Manufacturing gets strong voice on RDA Board

September 4, 2025

Manufacturing will have a stronger voice in representing our region to Federal Government, following the appointment of GMC CEO Jenn Conley and Executive Director of Hanlon Industries, Elly Hanlon, to Regional Development Australia’s (RDA) Barwon South West committee.

The pair were among nine new members appointed to the committee, with four long-standing members returning. The RDA national network is made up of local leaders who work across government, business and community groups all with the goal to improve their local regions.

GMC CEO Jenn Conley said she was thrilled to join the committee to help drive industry growth across the south-west of Victoria.

“Manufacturing is leading Greater Geelong’s economic growth and the latest data shows the sector experienced the largest growth of all sectors,” she said. “I look forward to working with a broad range of leaders to build opportunities and remove barriers to growth, and thank the RDA for encouraging a stronger voice for manufacturers.”

The committee, covering the south-west region from Geelong to the South Australian border, has appointed new members including Rick Aylett, GMC member and General Manager of Nyaal Banyul, Geelong Convention and Events Centre, and City of Greater Geelong Cr and former Mayor, Trent Sullivan.

New members on the RDA Barwon South West committee:

Alistair McCosh – Director, Deakin Warnambool Campus

Andrew Mason – CEO, Warnambool City Council

Elly Hanlon – Executive Director, Hanlon Industries

Georgina Gubbins – Managing Director, Maneroo Farms

Jennifer Conley – CEO, Geelong Manufacturing Council

Judith McDonald – Managing Director, Watnanda Consulting; Operator, Bocara Cultural Walking Tours

Liz McKinnon – Director, EHM Advisory

Rick Aylett – General Manager, Nyal Banyul Geelong Convention Centre

Trent Sullivan – Executive Director, Defence Industry Victoria

Returning members:

Chair, Liz Price – General Manager, Great Ocean Road Regional Tourism Board.

Clive Pugh – CEO, Winchester Australia; Chair, Committee for Geelong

Darryl Mohr – Deputy Chair, The Gordon TAFE

Mary-Ann Brown OAM – Retired; Former Mayor, Southern Grampians Shire

Peter Dorling – Business Manager, Avalon Airport