2019-12-10 P&E Agenda - Item 6 - Attachment 1 - NBRF Annual Report 2018-19

Looking at our skills matrix, the brief was to find individuals with expertise and experience in academic and/or
governance with an understanding of working with research or policy development organizations. We also wanted
individuals who had a strong association with the Noosa.

The release read…

      “NBRF is looking for experienced individuals with skills in governance, policy and scientific or
      environmental research, with links to academic and research organizations preferable.”

We were delighted to find we were spoilt for choice with nine solid candidates. Many thanks to our
Communications Advisor, Alison Cooper, and our Administrator, Sarah Radge, for an excellent communication and
coordination effort! We would like to think that this response reflects our improving image in the Shire!

Representing the NBRF Board, the NBRF Members and the Noosa Council, the interview panel consisted of Dick
Barnes, Brian Stockwell, Judy Castledine and Rex Halverson (with Sarah contributing her insights from the relative
safety of the back room!).

One gratifying aspect of the two plus days of interviewing is that all four agreed on the same names for the top
three candidates – and were largely in agreement regarding the relevant pros and cons of all the candidates
generally.

We saw potential with many of the candidates in one or more aspects of their diverse backgrounds. Ultimately,
it was decided that the best fit for the current board were (in no particular order) Professor Rod Smith, Mr Jady
Smith, and Mr Duncan Thompson. We will be recommending their appointment to the NBRF membership at the
AGM.

We are happy to provide full CVs if required but give below a summary of each proposed Director. Many thanks to
Rex Halverson for providing these insights from the team discussions.


PROFESSOR ROD SMITH

…was a career academic recently retired from the University of Southern Queensland in Toowoomba with an
honours degree in agricultural engineering and Master of Engineering Science from Melbourne University and a
PhD in natural resource engineering from the University of New England.

He has an extensive record of research and publication in the international literature and stated success in
attracting industry research grant funding and has served on a number of boards and policy committees.
Very personable, and in our estimation, also possesses the quality of being perceptive and able to see broader
perspectives ‐ and is likely to bring useful insights or alternative elements to the group beyond his considerable
direct experience and contacts.

He is most interested in pursuing projects relating to or impacted by climate change elements.

He has retired to the Noosa area, arriving two years ago (but turned up with surfboard on top of his car so we
know he’s a real local now)!


MR JADY SMITH

…is a younger and dynamic individual with a Bachelor of Applied Science in Environmental Management (Edith
Cowan University Perth), and a Masters with Honours in Environmental Education (Griffith University in Brisbane),
with over 25 years activity in environment related projects including a focus on Heritage sites and Biosphere
Reserves.

While living locally (Sunrise Beach – again two year resident), he is a Steering Committee member for IPSI
(International Partnership for the Satoyama Initiative,) “which promotes collaboration in the conservation and
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