Anne Moroney to step down as RDA BGLAP CEO

For immediate release

Tanunda, SA (September 27, 2022) Regional Development Australia Barossa Gawler Light Adelaide Plains today announced that Anne Moroney has decided to step down as Chief Executive Officer after 15 years in the role. She will remain CEO until January and her successor will be announced by the Board in the coming weeks.

“I have decided to leave now because I believe RDA is in good shape, has forward contracts in place, a great organisation and is now ready for someone else to take the reins. For the past 15 years the organisation has built robust ecosystems for innovation and investment. We’ve bridged the gaps between business, industry and community with local, state and federal government. We’ve got a great team and fantastic board that will carry that work forward. I will miss it enormously, but I think It’s time.” said Moroney.

There has been huge growth and unprecedented change in the Barossa, Gawler, Light and Adelaide Plains regions during Anne Moroney’s tenure over the past 15 years. The collaborative work on long range planning has been critical. Her early work with local grape growers to help establish Barossa Grape & Wine (now Barossa Australia) the region’s peak industry body has paid enormous dividends for the region. She more recently established the Barossa Campus, a regional universities centre that provides local post-secondary students with access to facilities and support with online study, building the regional talent pool. Current formative projects include the Northern Adelaide Plains Food network and advocacy for new climate independent water across the region.

Moroney says one of her challenging highlights was helping to coordinate the COVID response with Tourism Barossa, Barossa Grape & Wine, Barossa Council, Light Regional Council and the Member for Schubert. It was a time of great uncertainty with regional businesses needing consistent information and go-to support. “The RDA met the challenge and it was inspiring to the see the local business community respond to the crisis with spirit and optimism.” said Moroney.

“The big moments are those with people. The informal community mentors who would stop by my office and chew the fat in really relevant ways. The community builders and businesses – particularly small and family businesses who need the right information. The good people around the region who are positive, supportive and have “can-do” attitudes. The notes of thanks I received from grape growers and departing staff. Little things, but motivating. The giants of the region with whom I’ve had the pleasure to work deeply.” said Moroney.

“As I tidy up my office, I have on the shelves the formation of work for many industry organisations and community foundations going back to the ‘80s & ‘90s – organisations that really helped build the region. There are long term regional plans, water strategies, industry impact reviews, markets development, workforce strategies. So much was coordinated in this place. This is ongoing work, but that bank of knowledge and history is an amazing resource for the future.”

Anne Moroney started her career as lawyer and partner of a commercial law firm in Brisbane. “It taught me about difficult people, understanding structure, managing risk, negotiating and governance.” said Moroney. Moving to the Barossa to take up the life of a vigneron, she joined the RDA in 2006 and became CEO in 2007. What’s next? “That’s a work in progress. Until then, its business as usual at RDA.” said Moroney.

Regional Development Australia Barossa Gawler Light Adelaide Plains identifies regional priorities and works to develop innovation, talent and investment in the region. If you need assistance or referrals for your business, group or project contact the RDA team at https://barossa.org.au

About Regional Development Australia Barossa Gawler Light Adelaide Plains

RDA BGLAP is a non-government organisation led by a regional industry board to address local challenges & identify economic opportunities. It works with local, state and federal government, business, industry and local communities to offer local knowledge, transformative projects, assistance and referrals. It’s a part of a network of RDA organisations across Australia.