RDA Central West Podcast Series RDA Central West

Maree Statham is the twice-elected Mayor of Lithgow and one very interesting woman.
 


Our podcast episode with this passionate community member will air this Friday. Maree tells us all about how the Local Government Area (LGA) of Lithgow is moving on up and how the area is, in her opinion, the most underrated tourism destination in NSW. If you truly delve into what this LGA has to offer, you couldn't help but agree.
 


We find out about Lithgow LGA’s new tourism branding - Seven Valleys Tourism and just how much this community has to offer both residents and visitors alike.
 


Maree has been an actively involved community member for decades, in addition to running her own hair salon and etiquette coaching service for 49 years.
 


Through loss and hardship, umpteen winnings of Fashion on the Field, and many a challenge, Maree has continued to navigate the world of local politics with positivity and grace, championing a brighter future for locals of the Lithgow LGA.

Kellie is co-owner of the Central West's favourite community newspaper - Village Voice, alongside husband and RDA board member Rich Evans.
 


This dynamic duo moved from Western Sydney some years ago and has planted roots firmly in the Lithgow / Portland community, establishing a hugely popular free local newspaper for Bathurst and Lithgow LGA's, which champions all things local.
 


Kellie is involved in a number of business ventures and community initiatives and tells us all about how the Lithgow LGA is going places and what it's like to be a tree-changer in this vibrant community.
 


Hear from Kellie on Facebook video via our page or download the episode any time wherever you get your podcasts from.

Joining RDA director Wayne Sunderland for episode 63 of the Business Leader’s Breakfast Series are the fabulous duo from Clever Cookie Academy - Peita and Rob Mages.
 


Clever Cookie Academy has taken the local tutoring world by storm with their colourful branding and commitment to make learning fun.
 


Peita and Rob started with two students in a shed and have grown into an established academy working from an entire office floor, helping over 400 students tackle their learning challenges and excel.
 


Peita is a Minister’s Award for Excellence in Teaching recipient for achieving record-breaking HSC results. She is a teacher trainer, expert speaker, and lover of literature. She’s a pusher and is renowned for her dogged determination to help her students achieve incredible results.Prior to teaching, Peita worked in the film industry for Walt Disney Pictures, Sony  Pictures and Universal Pictures as a National Publicity and Promotions Manager. Hobbies include baking at inappropriate hours and lurking outside of her comfort zone.
 


Rob absolutely HATED mathematics as a child (unlike a lot of maths teachers), and it is believed this is the precise reason he’s so good at explaining its tricky concepts to students. His background in the corporate sector means that he always links his teaching of mathematical concepts to a real-world setting, tackling the ‘when will I EVER use this in my life’ question, head on. Rob's never give up mentality is known to rub off on his students and he is forever providing outside of hours support to Cookies stuck on maths problems.
 
This interview is an inspiring look into a husband and wife team who took a leap into business and never looked back.

Local wine tour operator Mitch Crump talks about the business of having a side-business and all he loves about the thriving wine region of Orange. 

RDA Director Wayne Sunderland sits down with Vicki Seccombe, Regional Manager – Western NSW for Business NSW. 
 
Vicki is responsible for providing a voice for Western NSW businesses on the issues that are important to them. She also works closely with businesses and local chamber partners to identify key issues and seeking practical policy solutions.
 


Vicki has over 25 years experience working for professional associations and not-for-profit organisations in membership, events, advocacy and relationship management.


Watch via our Facebook page at 8am tomorrow or download via Apple podcasts.

Regional Development Australia Central West director Wayne Sunderland sits down with incoming Telstra CEO Vicki Brady and finds out more about what it takes to become the leader of Australia's largest telecommunications company. 
In this special-length episode, Vicki tells us about her career journey and more about who she is outside of Telstra. Listening to Vicki one can only leave acknowledging how humble and inspirational she is. Her journey from Holbrook to corporate leader will leave you with a smile and we are excited to see Vicki take the helm of Telstra.