Rural Edge is looking to welcome professional and passionate members from primary industries to their Board of Management.

Rural Edge is a state-wide, not-for-profit organisation supporting and strengthening WA primary industries by providing valued and dynamic professional development opportunities.

Rural Edge is very much driven by primary producers, for all members of the business…. And their community

As Rural Edge is not a commercial organisation, we do not compete with services that are already available. Our role is to provide services and opportunities that are not being delivered or are not readily accessible to rural WA. Our Executive Manager and Board of Management act as a support mechanism to get professional development where and when it’s needed.

Rural Edge is proud to be a self-funded, not-for-profit organisation. We operate a cost-recovery model to deliver our workshops and actively seek partnerships with like-minded parties (private enterprise, government and government agencies) to develop and expand our programs.

The national organisation Partners in Grain was launched in 2001 and was managed in WA by a State Reference Group. In 2017 Rural Edge became its own incorporated association and the national organisation transitioned to an Alliance model.

Rural Edge is a member of the Partners in Grain Alliance to foster collaboration, information sharing, communication and support between alliance members (Vic/Tas, QLD, SA, WA and NSW) who are all not-for-profit organisations delivering professional development to Australian primary producers.

Board of Management

Rural Edge employs an Executive Manager who manages the operational activities of the organisation. The Board’s role is primarily strategic, however, they also contribute on-ground advice/local knowledge and networks for their region. 

The main roles of a Board member include:

  • Developing strategic direction for Rural Edge
  • Identifying industry professional development requirements for your local area and assisting in developing the opportunity to deliver these programs in your area and across the state
  • Portfolio duties- each board member accepts a portfolio which is an area of Rural Edge operation that is of interest to them. Throughout their term they will oversee this area of Rural Edge and provide support to the Executive Manager, as needed.
  • On-ground Rural Edge contact- attendance at local Rural Edge workshops in your area if required and occasional speaking at events in your area

The Rural Edge Board is a voluntary management committee, however, all related travel and accommodation expenses are reimbursed. 

Board members are elected for a three-year term. The anticipated time commitments for Board members are:

  • 1 x face-to-face meeting per year (1-1.5 days in Perth; all accommodation and travel paid)
  • 4-6 x video/ teleconferences per year (1.5 hours in duration)
  • Occasional assistance via telephone and email
  • Attendance at Rural Edge Inspire forum – next forum scheduled for 2020

Current Board members:

CHAIR –   Bronwyn Fox, Dandaragan
Email: chair@ruraledge.org.au
Portfolio: Sponsorship & funding

VICE CHAIR- Gemma Walker, Munglinup
Email: hamiltondowns@hotmail.com
Portfolio: Workshop development

SECRETARY- Nicole Batten, Yuna
Email: jjnjbatten@bigpond.com
Portfolio: Rural Edge Alliance

TREASURER: Julie Alvaro, Merredin
Email: julpep@bigpond.com

Helen Woodhams, Kojonup
Email: ghwoodhams1@bigpond.com

Natalie Hogg, Williams
Email: nathogg@hotmail.com
Portfolio: Marketing and communication

If you have any questions or are seeking more information about the Rural Edge Board, please contact any of the Board members via email or our Executive Manager, Debra Mullan on 0477 083 999 or via email admin@ruraledge.org.au