GUNNEDAH’s Keli McDonald has been appointed to lead a national group representing rural, regional and remote Australian women.
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Ms McDonald has been appointed the chief executive officer of the National Rural Women’s Coalition (NRWC), after serving as its finance officer for four years.
She said she was delighted at the opportunity to advance the objectives of the NRWC in her new role.
“[It] is a great honour and I take the responsibility very seriously,” she said.
Ms McDonald is the principal of Kel’s Country Bookkeeping, which she established in Gunnedah about 15 years ago.
She has also previously worked as a TAFE trainer and assessor in business administration, financial services and small business management at certificate II, III and IV level.
The NRWC represents five rural women’s peak organisations: Australian Local Government Women’s Association, Australian Women in Agriculture, Country Women’s Association of Australia, National Rural Health Alliance, and Women Industry Network – Seafood Industry.
The non-profit group advises the federal government on policy issues relevant to rural women.
Region on board
Armidale woman Rechelle Leahy and Tamworth’s Lisa Shipley were also re-elected to the NRWC board at the coalition’s annual general meeting in Sydney.
Re-elected president Alwyn Friedersdorff said the 2017-18 board would “continue to deliver a powerful national voice for rural, regional and remote Australian women”.
“Each member of our board is a leader in their own right, collaborating to deliver innovative projects, influence policy and decision-making,” she said.
“They’re a dynamic, responsive and responsible team.”
The 2017-18 board consists of vice-president Leonie Noble (Geraldton, WA); treasurer Dorothy Coombe (Ringwood, Vic) and company secretary Sarah Parker (Undera, Vic); and directors Lisa Shipley (Tamworth), Hannah Wandel (Canberra, ACT), Dr Kim Webber (Sydney, NSW) Rechelle Leahy (Armidale) .
What’s next?
Ms McDonald said the 2017-18 year plans would include supporting a webinar series on topics such as leadership, social media, wellbeing, resilience, government, advocacy and entrepreneurship.
“In October we are running a unique e-Leaders course for First Nation women in Alice Springs to promote entrepreneurship and business development,” she said.
“NRWC will also be running the RRR Muster to Canberra again this year in November where women over 35 years (last year was 18-35 years) have the opportunity to meet with ministers and learn from some of the most influential women in the country.”
Ms McDonald said rural, regional and remote women interested in these free programs should follow the NRWC Facebook page @NRWCandNetwork or website www.nrwc.com.au