Staff Member Profiles
Brenton Lewis
Chief Executive
MAICD- Member Australian Institute of Company Directors
SABAN- Business Ambassador of South Australia 2007 (appointed 2007)
Brenton is a past Board and Executive member of the Murraylands Regional Development Board. Having spent many years in private enterprise at the senior management level, particularly in Agribusiness and within his own businesses before accepting a role with the Board. Brenton has contributed to many civic duties within the Murraylands community including the Soil Board, Regional Development Board, Murray Bridge Racing Club, Homes for the Aged and the Rotary Club of Murray Bridge. Within the role of Chief Executive, Brenton chairs several forums, participates on several boards, various committees and working parties. Brenton chooses to live in and continues to contribute to the Murraylands region.
email: blewis(at)murraylands.org.au
Simran Bath
Migration and Workforce Development Officer
Bachelor in Business Administration
Masters Diploma in Business Admin (specializing in HR)
Masters in Arts (English)
Simran was appointed as Migration and Workforce Development Officer for both the Riverland and Murraylands regions in 2007. This position is a joint project with the Murraylands Regional Development Board, Riverland Development Corporation and the State Government through the Department of Immigration & Citizenship.
Simran was born in India and was herself a skilled migrant who came through the Business Migration Program. Simran is a mother to a 6 year old and is married to a professional physician, based in the Riverland. Simran is also currently studying for a PhD in Systemic Functional Linguistics and involved with the Adult Migrant Education Programme (AMEP) with TAFE SA.
email: rdcrmo(at)riverland.net.au
Nicole Bensch
Administration Trainee
Nicole joined the Board in her role as Administration Trainee in April 2009. She is studying Certificate 3 in Business Administration at TAFESA, Murray Bridge. Nicole is a local girl, born and raised in the region. At the Board, Nicole is responsible for general office duties as well as providing administration support for all staff.
Barbara Gale
Office Manager
Barbara joined the Board in September 2004 as Office Manager. Barbara was previously employed at South East Institute of TAFE for 8 years and before that at the Douglas Mawson Institute of TAFE.
Barbara's role is the day-to-day administration of the office including developing the skills of the office trainee. Barbara chooses to live within the Murraylands and enjoys the many benefits of the relaxed lifestyle.
email: bgale(at)murraylands.org.au
Liz Johns
Finance Manager
Team Leader - Murraylands Multicultural & Migration Project
Liz commenced work with the Board as Finance Manager in October 2002. Liz has a background in small business, administration and finance. She manages the financial records of the Board and its associated projects in her role as Finance Manager. Liz is also the Team Leader to the Murraylands Multicultural & Migration Project working with a team of Project Managers to disseminate information to new migrants, address settlement and migration issues of new settlers to the Murraylands and encourage the local community to support new settlers in a volunteer capacity.
email: ljohns(at)murraylands.org.au
Paul Muskett
Project Manager - Broadband Development
BCom (Bachelor of Commerce)
Paul was appointed as Project Manager for Broadband Development in January 2008. This position was developed in a joint project with the Murraylands Regional Development Board, Riverland Development Corporation and the Murray and Mallee Local Government Association.
Paul’s background includes IT Management in a rural business for the last six years and working within the casino industry for approximately eight years prior to that.
Kate Ollett
Project Manager - Employment & Training and Jobs Without Water
Kate commenced with the Board as the Project Manager for Jobs Without Water. In 2008 she was appointed to the position of Project Manager for Employment and Training. Kate is currently working in both positions, she brings a wealth of knowledge of small and regional business operations.
Kate has strongly developed administrative skills, good community networks and specialises in systems development and management. Kate has also contributed to
numerous fund raising and community activities. She has a strong business and farming background gaining extensive knowledge of the employment and business sector within
the Murraylands region.
Darryl Webb
Business Advisor
Darryl joined the Board in October 2005 and his primary role is working with and assisting small to medium businesses, identifying and implementing opportunities for future sustainability, growth and development.
Darryl gained extensive management experience during 16 years as General Manager of Clipsal, Murray Bridge. Prior to moving to Murray Bridge in 1987 he held various management positions within Gerard Industries in Adelaide. Darryl and his family enjoy the Murraylands' lifestyle and continue to have a strong commitment to the region through community and sporting involvement.
email: dwebb(at)murraylands.org.au
Peter Webster
Project Manager - Food Industry Development
Peter joined the team in October 2007 as Project Manager for the development of the food industry for the Murraylands and Riverland Regions.
This is a Primary Industry and Resources SA (PIRSA) funded position will be based at the Murraylands Regional Development Board offices in Murray Bridge. Peter has had a significant involvement with irrigators, food producers and processors in the Riverland Region and had been a citrus and avocado grower prior to spending 17 years in South East Asia. Until recently, Peter was living and running his own businesses in South East Asia, returning recently to re-establish himself in Australia, at Murray Bridge.
