Our Members

Business and community members

Lisa Dwyer – Chair

A partner of Kangertong Farming Pty Ltd, Lisa is responsible for the operation of a dairy/beef enterprise with a focus on business management, growth development and animal wellbeing. She is an experienced non-executive director serving with Murray Goulburn Cooperative Co from October 2016, including as a former member of the Finance, Risk and Audit Committee, Chairman of the Human Resources Committee and member of the Supplier Relations Committee.

Lisa was also a non-executive director of Dairy Australia and the Australian Livestock Export Corporation Limited and Chairman of the Finance, Audit and Remuneration Committee. She is currently a non-executive director of Racing Analytical Services Limited, member of the Victorian Agricultural Climate Change Council and Regional Development Advisory Committee and a graduate of the Australian Rural Leadership Program and the Australian Institute of Company Directors. She holds an Advanced Diploma of Agriculture, Graduate Certificate of Australian Rural Leadership and Graduate Certificate in Agribusiness.

Stephen Lucas – Deputy Chair

Stephen has a breadth of experience in the transport and emergency services sector having been the president of Bus Association Victoria, a helicopter pilot in the Australian Army and a chair of Westvic Helicopter Rescue Services Inc. Stephen has owned and operated bus businesses throughout Australia and is the Managing Director of Warrnambool Bus Lines.

Cassandra Prigg

A mentor with the Deakin Access and Equity Program, Cassandra is passionate about championing youth voices, advocating for diversity and strengthening local communities. Cassandra holds a Bachelor of Arts majoring in Anthropology and Gender Studies and is currently undertaking a Bachelor of Environmental Science (Marine Biology) and a certificate IV in Mental Health.

Anne Murphy

Anne is an Executive Officer for Glenelg and Southern Grampians Local Learning and Employment Network. She has more than 30 years’ experience in the Education sector, having worked as a teacher, trainer and consultant curriculum writer, as well as an executive officer in a number of Local Learning and Employment Networks.

Anita Rank

Anita Rank brings a wealth of experience in business, industry and health services to the RDA table. In 2012, she was elected to the Glenelg Shire Council, where she has held the title of Mayor for six consecutive years. Not only does she represent the RDA on the Great South Coast Regional Partnership, but she is also the Executive Officer of The Committee for Portland. In addition, Anita chairs Headspace Portland, is a director at Great Ocean Road Regional Tourism and the Deputy Chair of the Rail Freight Alliance.

Anita has lived and worked for 20 years in the Great South Coast Region, as well as spending 10 years in Ballarat and 20 years in Bendigo. Anita is well versed in how to make rural and regional Victoria an attractive place to live and do business, and understands the importance of promoting the local economy including the manufacturing sector and food and fibre.

Anita holds a Master of Politics and Policy Development and is a graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.

Fiona Whale

Fiona is a Senior Agribusiness Relationship Manager with Rural Bank where she works with farming clients throughout South West Victoria to sustainably grow their businesses.  With her family she owns and runs a Cattle and Sheep enterprise near Hamilton.

Fiona is involved in the CFA, Landcare, playgroup and a number of the South West’s health, education, sport and social networks with her family and young children.

Liz Price

Liz is General Manager of Great Ocean Road Regional Tourism Board, an organisation established in 2013 as a partnership of the Six Local Governments across the region to deliver a collaborative, regional approach to building a sustainable visitor economy for the Great Ocean Road region. Liz is a Board member of the Victorian Tourism Industry Council and a Director of Great Southern Touring Route, a partnership between Geelong Bellarine, Ballarat, the Grampians and industry to grow international visitation.

Liz has more than 30 years’ experience in the tourism and hospitality sector and extensive experience in print and digital publishing. Liz is committed to building greater collaboration to drive sustainable, long-term outcomes for the benefit of the region.

Local government CEOs

Andrew Mason – CEO, Warrnambool City Council

Andrew Mason is Chief Executive Officer of Warrnambool City Council. Prior to his appointment in February 2023, Andrew was CEO at Corangamite Shire Council and prior to this was Corangamite Shire’s Director Sustainable Development for two years. Andrew has extensive experience as a planning consultant and has held senior management positions in both the State and local government sectors.

Andrew works actively with private and government stakeholders as a member of many external committees. Andrew holds a BA (Planning) and MBA.

Brett Davis – CEO, Moyne Shire Council

Prior to joining Moyne Shire Council as Director, Economic Development and Planning in early 2020, Brett was Executive Director Regional Victoria with the Victorian Planning Authority (VPA), working with twenty-seven rural and regional Councils on the delivery of the VPA’s Streamlining for Growth program.

Brett is a Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors, past State President of the Planning Institute of Australia (Fellow) and has worked throughout Australia on numerous large-scale projects and led multi-disciplinary teams for public and private organisations. He is a Fellow of the Leadership Ballarat and Western Region program.

Michael Tudball – Acting CEO, Corangamite Shire Council

Currently Interim Chief Executive Officer of Corangamite Shire Council, Michael has over 20 years’ experience in senior leadership roles in local and state government, most recently as the Chief Executive Officer of Southern Grampians Shire Council.

Living and working in regional Victoria, Michael has a passion for regional and rural communities and is a well-regarded leader with vast experience in growth area planning and delivery, along with significant stakeholder and community engagement. Michael is a keen cyclist, active service club member and long serving CFA volunteer.

Tony Doyle – CEO, Southern Grampians Shire Council

Tony Doyle is Chief Executive Officer of Southern Grampians Shire Council. Prior to this appointment in December 2021, Tony was CEO at Knox City Council in Melbourne’s outer east, which followed his appointment as CEO at Hindmarsh Shire Council in Victoria’s north west. Before joining local government, Tony had an extensive career in Banking and Finance, working in Australia and overseas. Tony is passionate about community engagement and empowerment. Tony holds a Bachelor Economics (Accounting) and an MBA.

Paul Phelan – CEO, Glenelg Shire Council

Paul Phelan brings diverse senior leadership and change management experience to the Glenelg Shire Council in his role as the newly appointed Chief Executive Officer.

Paul’s extensive work history includes senior appointments within Victoria Police, Department of Child Safety, Queensland, and Department of Children and Families (DHHS) Tasmania. He has led multi-disciplinary departments through significant government reforms, managed multi-agency emergency responses and recovery activities and is committed to developing safe, inclusive, and resilient communities.

In May 2021, Paul joined the Glenelg Shire Council as Director, Community Services, providing high level leadership to the Community Services Department, and oversight of the development of the Council Plan and Community Grants program. In July 2022, Paul transferred to the role of Director, Assets providing leadership oversight of extensive capital works projects and other associated asset and infrastructure portfolio responsibilities.

Paul holds a Bachelor of Arts with Professional Honours (Public Sector Leadership and Management).