Wheatbelt Business Network Board

Originally a science graduate, Amanda brings her analytic skills to the Board and a keen eye for data. She works alongside her husband managing two businesses – a shop front and an online business and understands how to improve and grow business in the Wheatbelt. She is a strong advocate for business in the region and looks to the bigger picture when approaching challenges. Amanda is also on the Wheatbelt Development Commission Board.

Evaluating and managing risk comes naturally to Paul, who has worked in the insurance industry for most of his career. Paul also has strengths in corporate governance, motivating and encouraging performance from staff and enjoys the challenge of helping the WBN achieve its objectives in a diverse region. Countrywide Insurance Brokers has representatives across the state of Western Australia.

A background in international finance and corporate governance has given Danelle skills that are exceptionally valuable to business in the region. Danelle has also worked in small and medium businesses in the Wheatbelt prior to joining RSM in Moora and acknowledges she has a keen eye for detail. She enjoys connecting the dots between her international learnings and how businesses in the Wheatbelt can benefit from them.

A strong skill set in financial planning and banking, as well as many connections across the Wheatbelt in her role with Bendigo Bank, Tara is well placed to ensure the WBN achieves its financial goals and complies with its financial governance. Tara also runs an accommodation business in Mukinbudin and understands the challenges and opportunities as a business owner.

Being creative and having a strong knowledge of agronomy do not usually go hand in hand. Melissa works in agronomy and research but also has a passion for interior design, running her business Melissa Welsh Style and Design from her home in York. Melissa has a varied skill set for the WBN Board as she understands the drivers for agriculture in the region, agribusiness but also a creative and style flair to help WBN events.

Tara has a strong knowledge in understanding regional development, having held previous positions with State Government in similar roles. She has also a keen eye for detail and data trends having worked in Federal Government intelligence. Well known as getting things done and being practical in her solutions, Tara now operates a project management and grant writing business specifically in the space of regional development.

A chef by trade, Cathy has a thorough knowledge of food production and establishing food products for retail and commercial sale. Working with her husband Sean, they operate two high paced food outlets, one in Brookton and one in Perth and have their own fresh and healthy food product line. Cathy also brings a strong skill set in day to day business operations and technology.

Working in a public practice across rural Western Australia has given Ryan exceptional skills in looking at the bigger picture and understanding the workings of a variety of different industries which grow the regions. Ryan grew up in the Avon area and is keen to grow the support that small businesses receive in the Wheatbelt.

Millie brings a variety of connections to the WBN including as Chairperson of the Moora Chamber of Commerce. Millie understands the constraints on rural small businesses as well as their daily operations in her role with Bankwest. Millie is an enthusiastic supporter of growing the Wheatbelt and helping businesses to connect with one another.