One of Regional Development Australia (RDA) Central West’s most experienced members, Ruth Fagan, has been appointed as the organisation’s new Chair.
Assistant Minister for Regional Development and Territories, Hon. Nola Marino MP, welcomed the new appointment.
“I am pleased to announce the appointment of Ruth Fagan to 30 June 2025,” said Minister Marino.
“Mrs Fagan will lead RDA Central West under a refreshed Charter that focuses their role on driving investment and local procurement opportunities and through this, creating jobs and economic growth for our regions.
“I look forward to working with Mrs Fagan and the RDA Central West members and staff over the coming years and encourage the community to reach out to their RDA to discuss how it can help business succeed.”
Ruth Fagan will take up the position after former Chair, Christine Weston, announced she was stepping down following almost three years in the role.
“Ms Weston has provided strong leadership for RDA Central West during her time as Chair, and successfully steered the organisation through the challenges of 2020,” said Mrs Fagan.
“She has provided great support for the local business community and future economic development and I am pleased to be continuing this important work for our region.
“Through initiatives such as the TEN4TEN Leadership Dialogue, STEM Industry School Partnership (SISP), Business Leaders Breakfast Series, Backing Business Forum and work in the Skilled Migration space and numerous capacity building events and workshops, RDA has demonstrated its ability to deliver on some great outcomes for the Central West.
“RDA Central West covers the 11 local government areas (LGA’s) of Bathurst, Blayney, Cabonne, Cowra, Forbes, Lachlan, Lithgow, Oberon, Orange, Parkes and Weddin and represents more than 180,000 people.
“Over the next four years my priority, together with the members and team at RDA Central West, is to ensure the region continues to harness competitive advantages, seize economic opportunity and attract investment, thus growing strong and confident regional economies and communities.”
For more information on the projects and priorities of RDA Central West visit the website at rdacentralwest.org.au
NOTE:
Mrs Fagan has been a resident of Cowra for 37 years, and has served on the Cowra Shire as a Councillor since 2004.
Mrs Fagan, who trained as journalist, has also been involved in a range of industries including tourism, agriculture, small business and cultural planning.
She is a member of various local committees, holds a Bachelor of Business Studies from Charles Sturt University, is the Director of a marketing business and the Business Development Manager and partner of a real estate agency in Cowra.