May 1, 2025
The State Government has announced four changes to the Board of the Queensland Rural and Industry Development Authority (QRIDA).
Regional and Rural Development Minister Dale Last said the appointments included the organisation’s first female chair, Caitlin McConnel.
The another new Directors are Bruce Vandersee, Danica Olsen and Ari McCamley:
- Caitlin McConnel is a former senior associate of Clayton Utz and is currently a farmer near Toogoolawah and a former Director and chair of the Future Farmers Network P/L.
- Bruce Vandersee, from Torrington, was the CEO of Vanderfield Pty Ltd and is now Director of Vanderfield/RDO Equipment Pty Ltd, a major supplier of John Deere equipment. Mr Vandersee has held other Board positions in the sector.
- Danica Olsen has 22 years’ experience in business banking, commercial, agriculture and private bankin. She is currently ANZ Private Bank’s State Director. Ms Olsen resides in North Queensland.
- Ari McCamley is a co-leader of the agriculture team for the Queensland-based law firm Thynne + Macartney. He has degrees in Commerce and Law and a record of industry and community involvement, including as a Director of the RNA Foundation Limited and a member of AgForce policy committees.
Mr Vandersee, Ms Olsen and Ms McConnel have been appointed for three-year terms, while Mr McCamley’s initial term will run for about 16 months to ensure Board continuity.
They join current Directors Drew Ellem, Jason Kidd and Scott Spencer.
QRIDA is a specialist provider of government financial assistance programs, including loans, grants and rebates for the rural sector.
