Our Committee
Ms Debra Burden
Chair
BBus FIML FAICD
Debra commenced as CEO of selectability in February 2017 and has previously held CEO and executive management positions with Queensland Country Credit Union and Health Fund, 1300Smiles and Canegrowers Burdekin.
Her business management expertise has been recognised with the Qld Business Review Women in Business Award and the Queensland Telstra Business Women’s Award.
Debra has held board positions in numerous companies and is currently a Director of Townsville Hospital and Health Service, and until recently was a Director of North Queensland Primary Health Network and Deputy Chair of North and West Remote Health.
Ms Maria James
Treasurer
Maria James is the CEO of MITEZ, a regional development organisation encompassing seven local government areas along the North West corridor, together with mining, transport, logistics and energy members.
A born and bred North Queenslander, with 14 years prior experience at Port of Townsville, she is passionate about the Northern Australia region and being part of its development.
Mr Noel Gertz
Noel joined RDA in 2021.
Noel co-established On Common Country Pty Ltd in 2017 to provide workforce planning and indigenous procurement services to major resource and infrastructure projects.
Noel is the current Chairperson of On Common Country.
Noel has extensive experience in community engagement
Cr Ashley Gallagher
Ashley joined RDA in 2021.
He is passionate about the region and the community.
Ashley is a former Councillor at Carpentaria Shire Council, four of which were as Mayor.
Ashley has also held other committee and board roles including Southern Gulf Catchments, as well as being involved in many volunteer organisations.
Anthony Curro
Anthony Curro is Chief Executive Strategy and Engagement at the CRC for Developing Northern Australia.
Based in Townsville, Anthony leads strategic initiatives and research that supports agricultural development and climate resilience across the North.
With a background in pharmacy and a family history in agriculture, he brings practical insight and deep regional knowledge.
He also serves as a Director on the North Queensland Dry Tropics Board.
Cr Peta MacRae
Peta MacRae is Mayor of Mount Isa and a long-time advocate for the North West.
With a background in education, business, and community leadership, she is passionate about regional development, liveability, and local opportunity.
Peta has served eight years on Council and chairs the Country Universities Centre Mount Isa. She holds an MBA and is an AICD graduate, committed to building a stronger, more vibrant Mount Isa for future generations.
Cr Pierina Dalle Cort
Pierina Dalle Cort is Mayor of Burdekin Shire and a long-time business owner with deep ties to the local community.
A former Councillor for 12 years, Pierina is a strong advocate for economic development, housing, and youth engagement.
She is a Justice of the Peace, an AICD graduate, and has held leadership roles with the Burdekin Chamber of Commerce and Local Government Women’s Association.
Pierina is proudly committed to her region’s future