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GrainGrowers Team

Annabel Mactier

Policy Manager, Trade and Supply Chains

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Annabel Mactier

Policy Manager, Trade and Supply Chains

Annabel is the Policy Manager, Trade and Supply Chains at GrainGrowers. Previously, Annabel worked at the Victorian Farmers Federation in grain, transport and infrastructure policy. She has completed a Bachelor of Arts majoring in Political Science from the University of Melbourne, as well as post graduate studies in European and International Studies from Monash University.

Carolyn Rich

General Manager, Human Resources & Corporate Service

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Carolyn Rich

General Manager, Human Resources & Corporate Service

With nearly 20 years of exposure to the grains industry and significant experience in office management, Carolyn is the backbone of the company.
As a member of the Senior Management Team, Carolyn supports both the CEO and Board of GrainGrowers. Carolyn ensures the office runs smoothly and cost effectively, whilst also managing and implementing HR processes to improve company culture and productivity. Carolyn also coordinates the WHS activities across the company and contributes to the development and implementation of plans regarding key health and safety strategies.

Chris Rowley

Media Manager

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Chris Rowley

Media Manager

Chris works with the media on behalf of GrainGrowers to ensure the industry voice is heard consistently across the country. He has over 30 years of experience across rural industry, undertaking communications and media roles for various industries, including meat and livestock, wool, horticulture, dairy and mushrooms.

Chris grew up on a dairy farm in southeast Queensland, and while he has left the farm, he remains firmly grounded in agriculture. He enjoys the hard-working nature of the rural industry, where people are prepared to give their opinions and respect open discussion.

Constantine Theodore

Policy Officer

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Constantine Theodore

Policy Officer

Constantine assists the policy team at GrainGrowers. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture from the University of Sydney, focusing on Entomology and Horticulture. Through his studies, Constantine was given the opportunity to travel throughout Australia and learn about Australian agriculture first-hand. He is also an amateur beekeeper, backyard gardener and has worked on family and friends’ farms in rural Greece, where he was raised.

Courtney Ratcliff

Events Officer

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Courtney Ratcliff

Events Officer

In her role, Courtney coordinates GrainGrowers’ events and conferences. Courtney joins GrainGrowers with an extensive background in both social and corporate event management. Courtney holds a Bachelor of Business in events and leisure from UTS and is an avid home baker.

Desmond Wong Kee

Finance Manager

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Desmond Wong Kee

Finance Manager

Desmond has been with GrainGrowers since 2009. His role covers all areas within the finance operations of the company and ensures that the finance department is run in an effective and efficient manner.


Desmond has extensive experience gained while working for large to medium sized companies across a broad range of industries. Desmond is a Fellow of the Institute of Public Accountants and a Justice of the Peace.

Jonathan Tuckfield

National Grower Engagement Manager

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Jonathan Tuckfield

National Grower Engagement Manager

Jonathan is located in Young NSW and is responsible for overseeing the Grower Engagement team across the country to drive membership connection and growth. He has had an extensive career in large corporations and small businesses in senior roles before joining NSW Farmers where he was appointed to lead membership which grew 6 straight years in a row. A graduate member of the AICD with over 20 years board experience with not for profits and charities, Jonathan is passionate about the success of member based for purpose organisations.

Kaitlin Leonard

General Manager, Major Projects (on leave)

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Kaitlin Leonard

General Manager, Major Projects (on leave)

As the General Manager of Major Projects, Kaitlin is responsible for providing strategic oversight and leadership for a portfolio of major projects. With a Bachelor's degree in Politics and Economics and a deep understanding of the agricultural industry, she feels priveledged to work closely with growers across Australia and contribute to building a profitable and sustainable industry for the future. Kaitlin remains actively involved with her family's farming operation in southern NSW, further deepening her understanding and connection to the sector.

Kate Gogolewski

Communications & Marketing Officer

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Kate Gogolewski

Communications & Marketing Officer

Kate is the Communications and Marketing Officer at GrainGrowers. She has a Bachelor of Communications with Honours, majoring in Writing and Cultural Studies from UTS and has previously worked in content, comms and digital marketing for B2C and B2B industries.

Kate is passionate about the agricultural industry and fostering communication and engagement between growers and the wider industry. She has a shorthair border collie who she spends much of her spare time teaching tricks and trying to convince not to bark at the neighbour.

Natasha Girdler

Grower Engagement Officer - SA & VIC

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Natasha Girdler

Grower Engagement Officer - SA & VIC

Based in South Australia, Tash has over 20 years of experience across a range of agricultural industries, with roles including Export Manager for a large milling business and most recently in commercial fertiliser sales.

Tash is passionate about food and fibre production, ensuring Australian farmers and the regional communities where they operate are strongly represented.

Paul Johnston

Chief Financial Officer

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Paul Johnston

Chief Financial Officer

Paul Johnston joined GrainGrowers in July 2024 as Chief Financial Officer. Paul is a highly experienced finance executive and has held senior roles in finance, treasury and corporate development both in Australia and internationally.

The roles held by Paul included positions in a national education-focused Not For Profit organisation, major FMCG multinationals, professional services, financial services, renewable energy investment and the higher education sector. Paul’s experience has incorporated corporate restructuring, finance transformation, strategy development, mergers and acquisitions and business integration.

Paul holds a Bachelor in Accounting and Finance. He is also a qualified Chartered Accountant and is a Fellow of the Association of Corporate Treasurers (UK).

Rebecca Cope

Grower Engagement Officer - NSW & QLD

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Rebecca Cope

Grower Engagement Officer - NSW & QLD

Bec has a Bachelor of Agriculture from UNE and has worked as an agronomist, consulting direct to growers, managing field trials and providing extension activities across northern NSW for seven years. Bec also has a background in relationship building across many areas of agriculture, including most recently as Regional Sales Manager (NSW & QLD) for an ag chem company, and previously as a Territory Sales Manager for a seed company.

Bec is based in Northern NSW in Narrabri, and developed a strong connection to agriculture growing up in the area. Outside work, Bec is actively involved in agricultural shows and is a director with the Agricultural Societies Council of NSW.

Rebecca Hurst

Policy Officer, Sustainability and Natural Resource Management

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Rebecca Hurst

Policy Officer, Sustainability and Natural Resource Management

Bec is the Policy Officer, Sustainability and Natural Resource Management at GrainGrowers. Bec has a Bachelor of Environmental Management in Sustainable Development and a Masters in Conservation and Natural Resource Management from the University of Queensland. Previously, Bec has worked as a researcher in agricultural biology, consulted as an environmental scientist and more recently was an in-house sustainability specialist in Ireland. Bec is passionate about driving positive change and fostering a sustainable and profitable agricultural industry.

Roma Christian Rahmé

General Manager, Communications and Grower Engagement

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Roma Christian Rahmé

General Manager, Communications and Grower Engagement

Roma is an award-winning communications executive whose work spans across a variety of industries including technology, professional associations and government-backed non-profits. Roma is a strategic leader with a Bachelor of Commerce (Marketing and Entrepreneurship) from Curtin University and has studied international business in Europe. Having grown up in country West Australia, Roma is passionate about ensuring the voices of regional Australia are heard.

Dr. Sam Nelson

Policy Manager - Technical

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Dr. Sam Nelson

Policy Manager - Technical

Sam has over 20 years experience working with agricultural and natural resource industries. He began his career working for the GRDC after completing his PhD and Agricultural Science degree. He has a diverse background working in a number of technical and policy roles, including the management of research programs in Australia and New Zealand along with policy and advocacy work with the National Farmers Federation.

Sarah Hyland

Acting General Manager, Major Projects

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Sarah Hyland

Acting General Manager, Major Projects

Sarah has worked in manufacturing, technical research, innovation, market research and sustainability over the course of her career in the Australian food and agriculture industry. Before coming to GrainGrowers, Sarah led the development, launch and management of the world-first Sheep Sustainability Framework. Sarah has qualifications in Applied Chemistry, Cereal Chemistry and Sustainability.

Sean Cole

Advocacy and Rural Affairs Manager

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Sean Cole

Advocacy and Rural Affairs Manager

Sean has previously held executive roles focused on (but not limited to) grower advocacy, trading, export, manufacturing & supply chain. Having been CEO of CCW Co-operative Limited and spending the vast balance of his career in various trading and management roles within the grains sector, for various small, medium and large organisations, Sean is well-informed and passionate about working to help Australian Grain Growers prosper. Sean originally hails from South Australia and holds a Bachelor of Economics from the University of Adelaide. Sean also holds a GAICD qualification from the Australia Institute of Company Directors and has served actively on industry Boards and committees during his career

Shadeh Loucas

Administration Officer

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Shadeh Loucas

Administration Officer

Shadeh is the Administration Officer for GrainGrowers, supporting our Corporate Services Manager and Grower Engagement Officers with member data updates, travel bookings, office procedures and general enquiries. She has a background in administration, customer service, sales & graphic design. Shadeh is fluent in English, Farsi and conversational French. Having travelled & lived in various countries has enabled her to develop a passion for humanitarian services, environmental benefits, and a strong interest in agriculture & grain farming in Australia.

Shona Gawel

Chief Executive Officer

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Shona Gawel

Chief Executive Officer

Shona is GrainGrowers' CEO. Shona has over 20 years' experience working in the areas of marketing, communications, membership services, media and public relations.
Shona's experience includes roles in Australia and the United Kingdom, working on projects that have spanned digital technology, infrastructure, the charity sector and industry associations.

Passionate about local communities and the champions who make them special, Shona loves being a part of the team that gets to share the stories and experiences of growers across the country.

Vincent Britnell

Major Projects Manager

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Vincent Britnell

Major Projects Manager

As the Major Projects Manager, Vince is responsible for the development and implementation of critical major projects delivering tangible outcomes for Australian growers. Following a career journey as a political staffer across State and Federal Parliaments, he felt a strong desire to return to the industry he was raised in, agriculture. Vince has joined GrainGrowers having previously worked as the Grains Manager at the Victorian Farmers Federation. He brings with him a Bachelor of Agricultural Science with a focus on sustainability and is in the process of completing his Master of International Business.

Zachary Whale

General Manager, Policy and Advocacy

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Zachary Whale

General Manager, Policy and Advocacy

Zach manages GrainGrowers’ policy and advocacy efforts working to ensure the right policy settings for Australia’s grain growers. Previously, Zach has worked for the Department of Agriculture and most recently was the Grains Policy Director at AgForce Queensland Farmers. He has qualifications in International Relations and Public Policy and is a graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.
Zach is from Merriwa in rural New South Wales, where his family remains involved in agriculture.