In this section:

Archived Media Releases

New regional communities consultative council appointed

4 May 2011

Regional Development Minister Gail Gago has announced the appointment of a new Regional Communities Consultative Council (RCCC).

Ms Gago said the 11 members are distinguished South Australians who bring high-level skills and significant life experience to the council.

The RCCC was formed in 2002 to advise the government on regional issues.

The terms of reference were recently updated to give members a stronger advocacy role.

The size of the council has been streamlined from 19 members to 11. Peter Blacker will continue as chairman and Mark Braes has been appointed deputy chair.

“I’m delighted with the calibre of people who nominated for the council and who were selected to serve for the next two years,” the Minister said.

“The new council will be more strategically focused. “I’ve asked Mr Blacker to engage the council in developing a targeted work plan, focused on three or four key opportunities emerging in regional South Australia.

“The members will have important tasks to perform and real influence."

“I expect this to invigorate the membership and improve decision making within government.”

Five of the 11 members are new appointments, which Ms Gago said would help build leadership capacity in regional communities.

The Minister thanked all outgoing members of the council for their contributions.Mr Blacker welcomed the Minister’s announcement.

“I look forward to working with the Minister and the new members to achieve the council’s objectives,” he said.

The following members have been reappointed for an additional term, expiring March 31, 2013:

  • Mr Peter Blacker as chair
  • Mr Mark Braes as deputy chair
  • Mr Bill Boehm
  • Ms Marian Woodberry
  • Ms Deborah Agnew
  • Ms Anita Crisp

The following new members have been appointed:

  • Ms Kate Duffy
  • Ms Kay Matthias
  • Mr Ken Lloyd
  • Mr George Beltchev
  • Dr Ann Herraman