planning, product development, brand recognition, public relations, social media and relationship building are all part of her specialty.
An active member volunteer, Carisa's experirence includes Vice Chair Southern Highlands Chamber of Commerce & Industry, Committee PCYC NSW, Member CWA, Chair Southern Highlands Key Stakeholder Group, Committee Moss Vale and Rural Chamber of Commerce and Director of the Highlands Dristrict Cricket Association.
An active member volunteer, Carisa's experirence includes Vice Chair Southern Highlands Chamber of Commerce & Industry, Committee PCYC NSW, Member CWA, Chair Southern Highlands Key Stakeholder Group, Committee Moss Vale and Rural Chamber of Commerce and Director of the Highlands Dristrict Cricket Association.
Adrian Best
Special Advisor RDA ACT
Adrian has thirty-three years of Hospitality Management experience, lecturing in Hotel Management at CIT, and senior roles with airlines and a member of ACT Regional Development Australia and AgriSkills Australia. He has delivered national initiatives including the National Food Supply Chain and Food Processing in Regional Australia programs, with extensive experience building innovation and capacity in Australian food manufacturing and facilitating product commercialisation with both industry and research organisations for export.