Regional economies

Heather Cavanagh

Kerry Grace is a passionate, effective advocate for economic development and sustainability in regional Australia. She utilises outstanding leadership and strong negotiating skills to achieve optimum outcomes, even where (at an early stage) this may simply be achieving a more widespread awareness and understanding of the issues and, of course, the associated opportunities!

Heather Cavanagh

Chair, Governing Board, Mid North Coast Local Health District

Kellon Beard

I have known Kerry since she took on the role as CEO of Regional Development Australia on the Mid North Coast in 2016. What has impressed me about Kerry is her dedication and commitment to the role in what have been some very tough times. Kerry has always shown great leadership and creative problem-solving approaches. Kerry has shown great leadership and has inspired those around her and dedication to see things through.

Kellon Beard

Regional Director, Mid North Coast: Business NSW

Michele Donovan

Personally and Professionally I have had a strong, sincere working relationship with Kerry over many years – Kerry does become invested in her projects, she is a great listener and advocate. She is a great people person, loves being engaged at the Grassroots level to gain a better understanding of the real issues, and develop with and alongside community the best way forward.

Michele Donovan

CEO - Unkya Local Aboriginal Land Council

Tracy Singleton

Kerry’s strengths includes: her ability to produce high quality products within short time frames; work with a strategic focus i.e. community development with a strong focus on social enterprise; ability to work with diverse communities with honesty and integrity; and deliver project outcomes in a timely manner.

Tracy Singleton

CEO - Galambila Aboriginal Health Service

Why it’s time to invest in rural social enterprise eco-systems

May 5, 2024 / Regional economic development, Regional economies, Regional engagement, Social impact

I first learned the term ‘social enterprise’ around 2009 when I was managing an Aboriginal Corporation and my funding partner had told me we had 24 months to make the entity sustainable. The entity was essentially a community centre i.e. an entity established to support the community and act as a conduit to valuable services […]

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Reimagining the role of our main streets. Commerce or connection?

March 18, 2024 / Regional economic development, Regional economies, Regional engagement

Of course there are some shining examples of thriving #mainstreets throughout regional Australia (#highlight them for me if you will in the comments), however, many of the regional town I visit are really struggling. Why? As Ready Communities co-founder Chad Renando and I have discovered as we’ve spent time in our pilot community, Kempsey NSW

Reimagining the role of our main streets. Commerce or connection? Read More

Regional economies

Reimagining the role of our main streets. Commerce or connection?

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