Northern Rivers 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 Northern Rivers 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.
Bev George | Vice President | BG Accountants
Andy Vidler | President | Muller Enterprise/Ballina Chamber
Andy Vidler holds current leadership roles within technology services and business consulting businesses. He is an experienced business owner and operator, with over 28 years of experience spanning retail, government, professional services, finance, and technology sectors.
Andy earned an MBA qualification in 2011 and holds professional certifications in program & project management, cybersecurity, training and organisational change. He enjoys applying strategic, technical and operational expertise to creating sustainable opportunities for his clients and the Northern Rivers region more broadly.
Since 2016, Andy has also worked with a range of organisations to support opportunities for First Nations people in Australia to participate in the digital economy in an effort to build a prosperous and digitally-enabled future.
Martin Claus | Tursa Employment & Training
Martin Claus is a seasoned business leader with expertise in franchising, marketing, and community impact. As Manager of Marketing and Communications at Tursa Employment and Training, he leverages over 13 years of experience in business development, sales, and coaching.
He successfully built and ran a multi-national franchise group and led a major community employment initiative, securing sustainable jobs for 270 people.
Passionate about continuous improvement and team development, Martin brings a strategic mindset to governance and leadership. Outside of work, he is an avid Dragon Boat competitor, coach, and sweep, enjoys international travel, and expresses creativity through painting.
Rowle Hull | Lifetime member | Hull & Co Accountants
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Michael Thurston | Destination North Coast
Currently the General Manager at Destination North Coast for the past seven years, Michael brings over 27 years of tourism industry experience to the role.
He has extensive experience in the commercial and destination management sectors both in Australia and internationally having worked in numerous markets around the world.
During his career, he has worked for Destination Gold Coast, STA Travel, Thomas Cook UK, Insider Journeys and as an owner of Lennox Head Holiday Rentals.
Robert Blanchard | Herb Blanchard Haulage
Robert Blanchard is an experienced Executive Officer with extensive experience in business leadership and community development. Having been a part of the family business in Grafton since the early 1980’s, Robert brings a deep understanding of local business operations and community engagement. A dedicated member of Rotary for over 13 years, Robert is currently serving as a Rotary Community Leader, focusing on initiatives that support local communities.
Robert also has a strong background in the transport industry, having been a board member of NATROAD and serving as its Director from 2007 to 2011.
An active advocate for regional business, Robert is a member of Business NSW (formerly NSW Business Chamber) and has served on the Northern Rivers Regional Advisory Council since 2015. Outside of professional commitments, Robert enjoys hockey, squash, and staying fit through regular exercise, and spending time with family & friends.
Aymon Gow | Tropical Fruit World
Aymon Gow is the General Manager of Tropical Fruit World, bringing over 27 years of experience and deep-rooted knowledge of the farm’s unique ecosystem. Starting as a Tour Guide, he has held key leadership roles, shaping the farm’s operations and visitor experience.
A respected industry leader, Aymon serves on the Business NSW Regional Advisory Council and was a past Chairman of Destination Tweed.
Recognized as a “local tourism hero” in 2021, he is passionate about regional tourism and sustainability. Outside of work, Aymon enjoys offshore fishing, surfing, and exploring the Northern Rivers’ coastal beauty.
Ed Riley | Max Sam
Ed Riley formed Max Sam in 1996 to help clients grow their business in the infrastructure sector.
Prior to this, Ed completed a 15 year Sales, Marketing and General Management career with a US multi-national manufacturer, responsible for market growth in construction markets in Australia and Asia.
Ed is passionate about strategy, customer focus, leadership and the ?people piece? in Infrastructure. Assignments and clients over the last 20 years have enabled Ed to participate as part of the change on projects, programs and with the ?now new? generation of leaders.
Ed is recognised for his extensive knowledge, his candor, his independence and his investment in individuals in the infrastructure space.
Kelly Anderson | Northcott
Kelly Anderson is a Senior Operations Manager with Northcott, a leading disability service provider, providing dynamic and personalised support to children and adults with disability for over 90+ years. Kelly’s portfolio covers Northern NSW, Mid North Coast, Hunter & New England regions and manages a revenue stream of about $20 million and is responsible for approx. 260 staff and 200 customers. With 14+ years of experience in the field, Kelly is passionate about inclusion and ensuring that people are able to live the life they choose.
Kelly is also a proud Aniawan woman and was born and raised in Ballina. When Kelly is not advocating with or supporting her many teams, you will find her at the local netball courts or touch football fields with her family.
Donna Kildea | Summerland Bank
Donna joined Summerland in 1999 when she took a position on the Board of Directors and in 2003 assumed the position of Chief Operating Officer.
Donna is passionate about human resource management and takes great pleasure in supporting staff in reaching their full potential, being a mentor to many.
Chris Sharpe | Longley Heritage Group & Richmond Dairies
Chris Sharpe has held board and senior management positions for over 20 years in diverse industries such as food manufacturing, warehousing and logistics and property management. He has had extensive experience in developing export markets, particularly those in South-East Asia, Japan and China. This includes development and introduction of new products to meet specific customer needs and navigating importing requirements when introducing these new products.
He is passionate about developing opportunities for New South Wales business, both in domestic and international markets and working with government and regulators to better understand the opportunities and challenges for business owners.
Matt Williamson | Good Cover/Byron Bay Chamber
An innovative, motivated, and resilient insurance professional with a passion for community and an ability to collaborate at all levels. Matt is the founder of Good Cover, a risk advisory and insurance broking business based in Bangalow.
He is also the President of the Byron Chamber of Commerce, board member of Northern Rivers Food, active in his local community through the Lions Club and Mens shed, and a passionate advocate for change in the insurance industry at national level.
Greg McNamara | Board Buddy
Greg joined Business NSW as a councillor in 2013 before being elected to the Board in 2014.
Greg has spent his entire life working in the agricultural sector, firstly as a dairy share farmer, then moving to farm ownership in his mid-twenties. Greg currently runs a 300-strong dairy herd in partnership with his wife Sue and son Todd at Goolmangar, near Lismore.
Greg has been a Director of Norco Co-operative Limited since 1996 and, in addition, has held the position of Chairman of the Board of Directors since 1999. Greg is a Member of the Northern Rivers Cooperatives Alliance, and Chair of Australian Organic Industries.
Anni Brownjohn | Ozganics Australia Pty Ltd
Anni Brownjohn is the founder and Managing Director of OZGANICS Australia, an Australian leader in organic and sustainable food production.
With over 35 years of experience in business, she has successfully navigated the complexities of manufacturing, exports, and retail strategy.
Anni is passionate about driving innovation, fostering sustainable growth, and supporting Australian businesses.
As a member of the NSW Business Regional Advisory Council, she brings extensive expertise in market expansion, supply chain resilience, sustainable business and brand development, advocating for policies that strengthen sustainable enterprises and create economic opportunities.