RDA Central West Podcast Series

Maree Statham is the twice-elected Mayor of Lithgow and one very interesting woman.

 

Our podcast episode with this passionate community member will air this Friday. Maree tells us all about how the Local Government Area (LGA) of Lithgow is moving on up and how the area is, in her opinion, the most underrated tourism destination in NSW. If you truly delve into what this LGA has to offer, you couldn't help but agree.

 

We find out about Lithgow LGA’s new tourism branding - Seven Valleys Tourism and just how much this community has to offer both residents and visitors alike.

 

Maree has been an actively involved community member for decades, in addition to running her own hair salon and etiquette coaching service for 49 years.

 

Through loss and hardship, umpteen winnings of Fashion on the Field, and many a challenge, Maree has continued to navigate the world of local politics with positivity and grace, championing a brighter future for locals of the Lithgow LGA.

Kellie is co-owner of the Central West's favourite community newspaper - Village Voice, alongside husband and RDA board member Rich Evans.

 

This dynamic duo moved from Western Sydney some years ago and has planted roots firmly in the Lithgow / Portland community, establishing a hugely popular free local newspaper for Bathurst and Lithgow LGA's, which champions all things local.

 

Kellie is involved in a number of business ventures and community initiatives and tells us all about how the Lithgow LGA is going places and what it's like to be a tree-changer in this vibrant community.

 

Hear from Kellie on Facebook video via our page or download the episode any time wherever you get your podcasts from.

Joining RDA director Wayne Sunderland for episode 63 of the Business Leader’s Breakfast Series are the fabulous duo from Clever Cookie Academy - Peita and Rob Mages.

 

Clever Cookie Academy has taken the local tutoring world by storm with their colourful branding and commitment to make learning fun.

 

Peita and Rob started with two students in a shed and have grown into an established academy working from an entire office floor, helping over 400 students tackle their learning challenges and excel.

 

Peita is a Minister’s Award for Excellence in Teaching recipient for achieving record-breaking HSC results. She is a teacher trainer, expert speaker, and lover of literature. She’s a pusher and is renowned for her dogged determination to help her students achieve incredible results.Prior to teaching, Peita worked in the film industry for Walt Disney Pictures, Sony  Pictures and Universal Pictures as a National Publicity and Promotions Manager. Hobbies include baking at inappropriate hours and lurking outside of her comfort zone.

 

Rob absolutely HATED mathematics as a child (unlike a lot of maths teachers), and it is believed this is the precise reason he’s so good at explaining its tricky concepts to students. His background in the corporate sector means that he always links his teaching of mathematical concepts to a real-world setting, tackling the ‘when will I EVER use this in my life’ question, head on. Rob's never give up mentality is known to rub off on his students and he is forever providing outside of hours support to Cookies stuck on maths problems.

 

This interview is an inspiring look into a husband and wife team who took a leap into business and never looked back.

Local wine tour operator Mitch Crump talks about the business of having a side-business and all he loves about the thriving wine region of Orange.

RDA Director Wayne Sunderland sits down with Vicki Seccombe, Regional Manager – Western NSW for Business NSW. 

 

Vicki is responsible for providing a voice for Western NSW businesses on the issues that are important to them. She also works closely with businesses and local chamber partners to identify key issues and seeking practical policy solutions.

 

Vicki has over 25 years experience working for professional associations and not-for-profit organisations in membership, events, advocacy and relationship management.

Watch via our Facebook page at 8am tomorrow or download via Apple podcasts.

Regional Development Australia Central West director Wayne Sunderland sits down with incoming Telstra CEO Vicki Brady and finds out more about what it takes to become the leader of Australia's largest telecommunications company. 

In this special-length episode, Vicki tells us about her career journey and more about who she is outside of Telstra. Listening to Vicki one can only leave acknowledging how humble and inspirational she is. Her journey from Holbrook to corporate leader will leave you with a smile and we are excited to see Vicki take the helm of Telstra.

Abraham Dearmer is an army commander turned senior private equity professional.

 

After 15 years in the Australian Army, Abe earned two degrees and has fast climbed the corporate ladder.

 

During his time with Xenon Partners Abe has been involved in the due diligence of five companies and the acquisition of two, in the exciting world of tech – particularly the software as a service industry.

 

Abe is currently involved in the management of two Xenon Partners companies with a global customer base and a remotely located team, yet is able to call Bathurst home where he is based.

 

Listen in to hear about Abe's journey from the army to the senior world of tech and what he's learned along the way about life and leadership.

Wayne Sunderland interviews Incy Interiors founder Kristy Withers.

Kristy manages her international business, Sydney-based warehouse and team from right here in the Central West, based at The Hive coworking space in Orange.

In 2011, interiors enthusiast and mum, Kristy, founded lncy Interiors, an Australian owned and designed company specialising in designer baby and children's furniture.

lncy Interiors transpired after Kristy's long and exhausting search to find her son Oscar's first 'big boy' bed. Her regular work-related travels to the US and Europe gave her exposure to the myriad of products and styles on offer, something that was simply missing in Australia.

Kristy's frustration, coupled with a gentle push from her husband Simon, to "stop talking about it and just do it!" led to the birth of lncy Interiors, and with that, the launch of high quality designer kids' furniture in Australia.

Prior to starting her business, Kristy spent five years working as a corporate marketing executive for eBay - researching the market, launching new products and developing strategies.

Kristy resides in Orange with her husband Simon and two children Oscar and Polly.

We can't wait to hear from you Kristy!

RDA Central West director Wayne Sunderland sat down in Grenfell with returned local Paige Wood - owner of The Tin Cupboard, a delightful gift and homewares store that sends it's wares to all corners of Australia. 

Paige talks about her progress from bricks and mortar store to online retailer, detailing how supportive small communities are to local businesses and the powerful impact social media can have on reaching more customers. 

We hope you enjoy episode 56 of The Business Leaders Breakfast Series.

Dr Belinda Mawhinney is the founder of The Collective, an uplifting coworking and events space that has elevated the town of Grenfell, tucked into the beautiful Lachlan Valley.

Belinda spent much her childhood in Grenfell, but was determined to study social work in Sydney. After a detour via Charles Sturt University, Belinda relocated to Sydney, qualified as a social worker and spent the following two decades living, studying and working in the city. 

In 2016, Belinda returned to live in Grenfell where she lives with her partner, Anthony, and five year old farmer, Frankie.

After completing a doctoral thesis in 2020, Belinda saw a gap to provide a space for the many high-level remote workers she was encountering in her town. She was inspired to create The Collective, and with it, a sense of community for these people. 

In May 2021, The Collective opened its doors with charming decor and an interesting mix of workshops and events, attracting some big names to this little town where NSW residents are travelling from near and far to get educated, inspired and work in this positive space. 

The Collective is just one aspect of Belinda's business life, but goes hand in hand with her other business, Belinda Mawhinney Consultancy, which was established in 2016. Here, Belinda works with individuals, teams and whole organisations to enhance the capacity of people through coaching, clinical supervision and education.