MDA leadership team a blend of experience and renewal
02 Dec 2020
The Murray Darling Association (MDA), Australia’s peak body representing local government across the Murray Darling Basin, has appointed an experienced and capable leadership team for the implementation of the first year of Vision 2025: the MDA’s new five-year strategic plan.
The board has reappointed Cr David Thurley OAM from Albury City Council as national president. Cr Thurley has been in the role since 2016, with his stability and experience highly regarded by the board.
Recognising the unique interests and combined objectives of communities across the Murray-Darling Basin, the board this year elected a vice president for the Northern Basin and a vice president for the Southern Basin.
Cr John Campbell from Gunnedah Shire Council has been on the board since 2018 and will be an exceptional representative of the Northern Basin. Alexandrina Council’s Cr Melissa Rebbeck is a passionate representative and active board member, representing issues of the Southern Basin and will make an outstanding vice president of the Southern Basin.
Cr David Thurley OAM, a councillor with Albury City Council, said it was an honour to be re-elected unopposed and reinstated as the peak body’s National President.
“It is a pleasure to serve and work with the other Board members to grow and strengthen this organisation. We have achieved great results in the last few years and I am looking forward to us meeting the challenges and being a strong voice for local government.”
“I am also pleased to have the support of our Vice Presidents Cr John Campbell from NSW and Cr Melissa Rebbeck from SA,” said Cr Thurley.
Cr John Campbell, from Gunnedah Shire Council in NSW, said he is proud to be elected as MDA vice president of the Northern Basin.
“It is my intention to continue the work of the MDA not just in my Region 11 but throughout the Murray-Darling Basin as a whole. We have a very strong board and will follow our Strategic Plan: Vision 2025 in an effort to achieve our goals.”
Cr Melissa Rebbeck, a councillor with Alexandrina Council and MDA vice president of the Southern Basin, said she is “keen to continue to support and implement the MDB Plan ensuring healthy flows for the entire basin.”
“This means connectivity across the Basin to support implementation of practice change to ensure communities thrive economically, environmentally and socially,” Cr Rebbeck said.
CEO Emma Bradbury welcomed the new leadership team, acknowledging the work of outgoing vice-presidents Cr Phyllis Miller from Forbes Shire Council and Cr Jane MacAllister from Wentworth Shire Council.
“I look forward to continuing to work with this strong board and experienced leadership team in an environment of stability and confidence”
The new MDA leadership team will work hard with the board and the executive to implement the first year of Vision 2025, the MDA’s new five-year strategic plan, which is available here.
For more information, contact Comms and Engagement Officer Jessica Maher on (03) 5480 3805
Read the full article here.