MEDIA STATEMENT: New leadership to drive Queensland’s rural support agency forward

Published Thursday, 01 May, 2025 at 01:19 PM

Minister for Natural Resources and Mines, Minister for Manufacturing and Minister for Regional and Rural Development
The Honourable Dale Last

New leadership to drive Queensland’s rural support agency forward 

  • Crisafulli Government strengthens the Queensland Rural and Industry Development Authority Board with four new appointments, each bringing private sector and agricultural expertise.
  • Includes historic appointment of Caitlin McConnel as first female chairperson.
  • New Board supports new opportunities for rural and regional Queensland. 

The Crisafulli Government is delivering a strong future for the Queensland Rural and Industry Development Authority (QRIDA), with a refreshed Board bringing deep experience in agriculture, business and regional development to the organisation. 

Minister for Regional and Rural Development Dale Last today announced four new appointments to the QRIDA Board, including the organisation’s first female Chairperson, Caitlin McConnel. 

Ms McConnel, a sixth-generation farmer and senior lawyer, joins new Directors Bruce Vandersee, Danica Olsen and Ari McCamley, each bringing valuable private sector and agricultural expertise to the Board. 

Mr Vandersee, Ms Olsen and Ms McConnel have been appointed for three-year terms, while Mr McCamley’s initial term will run for approximately 16 months to ensure Board continuity. 

Minister for Regional and Rural Development Dale Last said the appointments positioned QRIDA to deliver stronger results for Queensland’s rural and regional sectors. 

“Strong leadership at QRIDA is vital to support our long-term disaster recovery efforts, particularly after the recent flooding in Western Queensland and in North Queensland,” Minister Last said. 

“These Board appointments will bring new perspectives and help the organisation explore new opportunities in developing Queensland’s rural and industry sectors. 

“The new Directors bring a wealth of private sector and agriculture experience from Mr Vandersee’s leadership in agricultural machinery supply to Ms Olsen’s background in business banking for rural industries. 

“QRIDA plays a critical role assisting farmers, businesses, and non-profits, particularly through financial support during times of hardship. 

“With this refreshed Board, QRIDA is in a strong position to deliver for rural Queenslanders in the long-term recovery from this year’s natural disasters. 

“I sincerely thank outgoing Chair John Corbett and Directors Belinda Turner and Dr Beth Woods for their commitment to QRIDA and to rural Queensland.” 

ENDS 

MEDIA CONTACT: William Rollo 0434 650 650 

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

BOARD APPOINTMENTS:

Director and Chair - Caitlin McConnel  

Ms McConnel is a former Senior Associate of Clayton Utz and is currently a farmer near Toogoolawah and is a former Director and Chair of Future Farmers Network P/L.  

Director - Bruce Vandersee 

Mr Vandersee, from Torrington was the CEO of Vanderfield Pty Ltd and is now Director of Vanderfield/RDO Equipment Pty Ltd – a major supplier of John Deere equipment. Mr Vandersee has strategic and business planning skills and has held other board positions in the sector. 

Director - Danica Olsen 

Ms Olsen has 22 years of diverse experience across business banking, commercial, agriculture and private banking sectors. Ms Olsen is currently ANZ Private Bank’s State Director. Ms Olsen resides in North Queensland. 

Director - Ari McCamley  

Mr McCamley is a co-leader of the agriculture team for the Queensland-based law firm, Thynne + Macartney. Mr McCamley has degrees in Commerce and Law, and a record of industry and community involvement, including as a Director of RNA Foundation Limited and a member of Agforce Policy Committees.