About
Our Organisation
“Creating networks to connect people and business for economic prosperity”
Mildura Regional Development (MRD) is the peak economic and tourism organisation for the Mildura region.
We work collaboratively to build on our region’s strengths and opportunities in the tourism, agribusiness, horticultural and related education and technology spaces.
Mildura’s warm climate, innovative irrigation infrastructure and transport links has helped position Mildura as a ‘powerhouse’ in the food and manufacturing industry sectors.
Key industries include dryland farming, irrigated horticulture (table grapes, wine grapes, dried grapes, citrus, vegetables and nuts), tourism, food and beverage manufacturing, transport and logistics, retail, health and community services.
Our aim is to be recognised as a centre of excellence in contemporary regional economic
development and regional innovation ecosystem modelling and showcasing what a community working together can achieve.
MRD aims to adopt the latest technology and research and seek out the best programs,
developments and investment to enhance our economy and to support our growing community.
Vision
Our Vision is to bring businesses, educators and communities together to form partnerships that identify opportunities, innovates and finds solutions.
We will collaboratively build on our region’s strengths and opportunities in the tourism, agribusiness, horticultural and related education and technology spaces.
We will fulfill this vision by:
A Driven Team with a focused goal: A work culture where tourism and economic development is a passion and people strive to achieve beyond their beliefs.
A Collaborative Environment: Always being open to new ideas and trends and working amongst our peers to create desirable outcomes.
Values
We will host a strong team ethic, operate transparently, morally and commercially all while remembering that we are custodians of public money. We will endeavour to protect the reputation of our organisation, and our region.
We will provide no information or take part in any action which might be harmful or detrimental to commercial and economic development activities or our organisation.
We will be well-researched, use evidence-based best practice principles all while recognising and appreciating our history and traditions with respect to the work done by those who came before us.
Our Team
Brett Millington
Chief Executive Officer
Brett has over 15 years’ experience at an executive level in the utilities industry and was an inaugural Board member of MRD. He was previously Program Director with Intelligent Water Networks, a partnership between VicWater and 17 Victorian Water Corporations plus the Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning. Brett has a Bachelor of Science with honours from the University of Melbourne and post Graduate qualifications in Business Administration from the University of Queensland and the Australian Institute of Company Directors.
Sharon Morrell
Project Officer (Economic Development)
Sharon has a long history working in community advocacy roles and has worked in economic
development and industry liaison for the last four years. She has relationships with both external
and internal investors and delivers valuable outcomes for Mildura. Sharon oversees various
programs that support the growth and viability of business in the region.
Sarah Gilmore
Tourism Marketing Manager
Sarah has over 7 years’ experience working at an executive level within the tourism industry. She
holds a Diploma of Leadership & Management, Certificate III in Tourism and a Certificate IV in Business Administration. Her roles have
included; industry product development and engagement, tourism and destination marketing,
media communications plus media and advertising sales. Sarah will support the CEO and be the leader in internal and external marketing operations to enhance visitor and product attraction to the region.
Wendy Davison
Office and Human Resource Manager
Wendy has worked for a number of years in the financial counselling and business support sector and is an experienced project manager. Wendy has a Diploma of Leadership & Management and manages all aspects of office administration, including human resources and board co-ordination within Mildura Regional Development.
Pamela Canavan
Social and Digital Communications Officer
Pamela holds a Certificate III in Tourism and an Advanced Diploma in Tourism Management. She has worked in the Tourism industry in both South Australia and regional Victoria, with experience in
holiday sales, tourism industry development, destination marketing and project officer roles. Pamela manages social and digital communications for MRD, including social media and websites.
Our BoARD
Geoff Thomson (Chair)
Judith Damiani
Judith is CEO of Western Murray Irrigation & has over 20 years experience in agribusiness.
She has a Bachelor degree in Science and Business and is a member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.
Maria Carrazza
Maria has over 25 years of experience in hospitality and understands the demands of operating a competitive and dynamic business within government regulatory frameworks.