RDA Hume

Our Committee members

Chair – Eliza Brown

Eliza is from a prominent fourth-generation wine family in North East Victoria and has 20 years of experience in the wine, tourism, and accommodation industries.

Currently, she is the Director of All Saints Estate and Brown Family Wine Group, one of Australia’s leading family-owned wine companies, established throughout Victoria and Tasmania.

Eliza is a former Board Member of Wine Victoria, Wine Australia, and a former member of the Agricultural Industry Advisory Council for the Australian Government Department of Agriculture and Water Resources.

Eliza continues to enjoy the entrepreneurial spirit of building regional businesses with her family. Her passion is to contribute to the agriculture industry and regional issues, aligning closely with GOTAFE’s mission to support regional communities to prosper and adapt as economies change and affect local industries.

Geraldine Christou

Geraldine is the Sustainable Development Director of Greater Shepparton City Council and responsible for economic development, tourism, events, strategic and statutory planning and environment and sustainability.

She is passionate about bringing people and ideas together to identify opportunities and consolidate strengths.

Grant Jones

Grant is the Executive Advisor and Technical Director with GHD Pty Ltd specialising in infrastructure planning, options assessments, business case development and technical investigations.

He co-founded Malt Shed Brewery in Wangaratta and is the Managing Director and head brewer.

He is committed to building a vibrant and sustainable region by undertaking leadership roles with an approachable, balanced, strategic and motivated work ethic.

Kellie Howard

Kellie was born and bred in North East Victoria. A Certified Practicing Accountant and Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors, Kellie is the CEO of Squad an employment, training and HR, not-for-profit organisation that has been operating from its HQ in Wodonga for over 40 years.

Kellie has also held committee and volunteer positions with the Wodonga Innovation Project, Albury Wodonga Business Awards, Wagga Wagga Chamber Awards and is currently on the board as a Director of The Personnel Group and a member of the Junction Place Community Reference Group.

Kellie is passionate about supporting and mentoring communities, businesses and people to be their best.

Robert Tanti

Robert is Chief People Officer of Opal ANZ, a national and global leader in paper and packaging manufacturing and distribution with a strong presence in the Region. He was the Chief People Officer SPC Global, representing SPC in local community interests. Prior to that he was Chief People and Corporate Services Officer at Hydro Tasmania, Executive General Manager of People at United Group Services, and General Manager of Human Resources at Australia Post.

Robert has experience working in Government Business Enterprises (GBE), private and publicly listed businesses and has also worked with some of Australia’s best-known FMCG brands.

Robert wants to help people improve their welfare and wellbeing, and for organisations to contribute to their communities.

Tony Green

Tony is Managing Director of the Greenfreight group of companies and has worked in the business for over 30 years. Tony has studied in Melbourne and worked for both TNT and Linfox. Tony has a passion for continuous improvement and enjoys working with clients to continually challenge and redefine their transport systems.

Claire Ewart-Kennedy

Claire is a passionate and energetic representative of her community. She currently manages two cropping and livestock farms on the outskirts of Nagambie and a family business in central Melbourne.
Claire has enjoyed stints with major media companies such as News LTD, Time Magazine, BRW, South Down Press and The Age. She has a Bachelor in Communications and Politics and a Master's in Social Investment and Philanthropy.

She has a 13-year career in politics, being COS and Media Advisor for Josh Frydenberg, Ted Baillieu, John Pesutto, Tim Wilson, and Damian Drum. Her most recent project was the revival of the GV Health Foundation as Director of the GV Health Foundation and Engagement at GV Health. She is the founder of the Foundation and believes that for change to occur you must not be afraid to be a change-maker and take your community on the journey.

Mike Dalmau

Mike has contributed to the Eildon local community over the past 50 years, operating many small businesses and serving as a Murrindindi Shire Councillor for 9 years including a term as Mayor.

His past experience also includes representing the area on many Business, Tourism and Community committees, assisting small businesses recover in the Marysville area as a Bushfire Case Manager after Black Saturday and President of the Lake Eildon Houseboat Industry Association.

Mike hopes to use his knowledge of business and community to encourage positive initiatives that will make a difference to the communities in the Hume Region.

Katie Bowker

Katie Bowker has lived and worked in northeast Victoria for over 25 years and is a passionate alpine adventurist in all seasons.

She is currently employed as Economic Development Manager for Alpine Resorts Victoria, continuing a long career in strategic development, tourism and marketing roles with the alpine resorts and regional tourism boards. She is a former Board Member of Business Events Victoria.

Katie is committed to balancing economic development objectives with social, environmental, and cultural priorities for the region.