Riverina Murray 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. 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
Sally Manning | Committee Member
Sally was raised in Wagga Wagga, where she completed her schooling and tertiary education with a focus on Tourism and Event Management.
Following her love of travel Sally has built a diverse career spanning the tourism, aviation, visitor economy, events and business sector with an underpinning focus on relationship management and fostering connection.
As the Business Manager of the Wagga Wagga Business Chamber, Sally is a key connector within the business community. She is dedicated to identifying and sharing new opportunities, building strong networks, and serving as a passionate advocate for business growth in the city.
Ross Dixon | President
Ross is a Director at RSM, based in the Albury office. With over a decade of professional experience, he worked as an International Corporate Tax consultant; initially in the corporate tax advisory department before moving into the tax management consultancy team in 2016.
Ross immigrated to Australia in 2019 and has extensive experience working with Manufacturers, Technology Businesses and Innovators, assisting businesses commercialise new products and expanding into new markets.
Ross is passionate about partnering with businesses and key stakeholders across regional Australia and working with them to build capacity across the regions. He has significant experience in both international tax advisory work as well as tax compliance, audit and accounting.
Ross has worked on and managed a broad spectrum of clients ranging from family-owned business to private equity backed companies, as well as large listed international corporate groups.
Andrew Cottrill | Committee Member
Andrew Cottrill is the Regional Development and Engagement Manager for NBN Local Riverina Murray.
Andrew has more than 40 years experience in senior business and telecommunications industry management, with more than 20 years in the Riverina Murray region.
Prior to his appointment at NBN, Andrew held positions as Regional Director, Business NSW and Area General Manager for Telstra Country Wide.
Roy Spagnolo | Deputy President
Roy is the Principal and founder of Roy Spagnolo & Associates and commenced his successful business in 1997. Roy is a Fellow of Chartered Accountants (FCA) , Fellow of Certified Practising Accountants (FCPA) and is a Chartered Tax Advisor (CTA).
Having over 30 years professional services experience in Griffith and Sydney, Roy continues to provide tailored services to domestic and international clients and he is a key advisor to many high net worth individuals.
The driving factor to Roy's success is his passion and commitment to the accounting industry specialising in tax advisory for domestic and international businesses.
Roy feels his greatest accomplishment to date is the effect he has on his staff's professional lives and seeing them to be very successful professionals in their own right.”
Jackie Kruger | Committee Member
Jackie commenced as General Manager of Leeton Shire Council in 2015 and previously held the position of Director Planning and Community Services at Tamworth City Council.
Her formal qualifications are in natural resource management (BSc Forestry/ Conservation) and a Masters in Environmental Education. She is also a graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.
Jackie currently serves on the Boards of Local Government Professionals NSW, Statewide Mutual NSW and Western Riverina Country Universities Centre.
Andrew Kaye | Committee Member
With over 25 years working in building, project management, manufacturing, and business management, Andrew has extensive experience leading teams across various sectors including construction, manufacturing, and professional advisory. Commencing his career in Sydney, Andrew has run small to medium businesses within the Albury/Wodonga and Riverina region for the past 20 years.
Outside of work, Andrew loves spending time with his family and is passionate about supporting various local organisations, particularly Boys to the Bush, an Albury based non-for-profit supporting disenfranchised youth across regional Australia where he sits as Chair of the Board.
Brian Millar | Committee Member
Brian is a Principal Consultant at Pomegranate Consultants, specialising in Vocational Education and Training (VET) and the Hospitality industry. With over 30 years of leadership experience in VET and Higher Education, he has held senior roles with TAFE NSW and La Trobe University.
He serves as a State Councillor for Business NSW, is a member of the Riverina Murray Regional Advisory Council, and sits on several boards, including Regional Development Australia Murray. He also chairs COMPACT Inc. and the NSW Rural Fire Service Association, and is a Fellow of the Tourism Hospitality and Catering Institute of Australia.
Brian’s expertise includes strategic planning, industry engagement, program development, and education-to-employment pathways. He is a Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors and holds a Master of Hospitality Management, a Bachelor of Education, and various qualifications in business, teaching, and cookery. With 40 years in education and hospitality, he is committed to regional development and workforce growth.
David Hunter | Committee Member
David Hunter is a Director of Habitat Planning and a Town Planner and Urban Designer. David holds a Bachelor of Urban and Regional Planning (UNE) and a Master of Urban Development and Design (UNSW).
David has experience in town planning and urban design, across regional and metropolitan NSW and Victoria. With high level town planning and urban design skills and knowledge, developed through a variety of complex and challenging urban development projects, David offers a unique skill set of town planning, urban design and environmental assessment.
David offers services to development applications and planning permit applications, environmental assessments and reviews, strategic planning, amendments, subdivision planning, master planning, structure planning, concept plan development, design review and facilitation.
Annabelle Davis | Committee Member
Annabelle's diverse career began with The Australian Ballet, where she performed soloist and principal roles on international tours across Russia, Europe, Asia, and the USA. Following her time in the arts, she achieved a Master of Management from Macquarie Graduate School of Management.
Annabelle's professional experience spans multiple industries, including the arts, agriculture, medical and recruitment sectors. She has worked with leading organisations such as Opera Australia, The Australian Ballet, the Royal Agricultural Society of NSW, and the Canberra Eye Hospital. Currently, Annabelle works in general management for her husband's family business, G.R. Davis Pty Ltd.
In addition to her corporate roles, Annabelle has served on several industry boards and committees including; ACT Snowsports, Snow Australia Northern Management Committee, AusDance ACT, Essential Oil Producers of Australia, and Business NSW's Regional Advisory Panel. Annabelle recently founded the advocacy group Landholder's Right to Farm, supporting landholders in the West Wyalong region in their efforts to maintain farming rights.
Richard Pottie | Committee Member
Richard was born in Wagga Wagga and grew up on a property east of Ladysmith and attended Ladysmith Public school followed by Kooringal High School. Richard commenced a carpentry apprenticeship upon leaving school which saw him move to Singleton before returning to Wagga Wagga and starting his own business in January 1987. Richard formed his first company in the July of that same year. Richard added earthmoving to his construction business in 1993 which we now know as Ladex (short for Ladysmith Excavations) Ladex currently employ 55 full time staff at their Bomen Office.
The Ladex Construction Group Management Team pride themselves on building positive, long term relationships with their clients. Ladex has completed works in NSW, VIC and the ACT. Their civil sector specialises in road works, bulk earthworks, detailed excavation and hydraulic installations, whilst their construction services range from sourcing land and all necessary approvals for developments, full design and engineering, Project Management, Contract Construction, to ongoing and preventative maintenance.
Richard also has part ownership and is a director of Wollundry Investment, Joint owner and Managing Director of Rocky Point Quarries and owner/developer of Junee Lifestyle Village. Richard is a life member of Apex, former Apex State President and National Board member for 4 years, past president and current director of Kooringal Rotary and current President and Board Member of the Riverine Club.
Maya is an experienced Health Manager with over 18 years’ expertise in policy development, program management, contract management and governance. She is skilled in collaborative approaches that foster cross-sector stakeholder relationships. She applies a strategic, evidence-based approach to navigate complex healthcare systems, with a focus on quality improvement, promoting health equity, enhancing consumer experience and improving health outcomes for the Murrumbidgee community. Previous roles include positions with the Murrumbidgee Primary Health Network, the Australian Public Service, and the ACT Education Directorate. Maya holds a Bachelor of Science from the Australian National University and a Diploma of Education (Secondary) in science teaching from the University of Canberra.
Jayson Smith is the Chief Strategy & Engagement Officer at SWSbank, leading strategy, innovation, and engagement for a customer-owned bank serving over 14,000 customers. Jayson is passionate about ensuring regional voices are heard, believing thriving businesses and strong communities go hand-in-hand. Jayson turns strategic vision into action, enhancing customer value, personalising experiences, and delivering innovative solutions. With years of leadership experience, Jayson brings a people-first approach and a focus on meaningful outcomes for businesses and communities.
Known for her integrity, energy, and inclusive leadership style, Kate Pitt, Executive Officer of the Deniliquin Business Chamber, has led initiatives that strengthen local enterprise, foster innovation, and position Deniliquin as a vibrant hub for business and tourism.
Her professional background spans corporate, government, non-profit, and small business sectors, equipping her with a nuanced understanding of stakeholder engagement, policy navigation, and operational leadership. Kate’s ability to connect across industries and drive outcomes has made her a trusted voice in regional advocacy and economic strategy.
Kate is a passionate champion of the visitor economy and small business, with a firm belief that regional success depends on genuine support from all levels of government and recognition of the unique value regional communities offer. Her entrepreneurial spirit is reflected in her boutique venture, Edith Elsie, which celebrates local creativity and craftsmanship.
Glen Robinson is a dedicated community leader and business professional based in Albury, New South Wales. With over 20 years of experience in regional development and small business support, Glen is passionate about driving local economic growth and creating opportunities for future generations. He has played key roles in local council initiatives, business mentoring programs, and regional business sustainability projects. Glen is known for his collaborative approach, strategic thinking, and deep commitment to the Albury-Wodonga region. Glen continues to advocate for regional innovation and resilience, making a lasting impact on the community he proudly calls home.
