We work for the Great Southern region stretching from the northern shires of Woodanilling and Kent to the South Coast, and from Nornalup in the west, to the Fitzgerald River National Park in the east.
We are critical on-the-ground connectors, advocates, and influencers for regional development in the Great Southern. We:
- Connect our region, people and communities to opportunities, services, and funding
- Cultivate the development, investment and growth in our region’s jobs and economic activity
- Champion our region, its brand, assets and identity, and its successes, opportunities, and solutions to its challenges
- Collaborate to develop effective relationships and partnerships that enable us to proactively monitor, inform and respond to opportunities and challenges influencing our region’s prosperity.
Our Board of Management leads the commission providing overarching strategic and policy direction, in pursuit of our vision and goals for the region. A dedicated and passionate team of GSDC staff work within the region, across a diverse range of regional projects, guided by this strategic direction.
Our projects encompass all areas of the Great Southern, and our reach spans from individual guidance and support for local businesses and community groups, to influencing strategic priorities within higher levels of government. The GSDC’s work, while diverse and wide-ranging, is always centred on our vision for development of the region.
Our projects focus on our 4 strategic priorities:
- A strong and diverse economy
- Regional liveability
- Strong Communities
- Organisational excellence
Core Values
Underpinning all our decisions and actions are our values:
Leadership
We are “thought leaders”, understanding the Great Southern’s potential and striving to achieve it.
Knowledge
We hold deep knowledge of our region and distil insights that we share with the community, industry, and government.
Empowerment
We advocate for our region, and work alongside our stakeholders to achieve the aligned purpose of regional prosperity.
Relationships
We actively build meaningful relationships with our stakeholders.
Agility
We are flexible, responsive, focussed and resilient.
Integrity
We are honest, transparent and accountable for our actions.
Vision Statement
Stirling Ranges, credit Jake Wilton
Sustainable economic development with lasting prosperity for the Great Southern region and its communities.The Commission is driving this change by strategically and sustainably building on the region’s comparative advantages and knowhow.
Board of Management
The Board of Management is the governing body of the GSDC, and meets regularly to set policy direction, approve major expenditure and provide advice to the Minister on regional matters.
Board members are chosen on the basis of ability at an executive level, a demonstrated involvement in either the economic or social development of the region, and the ability to work cooperatively to achieve agreed goals across a wide range of social and economic issues. Board members are confirmed by the Minister for Regional Development with terms ranging from one to three years.
The three categories for Board membership are community nominations, Local Government nominations, and Ministerial nominations.
The Board
Ricky Burges PSM
Chair
Annie Roberts
Australia Post Postal Manager, Regional and Rural Post Office Network
Rob Lester
Councillor Shire of Jerramungup
Liz Guidera
President Shire of Katanning
Darren Moir
Director and Manager of Amelup Farming Business
Robbie Miniter OAM.
Consultant/Mentor & Community Engagement Facilitator
Natasha Monks
GSDC Chief Executive Officer - currently on secondment
The Team
Meet the GSDC team
Jarrad Gardner
Acting Chief Executive Officer
Eden Shepherd
Director Regional Development
Lee Sounness
Director Regional Development
Glen Thompson
Great Southern Tourism and Trade Manager
Karen Petty
Regional Development Officer
Jessica van der Waag
Senior Regional Development Officer
Pippa Hepburn
Regional Development Officer
Katie Arbuckle
Regional Development Officer
Lee Madden
Local Content Advisor
Ashleigh Ellis
Communications Officer
Vicki Baker
Regional Support Officer
Carolyn Thompson
Executive Assistant
Roslyn Loxton
Senior Administration Officer
Clare Hodgson
Regional Support Officer
Aliesha Adams
Trainee