For Immediate Release
Nuriootpa, South Australia: In a strategic move to maximise the benefits of the upcoming $2 billion investment outlined in the RDSA Regional Blueprint 2023, Regional Development Australia Barossa Gawler Light Adelaide Plains (RDABGLAP) Chair Rolf Binder proudly announces the addition of four new board members.
These leaders, joining an esteemed team of local experts, are set to collaborate with councils, governments, and local stakeholders, enhancing community prosperity as part of the Regional Development Australia (RDA) network.
Introducing Our New Board Members:
Bridget Kimber
Bridget Kimber is an experienced business consultant with a focus on strategic growth in various sectors including health, education, tourism, events, and wine. Originally from Melbourne, she has since made her home in the Light Region, where she owns and manages The Station – a premium group accommodation facility in Kapunda. Her expertise in multiple industries, combined with her hands-on experience in hospitality, offers a rich perspective to our board.
Ashden Saegenschnitter
Ashden Saegenschnitter is an experienced senior leader who has successfully delivered complex strategic infrastructure projects across Australia. His career spans a range of disciplines, including hazardous waste, ports and rail, green hydrogen, ammonia, liquid natural gas, and renewable energy. His roles as Commercial General Manager at Tellus Holdings and Senior Commercial Manager at the Port of Newcastle highlight his skills in project finance and strategic planning.
Sam Koerner
Sam Koerner has a diverse professional background, with experience in Information Technology, Mining, Emergency Services, Telecommunications, and Agriculture. He was a key figure at Swoop Telecom, serving as Head of Research and Development after the company acquired Beam Internet, which he co-founded in 2015. Sam is also a co-founder and director of Kodo Technologies, a Barossa Valley-based IT company started in 2014. More recently, in 2022, he started ‘Convert The Dirt’, a project focused on educating about soil biology and regenerative farming.
Natalie Seaman
Natalie Seaman brings three decades of experience in the real estate industry, including property development, marketing, sales, management, and commercial leasing. Natalie played a key role in establishing the Barossa, Light, and Gawler Women’s Football League in 2017, serving as its inaugural chair. She also founded and coached the first female football teams at Tanunda Football Club. Her recent tenure as the Female Football Director on the Board of the Central District Football Club (2019-2023) highlights her leadership in community sports, as well as real estate.
Existing Board Members Continuing Their Vital Contributions:
- Rolf Binder (Chair; Wine Producer, Rolf Binder Wines)
- Andrew Morphett (Deputy Chair; Co-owner, Anlaby Station)
- Rachel Brdanovic (Managing Director, Tandem Energy)
- Kieren Chappell (General Manager for Economic Development, Light Regional Council)
- Stephen Balch (Business Consultant)
- Martin McCarthy (CEO, The Barossa Council)
- Henry Inat (CEO, Town of Gawler)
Leonie Boothby, CEO of RDABGLAP, states: “With Ashden, Bridget, Natalie, and Sam joining our team, we are even better equipped to guide our region through the significant opportunities presented by the $2 billion investment pipeline outlined in the RDSA Regional Blueprint. Their skills complement those of our existing members, ensuring a well-rounded approach to regional development.”
Rolf Binder, Chair of RDABGLAP, adds: “The inclusion of these new members is a testament to our commitment to harnessing diverse expertise for the region’s growth. Together, we are poised to transform the upcoming investment into sustainable and impactful community benefits.”
The appointment of these new members marks a significant step in RDABGLAP’s mission to facilitate a thriving, sustainable, and economically prosperous region.
Download photos of the new board members, CEO Leonie Boothby and Chair Rolf Binder on Google Drive.
Media Contact:
Nathan Little
RDA BGLAP Communications
0481266499
nathan@barossa.org.au
About Regional Development Australia Barossa Gawler Light Adelaide Plains: We work with businesses and communities to sustainably grow our regional economy and create more liveable communities. We’re a non-government and non-profit organisation part of a national network.
The Regional Development Australia (RDA) network is an Australian Government initiative. The network is made up of local leaders who work across government, business, and community groups to improve their local region. This is achieved by supporting economic and workforce development, local procurement, strategic regional planning and informing government programs and infrastructure investments.
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