Staff

The Association has a small but dedicated team of staff who are passionate about ensuring Local Government and community participation in the major natural resource management issues of the Murray-Darling Basin. Staff are based in Adelaide, Albury and Kerang and support the work of the Association and its members. Other staff are appointed from time to time to undertake projects.

The team consists of:

Ray Najar
General Manager

With a background in Civil Engineer, Ray has been actively engaged in irrigation, water use efficiency and education programs. Ray joined the Murray Darling Association as General Manager in October 2003. Ray was a founding member of the Irrigation Association of Australia in 1983 and has served on the National Board since 1997. He is currently serving on the State Landcare Council and the Business SA Environment Committee as well as being a long standing member of the Murray Darling Association. With Ray's training, wide experience and capacity to take up the challenge of an increasingly demanding role, Ray hopes to build on and enhance the Murray Darling Association as it addresses a multitude of natural resource issues.

Adrian Wells
Upper Murray Manager

Adrian has a background in horticulture, the media, rural counselling, community development and rural education. He is founding member of the National Carp and Pest Fish Task Force, is project manager for the Murray Valley Trail and chairs the Community Stakeholder Group of the Murray-Darling Basin Native Fish Strategy. He has served on the Community Advisory Committee of the Murray-Darling Basin Ministerial Council and the Murray Catchment Management Board.

Jan Alcott
Office Secretary

Jan has been with the Association since 1990. She manages the Albury Office and plays a key role in the Association's newsletters, managing projects, financial management and distribution of education material. She also makes a great cup of coffee!

Kay Learhinan
Finance Officer

Kay joined the Adelaide office in September 2007. Kay has a stong background in accounts and book keeping and since her arrival has impressed everyone with her hard work and efficiency. Kay is a backyard water warrior with a real concern for the future of the planet.   

Jo Haw
Central Region - Project Officer

Jo started with the Association in April 2005, previously her experiences include Irrigation & Water Resources Project Community Education Officer, Project Manager for the Kerang-Swan Hill Future Land Use Pilot Project, the Loddon Murray Executive Officer and Loddon Murray Facilitating Change Coordinator. 

Noma Madida
Office Manager - Adelaide

Noma has been with us since 23rd August 2009 on temporary basis.  She studying Behavioural Science (Psychology) at Flinders Uni.