Mid North Coast Regional Advisory Council
Regional Advisory Council (RAC) members are drawn from a diverse range of businesses and industries across the region, contributing a wealth of insight and experience.
The Mid North Coast Regional Advisory Council (RAC) helps keep our ear to the ground. They advise our State Council on policy issues that affect our regional members. They also provide a direct line of communication from our members to our management team and the Board.
Meet our RAC Members
Passionate about her coastal home, Kate has forged a 25-year career in Port Macquarie with a focus on community engagement and connection, public relations and media, business strategy, marketing and events. In 2022 Kate was awarded NSW Local Woman of the Year by the NSW Premier for her extensive community work.
Prior to joining the University, Kate was Area Director of Sales & Marketing for EVENT Group (Sails Resort & Rydges Port Macquarie) which included the brand, partner and strategic event management of dual properties including the relaunch of the resort after a 4-year $25 million dollar refurbishment.
Kate Wood-Foye | Director External Engagement (Port Macquarie), Charles Sturt University
Donna Ballard | CEO, Taree Universities Campus (TUC)
As the General Manager at Destination North Coast for the past six years, Michael brings over 28 years of tourism industry experience to the role and region.
He has extensive experience in the commercial and destination management sectors having worked for Destination Gold Coast, STA Travel, Thomas Cook UK, Insider Journeys and as an owner of Lennox Head Holiday Rentals.
Michael Thurston | GM, Destination North Coast
With over 20 years of experience in the media industry, Luke Campbell has established himself as a respected leader across the Mid North Coast.
Known for his strong engagement with the local community, Luke values connecting with people and fostering relationships. He brings a wealth of expertise, passion, and dedication to his role, always striving to make a positive impact.
Currently serving as General Manager for Southern Cross Austereo (SCA), he oversees the operations of leading digital audio and broadcast radio brands such as Triple M, HIT, and LiSTNR across the Coffs Coast. His career has been marked by leadership roles across sales, marketing, production and operations, where he has consistently delivered optimal business results while fostering innovation and team development.
Luke Campbell | GM, Southern Cross Austereo
Joshua is a seasoned stakeholder engagement and public affairs manager with over a decade of experience in the telecommunications industry. Currently the Regional Engagement Manager for Northern NSW at Telstra, he is responsible for the external and community engagement strategy across the region.
Prior to this, Josh held various roles in sales execution, business development and retail management at Telstra and played an active role for the telco in the roll-out of the NBN network in new residential developments across Australia.
He studied a Bachelor of Arts and a Bachelor of Secondary Education from the University of Sydney and is currently based in Port Macquarie on the NSW Mid North Coast.
Joshua Fulwood | Regional Engagement Manager, Telstra
Madeleine has been working in economic and community development in NSW and QLD in local government and not for profit domains.
She has moved into this area following a career as a management consultant, a tertiary educator and researcher and also owns a small business specialising in organisational improvement.
She is keen to see action on the challenges facing our communities and economies and loves working across the region with the great people we have to improve the lives we live here.
Madeleine Lawler | CEO & Director, Regional Development Australia Mid North Coast