Chairperson
With a career in allied health, while also running a house, and preparing to sell a farm and relocate in regional NSW – it became clear to Ali that there was a need for services for others just like her. Ten years later, with university-aged children, Ali founded Perfectly Sorted, based in Mudgee.
During 2023 Ali downsized her business life, with the sale of Perfectly Sorted. Her new venture Cloth & Feather focusses on soft furnishings and interior decorating. She is keeping busy but has more time for the extra-curricular activities she enjoys such as travel and a new passion for golf.
Ali is an active and passionate Mudgee local. As well as being on the MRT Board, Ali is President of the local chamber of commerce, Business Mudgee.
Elected: Board member since November 2022; elected Chairperson November 2023
Deputy Chairperson
Cameron is the co-owner of Sierra Escape and Abingdon House as well as Brightworks, a media production company. He has won awards for both his work in film as well as tourism, namely at the Regional, State and Australian Tourism Awards multiple years running.
Since 2017 Cameron and his wife Tasch have grown Sierra Escape from a true ‘Greenfield’ site to a luxury retreat with five luxury glamping tents featuring outdoor bathtubs, stunning views, swimming pool and yoga deck. Cameron has a strong passion for growing the visitor economy and creating a sustainable economy for tourism in the Mudgee Region.
Elected: Appointed to Casual Vacancy March 2022; Appointed Board Member in November 2022.
Treasurer
Owner, Convent and Chapel Wool Shop, Rylstone.
Margot’s career before moving to the Mudgee Region was in financial services as a corporate lawyer and then communications and national marketing. She holds degrees in Law, Arts and Journalism.
Always wanting to live in the country and looking for a lifestyle change, in 2012 a Convent in Kandos popped up in Margot’s real estate search. Within a week she had put in an offer on a Spanish Mission Convent that hadn’t been lived in for years.
Convent and Chapel Wool Shop opened nearly 10 years ago, amusingly on one of the hottest days of the year. It is now a destination shop and on every Australian and international knitters’ ‘must visit’ list.
As well as being on the MRT Board, Margot is very involved in local activities including Secretary for the Kandos Rylstone Business Chamber and Treasurer of Kandos CWA.
Elected: Board Member since December 2016; Treasurer since 2018
Secretary
Joy is fourth generation in Gulgong and although she was neither born nor educated there, she always had a passion for the town and people.
From 1983 to 2014 she owned a Marketing and PR Company in North Sydney, which she sold to relocate to Gulgong. Since 1986 Joy has published The Science of Beauty, an international trade magazine, for the Australian Society of Cosmetic Chemists.
When Joy returned to Gulgong as a journalist, she was approached by the Mudgee Guardian to report the Gulgong news for the paper.
In 2021 she was named Electorate Woman of the Year for her voluntary contribution to the Mid-Western Region.
Joy, with her husband Tony, is the Coordinator of the Gulgong Gold Experience and the Miner’s Cottage Tea Rooms.
Elected: Board Member since 2013 including appointment into a casual vacancy position in 2020. Appointed Board Member & Secretary in May 2022
Board Director
Cr Des Kennedy has been Mayor of the Mid-Western Region for 13 years. He was elected to serve on Mid-Western Regional Council (MWRC) in 2008 before being elected Mayor in 2010.
Since his appointment to the role of Mayor, MWRC has achieved remarkable milestones and completed major projects that have consistently benefited the region’s residents. Balancing the interests of the region’s major industry, coal mining, without impeding on the growing tourism marketing is a noteworthy accomplishment of Council. The Councils approach has preserved the region’s traditional agricultural economy and the natural beauty of local towns and villages.
Mr Kennedy’s enduring commitment and vision have been instrumental in shaping the Mid-Western Region into a prosperous and progressive community, embracing its natural beauty while fostering growth and cultural richness.
Residing in the Mudgee region for over 30 years, Mr Kennedy has deep roots within the community, exemplified by his ownership of a well-regarded local hotel.
Elected: Board Member since November 2013; Chairperson 2022–23
Board Director
Diana is owner operator of her strategic and tactical consultancy Marketing Methods P/L (29 years), and self-contained Bandalong Cottages (5 years). She has also been an active Director of two Not-for-Profit Boards and is currently Secretary of her local RFS.
With a focus on marketing, business growth and continuous improvement (Kaizen), customer experience/management and strategic planning in a constantly changing market, Diana is an experienced consultant, lecturer, facilitator and mentor for a wide range of clients/industries, including multinational, national, state and SMEs in the not for profit, public and private sectors.
Elected: Appointed Board Member in May 2022
Board Director
Rowena is a proud Gulgong local businesswoman and active community member with over 27 years’ experience in business, hotel management and tourism related enterprise in Gulgong. She is passionate about hotel management, tourism and providing both locals and visitors in Gulgong and the Mudgee Region with a genuine and memorable experience worthy of their return and recommendation to others.
Elected: Appointed Board Member in May 2022
Board Director (Casual vacancy)
Having grown up on a cattle farm near Rylstone, Edwina is a true local currently co-managing Yeates Wines cellar door & vinestay with her family, as well as the Old Bank accommodation in Rylstone. After studying IT & communications in Sydney she embarked on a successful career in media. Working predominantly in advertising with Network Seven, she also spent time at the Commonwealth Games in India whilst carrying out charity work on the side. Edwina’s interest in giving back and passion for travel led her to pursue a career in the development and non-profit sectors. She has worked with Australia’s AusAid program in Tanzania, Red Cross in Vanuatu and the Fred Hollows Foundation’s Indigenous Australia Program in Darwin.
In 2016 Edwina joined Mudgee Region Tourism and then went on to establish her own marketing consultancy and commence a B. Law & Psychology degree part time. She has also played an active role in the region’s wine and tourism sector including managing marketing for Mudgee Fine Foods and serving on Mudgee Wine Association’s promotions committee.
Elected: Appointed Board Member (casual vacancy) in May 2024
Mid-Western Regional Council
Observer
Brad Cam is a dedicated and accomplished leader with a passion for public service and community development. As the General Manager of Mid-Western Regional Council (MWRC), a position he has held for the past nine years, he has brought a wealth of experience and expertise in local government administration.
With a career in local government spanning over 17 years, he has a proven track record of effective leadership and has been instrumental in steering the Council towards achieving its strategic goals and ensuring the efficient delivery of essential public services.
Prior to his role as General Manager, Mr Cam was the MWRC Director of Operations for seven years. Mr Cam also managed his own successful building and construction business for 19 years.
Mr Cam is deeply committed to creating a brighter future for the Mid-Western Region, its residents, and visitors. His leadership, unwavering dedication, and commitment to progress continue to shape the Council into a thriving and vibrant community that residents are proud to call home and visitors don’t want to leave.
Elected: MWRC elected member since June 2014
